Performance in Worship - Pt. 1

“Worship is completely different than performing,” he said. But is it really?

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A few years ago, my band was part of a traveling youth event. We would play a worship session and a mini concert, as would other artists.

One time on this tour, I was backstage talking with a member of the event’s main worship group. We discussed my work in partnering with artists on their live show, and the man said, “Worship is completely different than performing.” I understood his point. There was a time when I would agree with this statement, but at the core of it, I now don’t.

I grew up more reserved as an 11-year-old kid playing drums in church. When I eventually learned to twirl my drumsticks (during practice only), the Pastor’s wife occasionally said I should stick twirl in service. But I never did. Church wasn’t a place to draw attention to myself. It wasn’t a concert. We didn’t have stage lighting or fog machines, and the main house lights were up all throughout the service. We played our worship set and often repeated various song sections as the worship leader felt led. We’d then return to the platform to play for altar calls and close the service with a final song.

Back then, I wouldn’t think that worship and performing were similar, but today I believe they are.

Let’s get to the heart of the matter.

At the core, everything comes from within as it all begins at heart level. (Mark 7:15 and Matthew 15:11)

There’s obviously a spiritual element of worship, and there are physical and practical elements of worship.

• The spiritual part is our response to God—worshipping Him for who He is, for what He’s done and for what He’s continuing to do in our lives.

• The physical part is about giving God our praise by “offering our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God for this is our reasonable act of service [or worship]” (Romans 12:1) As worship leaders, we must be devoted to loving and leading the people.

• The practical portion, then, is us doing our part with excellence. Playing skillfully to the Lord, communicating well to the congregation, and using the various tools and proper techniques on the platform to effectively lead the congregation.

Some time ago, I came across this video of Elias Dummer formerly of The City Harmonic. In it, he shares perfectly what the true meaning of performance is and how it is used in worship. Check out the video below, and we’ll dive into that, and more, in my next post.

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FAQs

1. What is Purpose Live, and how can it transform my performance?

Purpose Live is your creative partner in crafting unforgettable onstage moments. Whether you're a music artist or a worship team, we go beyond typical live show production to help you connect deeply with your audience.

If you’ve ever:

• Doubted your ability to command the stage
• Struggled with stage fright
• Felt unsure about turning your music into more than just a passion

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2. Why should I work with Purpose Live?

Because we don’t just teach you how to perform; we show you how to connect.

If you’ve:

• Wondered why your performances don’t always leave a lasting impression
• Wanted to stand out in a crowded industry
• Felt stuck trying to turn your talent into a livelihood

We’re here to transform your onstage presence. Purpose Live ensures every aspect of your show—from storytelling to technical production—works together seamlessly, helping you stand out while staying true to who you are.

3. What makes Purpose Live different from other performance coaching services?

We’re not just about making you look good; we’re about making you unforgettable.

It’s about authenticity, impact, and leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

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No overwhelming production for production’s sake. We focus on YOU—your story, your message, and your audience. The production enhances your presence, but it never overshadows your essence.

If you’ve ever:

• Wondered how to stand out in a crowded music industry
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4. What are your prices/fees?

Our services are as flexible as they are comprehensive. Pricing depends on the scope of your project, but we work with artists at every stage of their journey and are committed to making budgets work.

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5. If I sing and play well, isn’t that enough?

Singing and playing well are vital—but they’re just the beginning.

Performances that stand out go beyond talent. It’s about how you:

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We help you elevate your performance, making sure your talent is packaged with dynamic stage presence, polished transitions, and memorable moments.

6. Why do you adjust song arrangements for live shows?

Because what works in the studio doesn’t always translate on stage.

Songs made for streaming or radio are fast-paced, designed to grab attention quickly. But a live show is a different experience—it’s about connection, depth, and immersion.

We’ll create space for the audience to breathe, engage, and feel every moment. Picture intros, outros, and interludes that turn each song into a journey, where every note invites your audience into the story you’re telling.

Imagine the energy of a sudden, dramatic shift that takes the crowd’s breath away, or the quiet, intimate vibe of a stripped-down section that feels like it’s just for them—those are the moments that resonate long after the music fades.

Think of it as tailoring your performance. We adapt your songs to create a flow that keeps audiences engaged, ensuring your show feels like a cohesive experience rather than just a collection of tracks.

7. How can Purpose Live elevate my live show?

Imagine stepping on stage without fear or hesitation—knowing exactly how to:

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• Crafting an unforgettable setlist
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Whether you want to deepen audience connections, grow your fanbase, or create an immersive worship experience, we ensure every detail works together seamlessly.

8. How can I get started with Purpose Live’s services?

It’s simple to take the first step toward creating your dream performance:

• Schedule a FREE discovery call with us.
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Whether it’s overcoming stage fright, refining your show, or streamlining your technical setup with riders and stage plots, we’ll help you turn your passion into a livelihood while captivating your audience like never before.

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Are you interested in diving deeper into these areas for YOUR show? I’d love to get to know you and learn about your journey in music! Let’s schedule a FREE consultation call today!