#1 Know the Lyrics.

I won’t lie and tell you I know all the word’s to the songs I sing.   In both venues at our church where I lead worship we have cheat screens (projection or monitors that have the lyrics on them behind the audience.)  They are great tools but also great crutches.  So many times I see worship leaders stare at the screen and not have any clue where the people are.  What’s really embarrassing is messing up the lyrics when the whole audience knows you have that screen.  You can’t lead people you can’t see.

#2 Know the Songs.

One of the most frustrating things I’ve ever experienced as a volunteer musician was showing up to rehearsal knowing the in’s and out’s of the song better than the worship leader.  Show up with a game plan, execute it.  If you are going to change up the song to better fit your style, great.  If not, have a good handle on the song, bathe yourself in the mp3 all day if you have to.  For goodness sake, don’t use a music stand.  I promise if you practice the song 20 minutes at home you will have it memorized.

#3 Know your Audience.

In this video, the little old lady references this as a little Methodist singing.  Although, like me, you probably laughed histaricaly at the performances, there was still something good there.  We don’t have to be Hillsong United, Steve Fee, Chris Tomlin, or Delerious to lead affective worship for “our” people.  Look around at your church, talk to the people, who are you leading in worship.  The goal of every worship leader should not be to play or sing their favorite songs, rather play and sing the songs that move your people.  This is where a pastors heart kicks in.  Be affective where you are at.