What does the Bible say about the position of worship leader?

No, it is not. Whilst it is true that in Old Testament times there was a ‘chief musician' (as the headings of many Psalms indicate), we do not find this concept in the New Testament (except to the extent that the Lord Jesus is now the chief musician, the One who leads the worship (Heb. 2:12)). Assembly meetings are guided by the Holy Spirit in such a way that every brother can contribute (1 Cor. 14:26). This divine pattern is very different from the idea of a worship leader planning in advance what will be said and by whom.

As to the manner of worship, time forbids scarcely more than the quotation of a single verse, which, however, is quite clear enough: "How is it, then, brethren? When ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying" (1 Cor. 14:26). The entire chapter is devoted to the spiritual manifestations and operations in the assembly. Incidentally, as we might say, the subject of worship and the manner of it is brought in. No mention is made of one presiding. Everything is left free for the Spirit of God to use whom He will. If there is no provision for ordaining a special class of men for ministry, still less is there for worship. We are all priests — a holy and a royal priesthood. For one or several persons to preside at the worship of an assembly of saints is to lose sight of the ever sufficient presence of the blessed Spirit. We need not fear confusion. If faith and obedience are tested, that is always well and who that has tasted the sweetness of simply letting the Spirit lead our praises through whomsoever He will, would return to the constraint of using but one man, no matter how gifted and devoted, under the plea of order? Do not all Christians feel the need of liberty for the Spirit, and are not meetings "thrown open" just because of this felt need? Why should any meeting of an assembly of saints be "closed"? I say nothing of a meeting which an individual teaches or evangelist may call on his own responsibility at that, of course, he must preside to give out his message. But when the assembly meets, none but the Spirit of God should be free to use whomsoever He may please. He gathers the saints, not to worship under human leadership, but to offer their own worship in the holiest.

When believers are ‘gathered unto His name’ (Mt. 18:20) then Christ must be at the centre. He directs everything. It is not a meeting led by man. Christ is in charge and the Holy Spirit directs ‘as he wishes’ (1.Cor.12:4-6). There is liberty for every brother (as women are silent in the assemblies – 1.Cor. 14:34) to contribute: by giving out a hymn, by praying audibly, or by speaking for edification (1.Cor.14:26-33).

it may please the Holy Ghost to use anyone present to address God, on behalf of the assembly; or to lead its praises in a hymn. Such praise, or prayer, will be the expression of all the spiritual, of the whole assembly if it be spiritual; but this, I repeat, is toward God: whereas if a gifted person, a minister, addresses the saints, he utters the mind of God to them; and such utterance may tend to elevate the spiritual condition of saints; it may be much above their actual state; but such is toward man. Again, I say, any of the priesthood except women, may express to God the praises of the assembly; but only such may teach or exhort, in whom the grace to minister has been deposited by Christ. So that it is possible for an assembly in one place, to worship God most happily; and yet to have no gift, no minister, in its midst. Do let me beseech you to ponder these differences between priesthood and ministry.

In an assembly meeting there is the full liberty of the Spirit of God to use whatever brother He pleases in any becoming way. He may announce a hymn, read a scripture, take the lead in prayer, or minister from the word of God. Each activity of course should be consistent with the character of the meeting.

Another (or the same one) may engage in leading the expressions of praises; while another may read another portion, give out a hymn, and so on (1 Cor. 14); but the tendency, I say, is towards worship — giving of His own, to God and to the Lord Jesus, who supplied that, which hearts, bubbling over, return to Himself.

Another (or the same one) may engage in leading the expressions of praises; while another may read another portion, give out a hymn, and so on (1 Cor. 14); but the tendency, I say, is towards worship — giving of His own, to God and to the Lord Jesus, who supplied that, which hearts, bubbling over, return to Himself.

W. These would fall like the rest entirely under the Holy Ghost's direction. Alas for the man whose self-will chose to give out a hymn, or to pray, or read a scripture, without the guidance of the Spirit! In doing these things in the assembly of the saints, he is professing to be moved and guided by the Holy Ghost; and to profess this where it is not true is very presumptuous. If the saints know what communion is, they will know how very difficult it is to lead the congregation in prayer and singing. To address God in the name of the assembly, or to suggest to it a hymn as the vehicle for the expression of its real state to God, requires great discernment, or else a most immediate guidance from God.

Nevertheless it ought to be remembered that the Spirit of God does not miraculously bring to any person's memory a hymn never seen or sung before. The more familiar saints are with the hymn-book through constant usage at home, the greater will be the variety of hymns sung in the assembly. For the Spirit selects from what we know. Hence the importance of becoming acquainted with hymns in private devotion, so that proper and suitable praise as opposed to anything formal or habitual may be rendered in the assembly. On the other hand, licence with the hymn-book is to be deplored. The constant habit of announcing hymns is self-delusive. It should never be forgotten that the Lord Himself is the Leader of our praises, as He said, "In the midst of the assembly, will I sing praise unto thee" (Heb. 2:12). It is therefore a solemn matter to give out a certain hymn which is to embody the praises of the saints at that moment, since the Lord Himself is the great Precentor. Indeed, none but the Spirit of God can rightfully guide in accordance with the mind of the Lord. It is however at the same time our own responsibility to place ourselves in alignment with His action, so that all things may be both of and to the Lord.

We have then a most simple and effectual guide in our worship. We are in the Lord's presence, and the Holy Spirit is there to guide — no need then for a man to preside. That would only interfere with the liberty of the Spirit. It may be asked, Will not disorder come in? We answer that the Spirit of God is more able than man to control disorder. God never intended that we should get on without faith or dependence upon Him. Where there is subjection to the Lord, and a godly consideration of one another, there will be the sweetest liberty and real divine power. Let faith do this in the fear of God, and the blessed results will be manifest.