Worship Pastor

Matthew Doige

Performing at The Playhouse with The LaPointes

I cannot remember a time in my life without music. Ever since I was a young boy I have always been singing. My earliest memories of music are of my Mom and me in the car singing songs like “Jesus Loves Me” where she would sing melody and I harmony. When I was old enough, I sang in the choir at church; I love to sing. Likewise, I love the guitar, which I began to play when I was 10. When my first guitar instructor asked me why I wanted to play, I replied it was so I could play songs in church. From this young age my desire and passion for music was intimately connected to glorifying Christ and leading his people in worship. This became more evident as I grew older.

As a PK I was always called upon to perform specials in church and to lend a helping hand on the worship team whenever it was needed. Into my teen years I took on a greater responsibility for music in the church. I supported my Mom, who led the music for my Father, vocally and on the guitar. She was the one who taught me to be an authentic worshipper with regards to music. Through those lessons, I learned that once all the practicing was finished and the service had started there was absolutely nothing that could or should disturb what the Holy Spirit desired for that service. As the worship leader, I was the conduit through which Christ would move his people through the songs that he had inspired writers to create.

As I gained more experience I wouldn’t settle for anything less than this submission to the Holy Spirit and gauged the success of my leading based upon whether I and the congregation worshiped. I had not done my job as a worship leader unless people truly felt the presence of God. Over the last 10 years I have held to these truths and experiences, earnestly desiring whenever I lead, to usher people into the presence of God. In my experience, leading worship means more than just leading a service; it involves leading a group of people, such as musicians and vocalists, who assist in leading the congregation into God’s presence.