Worship Leaders

My name is Richard Schemers, and my wife, Pamela, and I have been blessed to serve together in worship ministry for most of our adult lives.

Our story began at a roller-skating rink when I was 15 years old and Pam was 14. Like any teenage boy who had fallen for a girl, I started attending her church just to spend more time with her. Four years later, we were married. Looking back, we both thank God for the incredible blessing of giving us a lifelong marriage at such a young age. Nearly 50 years together, and we're still going!

During our twenties, the Lord began to open our hearts in a much deeper way. We came to better understand the meaning of salvation, the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice, and the reality of who He truly is. Our faith became more than simply attending church. It became a personal relationship with our Savior.

Pam has been singing in church since she was young, but I had never played guitar in front of anyone. Then one year, our church's worship team was away at a Layman's Retreat. The pastor's wife asked if Pam and I would lead worship that weekend. My first response was an immediate "no." I was shy, quiet, and completely uncomfortable with the idea. Thankfully, Pam encouraged me to get over myself, reminding me that we would do it together.

That one decision changed the course of our lives.

More than 30 years later, God is still allowing us to lead His people into His presence through worship. It has been one of the greatest privileges and blessings of our lives, and it is difficult to put into words all that He has done for us through this calling.

Favorite Scriptures

Pam's Favorite Scripture

Psalm 139:23-24

"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

This passage reflects Pam's continual desire to have a heart that is surrendered to the Lord and shaped by His will.

My Favorite Scriptures

Psalm 150

Psalm 150 reminds me that everything we do should point to the praise of God. Every instrument, every voice, and every breath we have is meant to glorify Him.

"Praise the Lord.

Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.

Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,

Praise him with timbrel and dancing,
praise him with strings and pipe,

Praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord!"

Isaiah 6:1-4

"I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said:

'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!' And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke."

Isaiah's vision of the Lord seated on His throne has always filled me with awe. To think that one day I will truly witness that scene gives me peace. I look forward to seeing and fully understanding, in a way that I cannot today, the power, glory, and holiness of the uncreated Creator.

These passages continually remind me of several truths:

• We are created to praise the Lord.

• God does not merely possess glory. He is glory.

• God does not merely possess power. He is power.

• God does not merely possess wisdom. He is wisdom.

Serving Him through worship has been one of the greatest honors of our lives. Our prayer is that every song we lead helps draw people into His presence and points them to the greatness, holiness, and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.