Leaders, Worship Leading

“Inspired To Lead”

August 23, 2017

#InspiredToLead

2 min read

Focus on Worship 

1) Make the key and range of the song easy to sing and easy to reach

This may not be a surprise, but are you doing it? We tend to like how our voices sound, but can the church keep up? No because they are not music people, they are real people. You have to meet them where they are, not where you want them to be vocally. Your church has Harry, Sally, Billy Bob and Aunt Ethel, not Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman and Israel Houghton. If the later were true, you probably would not be leading worship.  

2) Sing songs people know, don’t spend time teaching

The major time waster in the service is the “need” to teach worship. This is not to be done by the Worship Leader. Why? Because the Senior Pastor should be the teacher of worship; they are the true worship leader/teacher of the flock. Besides, people just want to sing, not hear two sermons. Sing songs people know.

I believe we’ve inundated ourselves with music from having 40 top songs to 40,000. People in your church cannot learn songs that quickly, unless you’re Hillsong. The more familiar the song, the more meditative and worshipful because it’s easy. Don’t make people think or learn, just lead them.  

3) Stay in an inviting spirit of worship and song – sing with them

This was one of the toughest things I had to learn as a young worship leader some years ago. Ok, many years ago. There is a huge difference between singing with them versus singing at them. No one needs a cheerleader. Your church loves you and knows your voice – that’s all they need to be led. Don’t force your voice or leading abilities, just sing with them and experience the oneness in worship together.  

4) Be clear in your direction

Vocally and instrumentally for the band and tech: My college Composition Professor told me: If people ask questions or have trouble with the music, it’s because something is not clear. This can be a result from the music or your direction. Take time with your team to fully explain the map of the song and where/how you’re going to end-up. Take time to ask questions. You may never see your flight path, if your head is in the clouds.  

5) Know the lyrics of the song and where you are in the music

This is a MAJOR interruption of the service. This is a key factor for me in leading the worship at our church. Know the words. It’s ok to use an iPad, sheet music or backwall to glance at the lyrics, but if you do not know them, neither will your people. How do I deal with this? I try to imagine/prepare myself if the power were to go out. How would I recover? If I truly know the song, I have the knowledge and ability to carry on. This is a true confidence builder for your personal leadership and your team.  

6) Don’t Stop the Flow

Nothing kills a service more than the awkward dead space of silence, interrupted by a microphone feedback. It’s like a bad car accident with everyone watching and no one wants to remember. [ctt template=”10″ link=”61Ufw” via=”no” ]Don’t stop the song without having somewhere to go. Keep the motion in flow.[/ctt] On the last bar of the song, have a keyboard or guitar chord/pad into the next song. Let the band fade out and let the transition of the other instruments take over.

Lead one instrument/voice at a time, layering your way into the next song. Here’s where you can choose to add-in a short prayer, encouragement or Scripture – keep it brief. Make eye contact with the church, lead and sing with them.  

7) “Follow what the Holy Spirit does

You may lead them in worship, but He is the Ultimate Worship Leader.” A good trusted mentor said this to me; I continue to reflect upon his words. Each time I lead a service, I ask myself the question: what will the Holy Spirit do? Then I pray, Lord, lead me to sing the song you are already singing into people.  

Lead Well, Led By The Spirit

You never know where the worship will take you unless you make God the driver. The service belongs to Him and the worship belongs to Him. May everything we do be accomplished through the Spirit of God.

 @BranonDempsey @worshiptt @WorshipTTU


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