The Key to Worship Leading Is… Repentance?
That’s not the answer most people expect. But it’s true.
If you lead worship—on stage or behind the scenes—this is for you. Because the success of your ministry isn’t rooted in your vocal range, musical chops, or ability to command a room. It’s rooted in your integrity.
Let me say up front: I’m a sinful person. When the Bible says in Hebrews, “Let us lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely…”—I’m the “us.” I need that reminder every day.
I remember being 21, walking into my worship pastor’s office, and saying, “I’m struggling to not look at pornography.” I’ll never forget how he responded: lovingly, but firmly—“Brother, that has no place on this stage.” He was right. That moment marked me, not just because it was hard to hear, but because it made me take my personal holiness seriously.
And yet, the struggle didn’t vanish. For some people, God works immediate deliverance, praise Him. But for many of us, the fight continues. Whether your sin is lust, alcohol abuse, rage, gossip, lying—or anything else—we all carry “weight and sin that clings so closely.”
We talk a lot in worship ministry about excellence, presence, and preparation. But we don’t talk enough about repentance.
If you’re feeling uncomfortable right now, I get it. This is vulnerable territory. But it’s where real growth happens.
Integrity > Ability
You can have all the talent in the world, but if your heart is hiding unrepentant sin, it’s going to catch up with you. Not because God is eager to punish you, but because He loves you too much to let you stay where you are.
Look at what David writes in Psalm 32:
“When I kept silent, my bones wasted away… day and night your hand was heavy upon me…”
“Then I acknowledged my sin to you… and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.” (vv. 3–5)
I know that feeling. You probably do too—standing on a stage, leading worship, knowing full well you yelled at your kids that morning or binged porn the night before. It’s a horrible place to be.
But the moment you confess, everything changes.
“You are a hiding place for me… you surround me with shouts of deliverance.” (v. 7)
This is what real worship starts with: not a clean performance, but a clean heart. Not hiding from God, but running to Him.
Repentance Leads to Praise
What’s amazing is that Psalm 32 flows straight into Psalm 33—a full-on celebration of praise:
“Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous!… Sing to him a new song… play skillfully with loud shouts!” (Ps. 33:1–3)
Did you catch that? Repentance leads to praise. When we stop hiding, and we let God cover our sin, joy flows again. Music becomes honest. Ministry becomes sustainable. Worship becomes real.
That’s the kind of worship leading we need—not perfect people pretending, but broken people forgiven and rejoicing.
So What Now?
Reject the lie that says, “If you keep struggling, you’re not a real Christian.” That’s not from the Bible—that’s from the accuser. Real Christians are real repenters. (See 1 John 1:9.)
Don’t make peace with sin. Grace isn’t permission to stay broken. (Romans 6) Instead, “strengthen what is weak so it doesn’t get worse.” (Hebrews 12)
Trust that Jesus' righteousness covers you. This isn’t legalism—it’s obedience powered by grace. You’re not performing for God. You’re responding to Him.
So repent today. Lead tomorrow. And let’s go—because the steadfast love of the Lord is better than life.
🎧 Watch the full video here →
Click the link below to hear as Rhett talks about two of his favorite Psalms!
If this resonated with you, send it to someone on your team. Let’s have more honest conversations that lead to deeper worship.
