Chapter Five

Is Lucifer Leading Worship

In Your Church?

The first lesson of church governance that the leader of worship must learn is that he or she is not the primary worship leader of the church—the pastor is.

Worship leaders who do not esteem their spiritual authorities should be fired—immediately! They should be fired for two reasons: first, they are operating under the spirit of Lucifer and second, Lucifer wouldn’t resign—he had to be fired!

The first criterion for being a worship leader is not talent. Nor is it musical ability. The first and foremost qualifier for becoming a worship leader in the Kingdom of God is character. Why character? Because aside from the executive positions in the church, the worship leader is a primary target of attack, the most vulnerable to temptation, and holds great influence over the congregation. If the worship leader is person without character, the church is exposed to great spiritual danger and deception. Therefore upright character on the part of the worship leader is a non-negotiable; furthermore, lapses in character must be addressed without hesitation.

Theologians speculate that Lucifer was the worship leader in heaven. They speculate this because of certain descriptions of his being that include musical ability connected to worship and leadership. Unfortunately, instead of directing worship to God, he diverted it from God and unto Himself. As a result, the first church of heaven split in two with one third of the angels following their new leader into a path of rebellion.

What about your ministry? Do you have any spirits of Lucifer in circulation? While this is an unpleasant and most regrettable question—it is a question that should be asked. Indeed most churches have fine worship leaders and sincere choir members, these leaders need to evaluate themselves to be sure their motives are pure and their attitudes are righteous. If not, the end will ultimately be shame, embarrassment and rejection from ministry.

The Spirit of Lucifer Promotes Itself.

‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation” Isaiah 14:13

For Lucifer, ministry was all about him. He wanted a position, not so he could direct worship to God but divert it to himself. He lusted for attention—for admiration to be upon his own beauty and unique giftings. A longing for respect, recognition, esteem and praise were the motivators that secretly drove him in his duties. He was not concerned about how much glory God received, he was mostly interested in how much glory he received.

Likewise, the Lucifers in our churches are not concerned about the well being of the church or the glory of God, they are concerned about how they look, how highly they are esteemed, and how many people pat them on the back at the end of service and say, “Wow, you did a great job. What talent you have!”

Worship leaders must take heed against such prideful motives. Ministry is not an opportunity to showcase abilities or draw applause of people. It is not a spotlight to demonstrate how skillfully one can play and instrument or “hit’ the high notes with their voice. Worship leading is about one thing: drawing the men’s worship to the glory of God. Any motive for self promotion is rooted in the prideful exaltation of Lucifer and is an unacceptable offering of ministry.

The Spirit of Lucifer Challenges Authority

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High. Isaiah 14:14 

The hallmark characteristic of Lucifer was that he challenged the authority standing over Him—the very authority of God. His motivation for this rebellion is clear. Lucifer wants to be in charge. His will, his way, his want is all that matters. The voice of authority over him is not a guiding influence to be esteemed, it is an obstacle standing in the way of personal ambition. Further, anyone that contradicts his “authority” is to be put down and cast aside.

It is for this reason that Lucifer can’t stand pastors. The pastoral office is a position of authority; in fact, it is the highest office of authority in the local church. As such, it is a threat to the “authority” of Lucifer and the most detested by him. In fact, this power struggle between worship leader and pastor is the foremost indicator that a spirit of Lucifer is at work in the church.

Continued...