Eight Things Every Worship Leader Should Know
I came across this Perry Noble post tonight after reading the latest posts on Thoughts Of A Worshiper. Perry has listed eight things he reckons every worship leader should know.
I think it’s a great list. I’ve heard the people say before about keeping your eyes open (#1). I think if you aren’t floating away into your own world but keeping a check on where the congregation is, then closing your eyes now and again is fine.
Don’t talk too much just sing (#2) is ok for me… because that’s just what I do.
I do surround myself with talented people (#3) - the majority of the time more talented than myself!
I like this encouragement to write songs (#4) even if no-one else is going to sing them. This was good for me to read.
Go to concerts (#5). I’m not a big fan of concerts (christian or non-christian) - never have been. I’ve been to a few in my time, but prefer just to grab the cd and listen to that.
I like to read scripture (#6), but I’ll admit - I don’t read it enough. Not nearly enough. Maybe I should be reading it now rather than writing this post?
Some weeks I would ring the pastor (#7) or whoever is leading the meeting and try to work on the theme they will be using on Sunday. Some churches are more organised than others and seem to have their themes worked out way in advance. We don’t - at least I don’t know about it.
Placing God’s plans before my own (#8) is something I know we have to do… and I hope I am doing it. Sure, I have ambitions (musically) and I need to push forward to seize opportunity when it arises. However, I aim to push forward prayerfully so I do not step on God’s toes. His plan comes first. After all - His plan is the best possible for my life - why would I want to spoil that?
Ok, how do you guys line up against that list? Do you agree with the points outlined? Let’s have your comments!
September 5th, 2007 at 3:53 am
yeah interesting list…
Im ok with closing eyes as long as you are not disconnected…it isnt a concert..
and def. write your own worship.
September 5th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
Check out Don Potters articles on
http://www.potterhausmusic.net/main.htm
(click on photo of Don and “a bit scary looking” wife.) These articles are the best practical advice for worship leaders about motive etc I’ve read for a long time.
September 5th, 2007 at 9:42 pm
Thanks for the link Peter. I will check those articles out.
September 5th, 2007 at 9:44 pm
Hi Joel, I know I do close my eyes from time to time… but I’m very careful to make sure I don’t leave people behind. If a song isn’t working, I’ll move on through the set.
September 6th, 2007 at 1:08 am
Regarding number 7, our church is moving more and more towards layered and team-oriented worship planning (as opposed to unilateral). The whole pastoral staff and creative team works collectively. We use the “big idea” method - start 9 or 10 weeks out with the “big idea” of the service (largely based on the sermon topic) and the work on building the service piece-by-piece as the week approaches. The week directly preceding is spent pretty much just tweaking. It’s a new model for us but I am finding it very freeing in the sense that, by the time the week arrives, our whole team is very much “on the same page” and unified in what we want the congregation to THINK, FEEL, and DO at the end of each service.
Definitely not the only way to go about it, but we’re finding it to be pretty effective!
September 6th, 2007 at 11:37 am
Sounds good Stephen!
September 20th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
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