November 21, 2008

Worship Leading

What Is A Leader?

Defined in the following as the person who chooses songs, sets practice, leads the congregation and team in general

Worship team is essentially a team of worship leaders all bear responsibilitiesMore on roles of worship team members later

What Is A Leader? (Cont’d) Bill Hybels – Courageous Leadership

Vision – picture that produces passion○ Increases energy moving people into action○ Increases ownership○ Provides focus○ Chris Tomlin, for example, studies his order of

service for two hours, visualizing how each song leads the congregation closer to the Lord

What Is A Leader? (Cont’d) Bill Hybels – Courageous Leadership

Contagious passionTakes responsibility from GodMaximizes responsiveness of God (prayer,

fasting, etc.)Communicating vision through embodimentCommunicate one-on-one, publicly

What makes a worship leader any different than any other leader?

Responsibilities of Worship Leaders To be a worshipper throughout the week To plan the worship program through

sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading To plan in a way that will make it easier to

lead the worshippers to focus and honour God with a specific congregationLead to worship God, focus on God (what is

worship?)Worship ExperienceKnow audience: generational, cultural, etc.

Responsibilities of Worship Leaders To foresee key moments during the

worship experience and plan appropriate responses to these moments (i.e. prayer, silence, song, etc.)Worship Experience

To rehearse with the worship team in a way that will prepare the team to play together musically and be of one mind in focus

Responsibilities of Worship Leaders To set an example to the worship team and

to the congregation as a model of a worshipperBarrier or Accountability?

To lead the worship in a Spirit-sensitive way, ready to be flexible to the Spirit’s leading and sense the congregation’s level of worshipWhat is Spirit-sensitive?

Worship Experience

Keys for Worship Leaders

Respect for authority, submission to the leader

Willingness to learn Mutual respect Attitude of service

What is the worship leader’s primary role?

Transparency vs. Leading

Should worship leaders be transparent?Point others to GodNot a distraction, but a facilitator in

communicationGenuine, authentic, accountableNeed to lead congregation, team in unisonCan’t be overly consumed in own worship that

others are lostBalance leading others and worshipping God

yourself

Pastoral Responsibility?

Varies from church to church Be clear on roles, responsibilities within

your congregation

Worshipping While Worship Leading Going through the motions? Not truly

engaged?Lack of familiarity with musicLack of preparationLack of private worship before leading

corporate

Worshipping While Worship Leading Tips

Seek GodPlan the worship setPractice the musicCommit to God the worship set

Worship Leading During a Worship Set Cues

Saying which song is next○ Helps AV, congregation○ Not necessary all the time, but can be helpful

Saying what next line is, going to chorus, etc.Stepping away from the micStand, sit, prayer, eyes closed, lift

hands/voices, etc.To team

Worship Leading During a Worship Set Transitions

A little less conversation?○ Do not distract encourages, prepares...○ Let songs and preacher do the talking

Personal testimony/sharing○ Demonstrates authenticity, models worship in private,

relatable

Worship Leading During a Worship Set Transitions

Scripture reading○ Truth from God, communication, understanding who

He is and who we are in Him

Introducing a song/lyrics○ Helps congregation understand, gives more meaning

to the song rather than just a tune

Worship Leaders and the Worship Team Communication!!! Scheduling practices Giving music/set ahead of time

Easier when you prepare and plan ahead of time

Chord sheetsSheet musicFile/YouTube link to songKey

Other responsibilities

Book practice locations, timesecacadm@telusplanet.net

Prepare PowerPoint/visual aidesCater to visual worshippers while

reducing/eliminating distractionsAre there clear guidelines?Visible? Too small? Too big?Colours visible or distracting?Background relevant or necessary?Enough copies? Projector available? Backups?

Some obstacles to worship leading Inherited problems Dominant personalities Lack of backing from church leadership

Inhibitions

Can be a barrier to allowing congregation to worshipWhy, How do we worship?

Unnatural? try, experience range of worshipping

Practice, prepare Genuine

Should I be a Worship Leader? Calling

God doesn’t always call those who are equipped, but He equips those He calls

Recognition, appointment Leadership skills Interpersonal skills Musical skills Are you F.A.T.? Faithful, Available,

Teachable Can continually improve!

References Hybels, Bill. Courageous Leadership. Grand

Rapids: Zondervan, 2002. Kraeuter, Tom. The Worship Leader’s Handbook:

Practical Answers to Tough Questions. Hillsboro: Training Resources, 1997.

Muchow, Rick. “A Little Less Conversation: How Much Should A Worship Leader Talk?”. Christianity Today International/Journal. 2008.

Townend, Stuart. “How To Lead A Worship Team”. www.worshiptogether.com. January 1, 2000.

Next workshop

Worship Experience Friday, December 5, 2008

6:45PM in basement sanctuary