[Originally, this post was my featured newsletter last week. I received so much positive feedback that I’ve decided to repost it here. This is the kind of content you get when you subscribe to my newsletter, along with a free ebook called “Beyond Sunday”. You can sign up for that right here.]
We all want to become better, don’t we?
Isn’t that why we attend conferences, read books, and study our heroes? I’d imagine that’s why you’re reading this post. You want to take your worship leading to another level.
I’m always pondering ways to become a better worship leader. The more I thought about what has been instrumental in my development, the more I thought I needed to share this with you.
Some of these points are weird, non-typical. But what I’ve found is that the most helpful lessons I learned weren’t just lectures taught in a classroom.
They were caught in real life.
10 Action Steps
So, my worship leading friend, if you want to take your leadership to another level, here are some lessons to apply:
1. Start conversations with strangers – I know, weird, right? But worship leading is conversational. In order to lead people in worship, they need to trust you. It’s difficult to do that without solid communication skills.
2. Practice your speaking in front of a mirror – You know what I mean. When some people speak, they make you nervous. Others, they help you relax and prepare you well for what’s coming. Watch yourself speak and see how nervous, poised, or relaxed you come across.
3. Pray without music or an instrument – The best worship leaders aren’t just song-singers. They have learned how to engage with God in the secret place. Worship leadership is more spiritual than it is musical. Learn how to cry out to God for an extended period of time without your instrument.
4. Study humor and making people laugh – In a recent podcast episode, I asked Martin Smith for some worship leading advice. Do you know what he said? Use humor. Humor helps people relax, keeps them engaged, and can help sustain more extended worship times.
5. Memorize Scripture – I like to think of this as “filling your tank” or “building a reserve”. Hiding God’s Word in your heart is more important than memorizing all your favorite worship songs. The ability to recall to mind God’s promises in worship is like nothing else. Aaron Keyes has some great advice on this.
6. Sing spontaneously for an hour – If you want to lead effective worship, you know it’s not just rote recitation. At times, it’s a spontaneous dance of what God is doing in the moment. Learn the skill of spontaneous singing. For an hour, sit with your instrument and worship God with your own lyrics and melodies. Make them up on the spot. Sing your prayers.
7. Read & Study theology – Your worship can only advance as far as your current knowledge of God. The more you see of God, the more you can love Him. Be a constant learner of who He is. Study His character. Become a student of His wonders. One of the best ways to do this is to read great theology books that expand your thinking, lead you deeper into God’s Word, and leave you with a sense of awe. Try this, for starters.
8. Do a menial task for someone – There’s something about the stage that can keep you off balance. The applause, the praise, the attention you receive. Make sure you never are “above” any task. Do something for someone who can’t repay you. Serve someone in the silence where there’s no crowd, applause, or local church fanfare.
9. Mentor someone – Remember, worship leading isn’t just about you and your talent. It’s about the talent, destiny, and potential you see and release in others. Start mentoring someone now.
10. Rehearse slowing down and not rushing – Young worship leaders are nervous. Matter of fact, even the most experienced get nervous. But rather than being overcome by nerves and rushing through a slew of worship songs, they learn to give their worship sets space. Rehearse sitting in silence. Rehearse vamping on a chord progression between songs. Get comfortable in the typically “uncomfortable” moments.
Worship leader, what about you? What do you do to improve?
How would you continue this list?
Let us know in the comments! You can leave a comment by clicking here.
[ois skin=”Beyond Sunday 2″]
U know what, regarding (2), also try singing in front of the mirror, almost always has me in splits!
But seriously, all of these 10 are great tips bro, very sound stuff!
David, this list is gold. Way to take us off the beaten track of the usual advice.
Thanks bro!
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