Song Leaders? part 3

For the last two days we have been very seriously discussing the requirements of a congregational song leader.  One thing about reading my music philosophy blog or hearing my lectures in a college class is that you will never have to ask, "Mr.Wolf, what do you really believe about the topic we have been discussing?" As you could probably guessed, I an what is called an "over conductor" and a very passionate one at that!  As I have had the privilege to watch some the great conductors of the world in Europe and the USA, I have noticed that they were all very passionate conductors and that it shows in the way they conduct.
       You might honestly ask at this point in our discussion,"Is there room for a song leader who has a sane, sophisticated, quiet, reserved personality?  The answer is yes.  All conductors do not have to be "over conductors", but I submit to you that being almost insane helps! A song leader can have a more quiet approach to conducting, but he or she can not afford to outwardly show complacency. 
     There is a notion among ministers of music and church orchestra conductors that when a conductor stands in front of a choir, orchestra or congregation of worshipers, he or she is not an exceedingly important functionary.  This notion brings ministers of music to the erroneous conclusion that vibrant performance conducting gestures are not necessary.  These so called music leaders believe that a good leader only "facilitates" in performance and that he or she doesn't actually change the way  that an instrumental or choral organization  or congregation musics unto God.
       These conductors tell me that they could walk away from their church choir, church orchestra, or congregation and they would sing, play and worship just as well without them.  My answer is always, "then you should walk away if you are not helping," No director should do something that isn't necessary or efficacious.
       I an afraid that this faulty philosophical notion has been very detrimental to public worship.  A conductor that doesn't passionately lead, gives off  signals that are most often misread by a church orchestra, church choir or a congregation of worshipers--that he or she is  apathetic. So, I am drawn to the conclusion that although a song leader doesn't have to be a "wild man" he or she must be a passionate conductor and it must show in the way he or she conducts.