Relevance has become a ubiquitous buzzword for worship leaders. The songs and style of music we lead, the type of clothing we wear and hairstyle we have, even the age we are often speaks to how relevant we are perceived as a worship leader. But I wonder – are we truly seeing our definition of relevance as a worship leader from a human perspective or from God’s? Does someone have to play or sing certain songs to be relevant? Does the clothing or hairstyle matter, in God’s realm, related to our relevance? Does age truly define if we are relevant or irrelevant as a worship leader?

Maturing Gracefully

As Christians, Scripture speaks of us becoming more like Jesus, referring to the purification process called sanctification. As we read and heed God’s Word we are being sanctified (cf. John 17:17). When the Holy Spirit convicts us and our words and actions become more Godly, we are being sanctified (cf. 2 Cor. 5:17).  As our desires are purified and who we once were fades as Christ reigns more in us, we are being washed and sanctified (cf. 1 Cor. 6:11). We are purified and sanctified only through Jesus Christ and His blood (cf. Heb. 10:10,14, 19-22).

When does Relevance End?

So, if we are growing in our Christlikeness as we mature, when does our spiritual maturity pass the point of being “relevant” as a worship leader? Do we somehow “age out” because we are becoming too Godly that we cannot relate to people? Churches often seek only young worship leaders thinking they are more relevant than older ones. While a young person may be relevant, it is not because of their age. Juxtaposed, just because someone is older doesn’t mean they are irrelevant, wise, or even being sanctified.

Life Expectancy as a Worship Leader

I had a friend once tell me, in so many words, that at the age of 50 we become irrelevant as a worship leader. It made me think – Do we have a life expectancy as a worship leader? Is there a time when a worship leader becomes irrelevant? The short answer is actually, “Yes”. But it has nothing to do with our age. It doesn’t have to do with our vocal or musical skills. In fact, our relevance is related more to God than anything.

Relevance in Both Young and Old

You see, relevance as a worship leader isn’t a song selection, dress attire, or even an age. In God’s economy, relevance is defined in terms of obedience in following Jesus. Jesus Christ is the One who makes us relevant (cf. 1 Cor. 15:58, Phil 2:13, 1 Pet. 2:9, etc.). A fifteen-year-old worship leader is relevant when they are following what Christ is calling them to do. Likewise, an eighty-five-year-old worship leader is just as relevant, if he is following God’s calling to lead people in worship of Jesus Christ. We see throughout Scripture that God made relevant both the young (David defeating Goliath, Mary giving birth to Jesus, etc.) and the old (Abraham, Moses, Noah, etc.) Age doesn’t define relevance – only God can do this through His Son.

Let God Define Your Relevance

If God is calling you to lead worship and you are following His lead, you are relevant. Your dress attire, hair style, or age does not define your relevance. Only God defines your relevance – not the world or even other Christians. In contrast, who is the irrelevant worship leader? The irrelevant worship leader begins when we do not follow God’s leading. When He is not leading our lives, we become irrelevant. This is the beginning of our ineffectiveness and ends in our irrelevance as a worship leader.

Staying Relevant

How do you stay relevant as a worship leader? Remain tethered to the cross. Be anchored and submissive to God and His Word. Listen and obey the leading of the Holy Spirit. Point your congregation to Jesus Christ above all. You cannot be any more relevant to God as a worship leader than this.

Mark Mattingly is the Founder of WorshipConsulting.com. With 30+ years as a worship leader, over 20 years as a worship consultant, and earning a Master of Arts in Worship Leadership from SWBTS, he continues to point people to Jesus through worship. He is the author of the worship book, “The Power of 1°”, a 52-week devotional series written specifically for worship ministries. He lives in the heart of America with his beautiful wife, Tonya, their four active sons, and one beloved dog, Biscuit.