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A Study on the Worship Leading Experience of a Protestant Church Praise Leader

  • Journal of the Korean Society for Musicology
  • Abbr : JKSM
  • 2023, 31(2), pp.107~142
  • DOI : 10.34303/mscol.2023.31.2.003
  • Publisher : The Korean Society for Musicology
  • Research Area : Arts and Kinesiology > Musicology > Other Musicology
  • Received : October 15, 2023
  • Accepted : December 1, 2023
  • Published : December 30, 2023

Eunyoung Kim 1

1한국침례신학대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This research aims to comprehend the worship leading experiences of baptismal praise leaders. While many churches have praise and worship teams, the challenges, preparation processes, and essential concepts faced by praise leaders are often overlooked. Therefore, this study delves into the worship leading experiences and perspectives of baptismal praise leaders within the denomination to which the researcher's institution belongs. To achieve this goal, a qualitative research approach, specifically qualitative case study methodology, is employed. Methodology: The study involves eight purposively selected baptismal praise leaders from churches with a weekly attendance of over 1,000. The inclusion of church size as a criterion aims to exclude physical constraints and gain a more in-depth understanding of the parise leaders’ environment without limitations on resources such as personnel and equipment for the worship team. Data collection involves in-depth interviews lasting at least an hour, with additional questions conducted via phone or text after the initial interview. Results: The worship leading experiences of the participants are explored in four categories. First, the structure of worship ministry comprises praise leaders, worship teams, and sound technicians. Second, the procedures of worship ministry are examined through the song selection and rehearsals. Third, the worship leading experience encompasses the role and influence of worship teams during congregational singing, examining the language of worship leaders, the impact of music education on worship leading, and collaboration between choir and worship teams. Fourth, obstacles in worship ministry include challenges related to time constraints, personnel shortages, musical expertise and training, communication with preachers, and recognition and reward for ministry efforts. Discussion and Recommendations: First, this study highlights the necessity for a balance between spiritual standards and musical expertise and training for worship leaders. Musical training should incorporate vocal and harmony lessons for the worship team, and the church should offer both human resources and financial support. Second, sound technicians are encouraged to adopt a humble and communicative approach to achieve optimal worship sound. Their skills should go beyond technical expertise, requiring a discerning “good ear” for music. Third, maintaining continuous communication with preachers for song selection and fostering ongoing collaboration among various ministry roles contribute to systematic worship. Worship is a human response to God's calling. Congregational singing, as a vital element of worship, serves as the most proactive response to God's calling. This study aspires to lay a valuable foundation for enhancing worship and praise ministry in Korean churches.

Citation status

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