JD (Jonathon Douglass) is one of the most energetic and passionate worship leaders on our team. Those who know him know that his passion goes much deeper than just great stage presence. He has a sincere love for Christ and His Word, and is contagiously passionate about serving Jesus with everything he has. Recently Jad Gillies asked him to share about this.

Jad:
Anyone who’s been lead by you in worship, JD, would probably notice that you bring a lot of energy to the platform. Can you talk a little bit about your revelation on this, and what’s going through your mind when you jump around, go crazy, and bring the passion that you do?

JD:
Firstly, if anyone tries to lead by copying someone else’s style exactly, it’s obvious. I’m really energetic, crazy and dance a lot on platform, because I think it’s a reflection of who I genuinely am.

Don’t get me wrong, I love crawling into my house and being an introvert as well – that’s how I recharge – but otherwise I’m pretty loud, hopefully fun, and energetic as a person. Maybe God highlights that side of my personality when I lead worship.

I get really excited – not about how many people are in the room or my own ‘moves’ or crazy dancing – I genuinely just think about how stupid (in the best way) God’s love for us is.

It’s unbelievable how good God is –  how He loves who I am regardless of anything, and how He came to save all of us while we were filthy sinners and didn’t deserve it. I don’t have to think about that for too long before I get excited for myself, and hopefully other people getting a glimpse of that revelation as well.

The secret to leading with passion and energy isn’t really a secret – just remind yourself of God’s goodness.

Watch JD leading “Look to the Son”

When we talk about how we want people to look alive and have energy, we aren’t asking for spins and jumps, we just want people to stop for a second and realise how big the God is that we are serving and praising.

We don’t force people to jump, we just encourage people to passionately be themselves.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” – Matt 22:37

So don’t think about just singing your setlist of songs; use those songs to really encourage people. Keep the main thing the main thing, and if that doesn’t make you smile, if that doesn’t get you excited, then I don’t know what will.