There is this thing inside of us that wants others to approve. We want people to like us. We clean up and shape up when others are looking for fear that if they saw us for who we really are, they would not like us.

Fear can be paralyzing. Some of us can get ourselves all tied up in knots, navigating all types of contortions just to fit in. We adjust. We edit. We perform. We hide. We play it safe. Consequently, we live from places of perpetual tiredness for all the emotional and physical gymnastics we engage in, just so others will be OK with us, and therefore, make us feel OK with ourselves. It’s an exhausting way to live – not to mention that it can also be exhausting for those around us.

What if we were to find a quiet spot, open up our thoughts, our hearts and ourselves to the Voice of God. What if we were to ask Him how He sees us? Some of us might be surprised at what we hear. You won’t hear condemnation or judgment. If you do, then take note. If you hear anything that contradicts what the Bible says about you in any way, then, acknowledge it for the lie it is. Renounce it and ask God to replace it with His truth.

He will…if you listen.

Is it possible to get to a place where we are comfortable in our own skin to the point that what others think of us no longer has power over us? Is it possible to get to that spot where we find ourselves so secure in how God sees us that we are no longer afraid of others’ opinions, but rather, we stand fearlessly confident in who God knows us to be?

What God says about you is what matters. We are not meant to be molded by the status quo, nor are we to be shaped by what others think about us. Only God, the One who created us, has the right to define us. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He holds the standard – and He thinks you’re amazing!

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This was a question that one of my newest team members asked me. She went on to explain, that she has felt God’s presence so strong, that she could not sing. She had to close her eyes and bask in the wonderful presence of God. I just smiled at her as she went on sharing her experience. She stopped for a minute and said to me, “Was that okay when I stopped singing”? You see, she is new when it comes to being on a worship team. In the past she has done choir singing and performed in dramas.

As a leader you need to know how to train the (as we say) the new kids on the block. Also, you are responsible for being the example of how to flow in unity and be directed by the Holy Spirit.

“Leadership is the transference of vision” As quoted by Hal Reed.

I reassured her that it was okay to close her eyes as she was being touched by God. When you know they are new to the platform area, there is always time for maturity and training. We as leaders can get so hung up on how things look, that we can forget that it is all about the presence of God.

The Holy Spirit is the best trainer, but next to Him, he establishes a leader and their team to help be the examples to others. I love to see the growth in new team members, so as your team grows to another level, then you realize that the power you have been entrusted with, is to empower people to grow in God.

Other Leading Worship Articles.

When is comes to choosing material for worship services, this is very true. Although, I pray, no one will die because of poorly chosen service elements, we can destroy a worship experience when this happens. I’m sure we all labor over each song, transitions, and other elements every week. We go back and forth, walking through it in our minds and bouncing it off our pastors and other key team members.

But what about choosing your artists? One of my favorite parts of my job is choosing songs that are a “perfect fit” for a singer or a musician. Our team consists of all volunteers and I am amazed at the different levels of talent and ability they each possess. Not everyone is a mega soloist or smokin’-hot lead guitar player, but they each bring such a different style and taste to our worship experience. Nothing gets me more excited than when I’m praying through worship planning and I find just the right song for the team member that has already been scheduled for that particular Sunday! Those are major “God-moments” for me!

Now I know that there are some styles of our team members that, frankly, just don’t work in the context of what we do. That is tough. I put those under the category of “choosing poorly.” It’s my responsibility to best know my congregation and the purpose of our corporate gatherings and make sure that every element lines up with those parameters. Those are not fun conversations and can be very difficult to communicate to someone who has such a heart to serve, but not the level of artistry to clearly communicate it in our context.

With that said, when you DO find an artist from within your church that CAN communicate their art, do you give them that opportunity? Do you look for ways to highlight and celebrate the different flavors of creatives that God has brought to you? Does the way you perceive “your style” enhance or restrict the opportunities of the people God has sent you to serve in your ministry? Have you not “chosen wisely” at times and stifled or maybe ran off artists from your ministry or even your church?

My prayer is that you are actively seeking ways to celebrate the unique artists in your church. I pray that you are “choosing wisely” how to best use the team God has given you the privilege to lead and empower. I’m so thankful for the artists that God has sent our church. I feel a HUGE responsibility to help them grow and to give them opportunity to celebrate their unique artistry…and my constant prayer is for MORE of them!

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There is a popular quote by a man named, Zig Ziglar. He says, “If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.” It sounds simple, but how often do we ramble through life without really knowing what we are shooting for?

Each one of us has a destiny. Each one of us has been created for a purpose. God had a reason for bringing us into existence. He has a plan. He has put specific gifts and talents and passions within us. He has anointed us for different tasks. He has equipped us uniquely to do what we are uniquely called to do.

For those who have not yet connected to what that calling or destiny is, it can be incredibly frustrating. Sometimes God seems silent. We want to know what direction to sail. We want to have something to shoot at. If we don’t see it, however, we start fearing that there is nothing out there for us to do. Nothing seems clear and we wander.

Sometimes we bounce back and forth, much like a sailboat does when tacking (see previous post) and we become discouraged. We begin to think that there is no target out there to shoot for because the twists and turns in our lives make no sense. For those of us who do have a target in sight, the incredibly crooked and indirect path that leads us there makes us wonder if we really are headed in the right direction.

God knows the plans He has for us. They are good plans. They are plans that give us hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) We may not have the specifics all laid out the way we would like, but God does have a plan and He knows what we need to be prepared for it. If we haven’t connected with our destiny just yet, perhaps it is because He knows we are not yet ready. He is, however, continually moving us toward what He created us for. Preparing us. Molding us.

In the 1640’s, the Westminster Shorter Catechism posed this question: “What is the chief end of man?” What is the target before us? What are we shooting for? The answer – “To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” (I Cor 10:31; Phil 4:4) That is our target. This is what we are shooting for!  When all of the other details seem fuzzy, this one thing remains clear.

Our sights should be set firmly on bringing glory to God no matter what we put our hand to, and enjoy Him and His goodness, allowing Him to unfold the rest. We can trust Him to work it out. He knows what is best. He knows what we need to make us ready. We can trust Him.

I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Jeremiah 29:11 MSG

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I find that the same needs to be applied when you lead people in worship.

But what is vocally leading?
Simply put, it’s where you say out loud the next part of the song that you’re wanting to head, usually in the form of saying the first line of that part.

When you vocally lead people to where you want to go, it serves two purposes. The main purpose is to give a signal to your musicians as to where you are taking the song, hopefully in tune with the Holy Spirit as to what God wants in the worship directed to Him. The second reason is often overlooked, but by leading the worship team vocally, you also end up leading the congregation as well. Two birds, one stone saying ensues…

Often the worship team sets up a myriad of hand signals designed to direct the team to different parts of the song. These are very useful, especially where space between parts is limited, or if there is a sense of quiet reflection and it might be difficult to vocally lead the next part of the song sensitively. But it needs to be coupled with strong vocal leading.

As a guitarist, I don’t have hand signals, but foot signals. My foot signals won’t actually lead the team to different parts of the song, but instead instructs whether I’m wanting to bring up the dynamics of the song, or bring it down to quiet and possibly bring a close to the song. Leading to the different parts have to either be vocally lead, or I have to launch into the next part and do the first line or so as a solo, which sometimes works just fine.

So, how do I vocally lead?
As you arrive at the end of a chorus, or verse or chorus, and some direction is needed, stop singing (whilst allowing the congregation and backing vocals to carry the song) and simply say the line of the next part you are feeling the Holy Spirit is leading you. As an alternative to simply saying it, build it into a tune, so that you are almost singing the direction you wish to head. It really is that simple. Remember, you don’t have to sing everything. You can stop and lead everyone, including the congregation, into the next part of the song.

Why is it important?
As mentioned, it leads your fellow musicians, as well as the congregation. But it also allows you to move away from what I call ‘prescribed worship’, where the order of the parts of the song is already decided on and practiced. It doesn’t necessarily lend itself to any adjustment or freedom, to be lead by the Spirit, to repeat a verse, or sing another chorus or even head to a new song altogether. It is important to be able to be free enough to allow for this, to adapt with how the congregation is engaged, and to feel God’s presence, and by vocally leading during these times, the music team and congregation can follow you with confidence as they worship.

Other Leading Worship Articles.

It just so happened that right at that moment, the choir was exiting the sanctuary. Both the ambulance crew and the choir filled the lobby as the choir continued to sing. Thinking quickly (and knowing that the congregation would soon be entering the lobby too), the director lined up the choir so that they made a wall, hiding the emergency scene with the man dying. As the congregation joyfully walked out of the sanctuary, they were greeted by the worshipful songs of the smiling choir. They didn’t even realize that just beyond their sight… was a dying man.

So I ask you… how far is that situation from your worship team’s reality?  Are you singing songs while people are dying spiritually?

It’s kind of a trick question.  Of course there are people in your church who are dying spiritually.  And of course you’re singing songs… you’re the worship team!  That really isn’t the question.  The real question is: what is your worship team’s attitude?  Are your songs forming a wall of distraction, keeping your team from seeing the dying people?  Are you caught up in all the smiles and joy?  Does your team realize the vital role they play in the spiritual health of your congregation?  It’ not that your worship team can perform spiritual CPR.  But your team needs to take the worship time seriously.  There is a spiritual battle being waged, and it is life or death.  People’s spiritual lives are at stake!

See past the wall, past the smiles and past the songs.  There is a battle to be waged.  The battle call is sounding.

Now go answer the call,

Scott

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Here are a few things to think about:

Acoustic guitar: You will need to know the acoustic guitar parts to the songs you are playing and how they differ from your parts. Sometimes the only difference will be the strum pattern. If you play the exact same strumming pattern as the acoustic player, you will soon be having a conversation with the sound tech–or worse, they will just turn one of you off!

Chording: If you are going to excel in the role of rhythm electric guitar, you must be familiar with all open chords without using a capo.

Capos: Be aware that capos are often used by acoustic guitar players. If you are both using a capo, make sure it is not on the same fret as it is on the acoustic guitar.

Power chords: Know and use power chords. Sometimes (about 12% of the time) power chords are the perfect fit, so use them sparingly unless the worship leader specifically asks for them.

Sound spectrum: You are the bass player of the midrange instruments (at least when you’re strumming chords). This means that you need to be rhythmically locked-in with the bass player.

Take some breaks: There will be times when you start a song and play straight through to the end. Let that be the exception, not the rule. Sometimes the best way to inject energy into a song is to wait (for what may seem a painfully long time) before you come in.

Your tone knob: get the screaming sound that you like, then turn your tone knob down (I like mine between 5 and 7). This will take the edge off of your sound and help separate it from that of the acoustic guitar. Also, the sound tech will love you for it!

Lastly, if you know both of the roles of rhythm guitar and lead guitar (and deep down you would prefer to be in the role of lead guitar ), continue to bless and serve humbly in your current role as electric rhythm guitarist. Speak privately with your worship leader about your desire to play lead guitar. They are thankful for you and would love to invest in your journey toward your goal.

That having been said, there is no shame in being the rhythm guitarist, because you help take the band to the next level. So play your whole notes and eighth notes, then sit back and listen to the beautiful music!

Learn your role, know your part, embrace your team.

Nic

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By functional preparation, I am referring to the areas of worship leading where there is opportunity for distraction to occur.   From a pragmatic perspective, worship leading is about focusing attention solely on God.  One of the skills of a highly effective worship leader is the ability to recognize areas where distractions can occur and to eliminate, to the best of his or her ability, the opportunity for those distractions to rob God of focus.  There are many obvious areas where opportunity for distraction is available.  Some of these include sound issues, lighting issues, words (lack of, wrong, misspelled, etc.) on the screens, your zipper being down while leading, etc.  In some of these areas, ultimate control of limiting distractions does not land with the worship leader (the zipper thing definitely does).  However, there are details that lack of preparation gives just as much chance to cause distraction or at minimum awkward moments.  These details are totally in the control of the worship leader.

1.  MEMORIZATION:  I am making an assumption that most churches have employed some type of “confidence” monitor for the worship team.  This may be on a TV screen on the platform or projected on the back wall.  This is a fantastic tool if used appropriately.  Unfortunately this tool is often used as a teleprompter rather than a confidence monitor.  I get it, there are times when for example a new song is being introduced and time has not been available to memorize all the words.  I have been there too.  However, if during every song you or your worship teams eyes are glued to the general location of the monitor, it shows a general lack of preparation for leading.  Some times it is good to turn off the confidence monitor to force you and your team to memorize lyrics.

2.  TRANSITIONS:  Creating worship “flow” is a craft.  Flow thrives or dies in transitions.  The spaces between songs can be the most awkward times in worship.  Preparing for how one song ends and the next one begins, key changes, musical interludes, prayer, scripture and exhortation are all elements that need to be considered in order to eliminate distractions.  Spend time working through the endings and beginnings of songs.   This will give you an idea of how the songs flow together.   Do the song keys, tempos, themes flow smoothly?  There is a lot of material available for suggestions and rules to follow when choosing song keys.  As far as verbal transitions are concerned, I believe that less is best.  When I was a younger worship leader, I learned quickly that I was not good enough to navigate transitions and create worship flow on the fly.  There were many services I would walk off the platform in disbelief at something I had said the just made no sense.  I remember one time during a greeting moment, I had the congregation welcome one another and “wish each other luck.”  What I learned over time is that really good worship leaders have a keen sense of perceiving and responding to what God is doing.  This develops through practice and maturity.  Paul Baloche teaches on the subject of flow.  I took his wisdom and began writing my transitions, scriptures, etc. into my worship set.  This helps eliminate awkward moments.

Other Leading Worship Articles.

Recently I was approached by a member of our congregation, and she asked me, “Did you hear the guitars prophesying to us this morning”? I probably looked a little startled by her comment. She was so sure as to what she thought she heard and felt. Naturally, she was waiting for my response. I had to choose my words wisely to know how to explain it to her in a way that would be understandable and uplifting.

Over the last couple of years, I’ve heard the body of believers speak on this matter, “Can and instrument prophesy”? What is surprising to me is that Christians believe an instrument can prophesy. An instrument cannot physically speak. We sing and we speak His praises. I am not here to disprove what someone may believe, but I know what the word of God says about it. Psalms chapter 22 verse 3, “God inhabits the praises of His people.” The word inhabit means to live or dwell in.

Musicians can certainly play by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can and will enhance the playing skill of that musician. Remember, the music is not to entertain us, but it is to help usher in the realm of corporate praise and worship. So you see, we have a responsibility as a worship team which is to take the congregation into the throne room of God, and allow God’s anointing to flow in us and through us.

I am not an scholar on this subject, but I do believe what the word of God tells me, “God inhabits the praises of His people”. We sing and we speak His praises. So the next time you hear someone say, “Did you hear that instrument prophesy”? You will understand that they probably meant to say, that the Holy Spirit was using that musicians skill and their obedience to flow in the Holy Spirit.

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