Question:
I couldn't resist.

---

A dictionary would be a more vital resource than some odd rhetorical argument some odd lead worship leader worshiper (I thought I'd try my hand at the new terminology thing) came up with.
Both terms can be easily explained in context, although the first suffers from a big of Engrish.
Strictly speaking, as an adjective, lead means:
1. First or foremost
2. Most important
Neither of those make sense, so I think it is obvious whoever coined the term meant to say "leading worshiper" but simply didn't grasp the English language well enough.
Leading worshiper would simply mean the worshiper that leads.
Of course, that begs the question, "What are they leading?" Well, they're leading worship, which makes them a worship leader.
Perhaps the best term would be, "worshiper that leads worship." Of course, that's pretty redundant. It seems obvious that a worship leader would be worshiping. If we must be precise, let's at least not be redundant. Let's say, "Worship Leader by Example." Of course, lead worship leader worshipers don't just lead by example, so perhaps, "Worship leader by example and other suitable means," would be more appropriate.
Or maybe it would be more appropriate to not make such a big deal about terminology that means the exact same thing anyway.
Answer:
Originally Posted by bobthecockroach I couldn't resist.

---

A dictionary would be a more vital resource...[insert lots of stuff here]...it would be more appropriate to not make such a big deal about terminology that means the exact same thing anyway.
I'm still going with Music Minister.
Answer:
And this stemmed from...?
Answer:
Good call Bob. I think we make waaaaay too much out of this in general.
Answer:
This whole thing started with pure semantics.
The question is, does it matter? Definitely, resoundingly, no.
Answer:
Originally Posted by nix And this stemmed from...?
This is a recurring conversation in this forum.
Answer:
Originally Posted by nix And this stemmed from...? A thread in which it would have been inappropriate to make such a long off-topic post.
Originally Posted by jamusu86 hi,
I'm new to all the lead worshipping stuff (in our church, we're not worship leaders but lead worshippers - we borrowed the idea from chris tomlin). Originally Posted by thesteve a rose by any other name? Originally Posted by gtrdave Who I believe borrowed the idea from Matt Redman.
Yet I digress... Originally Posted by Nate RE: "Lead Worshipper" vs. "Worship Leader"
I prefer the term "Music Minister," personally. Originally Posted by gtrdave Me too. Wow, this multi-quote thing is fun.
Answer:
SOOOORRRRYYY!
BUT
when I look at it in a broader perspective i can see a difference between the two.
so technically i'm not sorry about saying what i said
BUT i'm sorry for causing this argument which, from what i read, occurs often
Answer:
Originally Posted by jamusu86 SOOOORRRRYYY!
BUT
when I look at it in a broader perspective i can see a difference between the two.
so technically i'm not sorry about saying what i said
BUT i'm sorry for causing this argument which, from what i read, occurs often I don't think anyone's blaming you specifically. the two terms come up alot.
I prefer "the guy that is in charge of the music"...or other vagaries. Ultimately in my mind it all means the same though. perhaps you could elaborate on how the words strike you differently.
Answer:
Originally Posted by jamusu86 SOOOORRRRYYY!
BUT
when I look at it in a broader perspective i can see a difference between the two.
so technically i'm not sorry about saying what i said
BUT i'm sorry for causing this argument which, from what i read, occurs often You have caused no argument. You have only prompted me to write an explation that I hoped would clear up the issue.
I would be interested in hearing how you distinguish the terms though.
Answer:
Originally Posted by niangelo This whole thing started with pure semantics.
The question is, does it matter? Definitely, resoundingly, no.
No, it really doesn't matter.
I remember the first time I had heard the "lead worshipper" term several years ago and I read what I believe was Matt's reasoning for inverting the words in the then popular "worship leader" title.
While I guess I understand it, practically it matters little...at least to me.
And again, maybe it's just me but I do sense a desire to interject an attitude of humility or even an order of servanthood through the inverting of the words (you know; first is last, last is first) but, honestly, if that were an objective then why not be called "lead feetwashers"?
Or "Feetwashing leaders"?
Regardless, don't feel like you're getting any heat from this, jamusu. No need to apologize for a having a heart to serve the Lord no matter what title you possess.
Answer:
As dave said, I think "music minister" is more appropo, the reason being that worship is broader than mere music and that most "worship leaders" just sing / play music.
Answer:
I might even argue for "church musician" as an accurate title.
Answer:
When approaching other churches in email or letters I put Music Director but in my Church I'm just Joe
Answer:
Originally Posted by Tony I might even argue for "church musician" as an accurate title.
though for some, "musician" might be a stretch.