Worship Leaders, it’s easy to get discouraged, isn’t it?
When you survey the landscape of modern worship around the world, oftentimes all you see is large churches with incredible talent, massive budgets, and resources you can only dream of.
But the truth is, most churches in America are small churches.
And there are steps we can all take to raise the excellence level of our teams.
This post will outline 9 steps you can apply today no matter how large or small your church.
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9 Practical Ideas Any Worship Leader Can Apply
Shake off the discouragement.
You are called. You are anointed. You are gifted and graced to lead the people of God in worship.
Believe it.
1. Get Ahead in Your Planning
2. Emphasize Personal Preparation
3. Use Song Diagram Charts
4. Use a Click Track During Rehearsal
5. Train During Rehearsal
6. Watch Videos Together
7. Embrace Confrontation
8. Plan One on One’s
9. Delegate
Resources Mentioned in this Post
- Song Diagram Chart
- Tempo by Frozen App
- Blog Post: How to Have Difficult Conversations with a Worship Team Member
- Worship Team Member Evaluation Chart
- Elevation Worship Blog Post: Growing Through Evaluation
- Episode #8: The Calling and Competency of a Worship Pastor: An Interview with Rick Muchow
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Question: What are some additional ways you have increased the excellence of your worship team? Share your ideas in the comments section! You can leave a comment by clicking here.
[ois skin=”Beyond Sunday 2″]
Fantastic episode David. Solid, practical, and actionable… Thanks for serving Christ in this way bro!
Thanks, Nate!
David,
The Song Diagram Chart is a really practical way to get the team digging into their parts and the song’s dynamics. Thanks for making it available! Do you have one chart uploaded or do you pre-fill the song sequence and upload one for each song?
Chris, I upload the blank chart to planning center. The goal is for each musician to use this for themselves. I want them to be critical listeners and learners of their instrument.
Cudos again David. As other’s have said, this is the prefect mixture of practical tools and spiritual motivation. I could listen to this stuff all day.
Your notes about challenging the team to arrive at practice, already practiced was especially poignant for me. I have adopted a team of volunteers who were not always lead in such positive way. We are all learning new habits together, and this is one I hope to challenge us all too first.
Thanks again. Keep it coming.
—
Daniel
David, I enjoyed the podcast. I think this is the 1st time I have listened to one. You can say so much in a shorter amount of time, and flesh out the points, and add more detail. I would like to address #s 3,4,&5, but in reverse order. #5, The leader must be able to transmit a clear and concise concept of the song or purpose. A common vocabulary must be developed. Self taught players often lack a deep musical vocabulary. The leader can build that up during rehearsals over time. Eventually it will save time.
#4, I don’t like click tracks for performance, but every serious musician that has ever been in a formal study situation has logged many hours with a metronome. Like you said, blast it through the system. Solid rhythm is a must. #3, Song charts are important. A good chart is a visual time line graph. From beat one to the last beat, every beat should be accounted for. It is a visual click track. Every beat of every measure should be recognizable to the leader and the most experienced musicians. It just saves time and avoids confusion. Higher musical concepts are never achieved if we spend all the rehearsal time struggling over basics.
I have lead worship on my own and played guitar and bass for a long time but this is the first time leading a team. In my amazement God has blessed me with great musicians who not only offer allot but challenge me as well. I remember in a previous post not to be afraid to bring in people that are better than you…..I provide the direction and heart and they bring the ability. We have a good balance and we spend time hanging out and talking away from the stage which I believe strengthens us. It has been a struggle at times but the freedom of not carrying the full load and inspiration of such talented people has only made me better. I love my team and I’m so blessed by you heart David and your desire to encourage and train others. I love how what I learn from your blogs and emails, I can turn around and share with our young musicians and leaders who have the potential to do amazing things. God bless
That’s awesome, Chris. Thanks so much for sharing and reading. I appreciate you!
Hi David, I just got caught up on all the podcasts. This is so helpful on so many levels. Our church is in a transition period we have been without a head pastor for about 2 years and our worship leader had a job offer and transferred to another city. Our team membership has changed quite a bit in the 8 years we have been a band. We have had only 3 consistent members now that our leader moved it has gone to 2, me and my wife. So while we are waiting for our elders to make a decision on who to appoint the new leader my we have kinda defaulted to lead and scramble together after being asked to lead last minute. So we are getting proactive and getting ready to take on the role of leaders so we are ready if asked. So I started to look for resources to look for ways on how to be an effective worship leader. I have just been so blessed and devouring your podcasts. The issues are practical and exactly what I was needing. You are a lifesaver. Thank you and keep up the good work. God Bless.
Rick, this is such an encouraging word. Thank you. You’re exactly why I do this. Keep up the good work yourself!
Hi David,
I love reading your blogs as well as listening to your podcasts. I can see that God is doing an amazing work in your life.
Tell me, what is the song that’s playing at the end of your most recent podcasts? It sounds like ‘Freedom Is Here’ but it doesn’t sound like Hillsong. Is it someone else’s version and if so where can I get it?
God bless,
Kevin
Hey Kevin, the song is “Let it Be Known” by Worship Central. Not only is it a great song, the whole album is good! Thanks for the kind words 🙂