I have been asked before if I believe that leading worship is a spiritual gift. The ability to play music is certainly a God-given gift that requires cultivation like any other talent or ability. And for the person who is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, truly everything we do is spiritual - but is leading worship a Spiritual gift? Does the Holy Spirit impart the ability to lead sung corporate worship, at the moment of my conversion?
Scripture does not provide one single, complete list of all the available Spiritual gifts. We see gifts listed throughout various passages like Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12-14, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4. But nowhere in these passages do we see ‘worship leader,’ listed as a spiritual gift. We know that spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit, all are necessary, and they are given for the building up of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:11, 14, Ephesians 4:12).
Is leading worship spiritual, yes.
Is leading worship a gift, absolutely.
Is leading worship a spiritual gift? Probably not. But we can employ our spiritual gifts in the service of God’s people, to God’s glory, as we lead worship spiritually.