Worship Leaders: "What are we doing that we shouldn't?"

On a recent post, the following question was posted as a response. What are we doing for our congregations in worship that they should be doing for themselves?

In recent years there seems to be a resurgence in congregation participation in worship after a decade where the trend was more about watching worship, or watching what was happening on stage. I suggest that this limited worship because worship is a verb.

There are those that would suggest you can participate by watching and there are some elements of worship that the congregation cannot do for themselves.

I am glad the trend is moving from watching to participating.

I believe it was Kierkegard who stated that God is the only audience in worship. (Actually if we believe that God is speaking to us in worship then He is also an active participant.)

I have to go back to the premise of Kiekegard's statement that worship is a drama and those on stage are the prompters that encourage everyone to do their part. The stage personnel worships and in so doing leads and encourages others.

So, worship leaders, are we still doing things in worship for our people instead of letting them do it?

Can they read the scriptures, instead of a person on stage?

Can they or should they speak their prayers without the distraction of a amplified voice?

Is it time to transition the 'traditional choir' from singing beautifully prepared 'special' songs to singing songs the congregation can join in on?

While going through the process of planning worship services I ask myself a list of questions and now thanks to a response on this blog I will be adding another.

What are we doing in worship for our congregations that they can do for themselves?