#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.
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted on this subject. If you haven’t ever heard me talk about this or read a post on this then you really don’t know my heart. Where I work, Harvest Time, I’m the Worship Technical Director. This basically means I’m over all lights, sound, video, and creative elements inside any live service on campus. My heart is for worship, not checking batteries in mics. I’m honored to do the technical things, it makes church happen and it puts me closer to what I love.
Every Tuesday night I lead our youth/young adult worship teams in rehearsals. Have you ever heard the statement ministry isn’t a job it’s what you would do for free. That’s completely true, but there are aspects of it that are a job. The discipleship of worshipers I’d do free every day of my life. I am doing it for free. : )
One month ago we had our 3rd tryouts as the 180remix worship team, ONEband. It was a super exciting time. We had over 30 students sign up and participate, trying out for vocals, instruments, and leadership. We brought on 4 new guitarist, 1 new drummer, and 2 new vocalist. This brings the pot up to 31 rotating worshipers.
Wow! This is our youth band folks. Our team is exploding with great young musicians and I’m praying, asking God for wisdom to lead this guys. I’m so honored I’m getting to live out one of my dreams at 27 years old. I refuse to let the worship reside on my shoulders. I’m committed to giving these kids a shot where I didn’t get one. If I never record a hit worship song or never lead worship for thousands and thousands of people that’s ok with me.
There are a lot of worship teams out there that have 5 phenomenal musicians and no more but not many who have 31 musicians and spend the time and effort to helping them get to the next level. I heard a quote once that I love, “It’s easier to work like 100 men than to lead 100 men.”
How are you discipling worship? Do you think it’s an important part of what you do?
Where to start? God did so many amazing things. Genesis is our youth and young adult national conference. This was our second year to host this conference. The line-up was amazing. We had Chris Hill (T.D. Jakes former youth pastor, Chris is crazy), Brock Gill (the Illusionist), Mike Mille (the coolest bald cajun I’ve met), Josh Mayo (our incredilbe youth pastor), Adam Sanders (youth pastor from Victory Christian Center), Dan Maciuk, Craig Johnson, MCRemix, and of course the 180remix worship team. With over 1,200 in attendance it’s easy to say that God was in control.
We had over 20 musicians/vocalist rotate through the 3 worship sets. Our worship team did such an incredible job. It is such an honor to be part of such a great group of musicians who are called and anointed. The worship at Genesis was off the charts. We’ve debated bringing in a big time worship team but honestly I don’t think it could really get any better.
One of my main focus’ and callings is not just leading worship but discipling it. I am on a such spiritual high right now from actually seeing my calling laid out before me. Soooo many times in ministry we work towards something we can not see. This has been no different, it’s been a struggle at times. But in moments like these we need to cherish every second, journal it, and build off of it. Don’t forget the victories of the past while fighting the battles of your future. That’s good.
I can’t recreate Genesis worship for you but I can give you a visual look into it. This is the best way I can explain what God did.
