Any advice for a new worship leader?

NoTim · April 13th, 2006, 05:29 AM

I just got the job today. I've done some fill-in gigs, and have been leading for a couple of months at youth group, but now I've got the responsibility of the whole thing.

I'm half stoked and half terrified.

I'll basically be building the whole thing from the ground up. The last guy, who is very talented, preferred to do the solo guitar thing.

So, any advice or words of wisdom from the P & W leaders and musicians out there?

Also, prayers would be helpful.

In His Service,

NoTim

andy__woods · April 13th, 2006, 12:40 PM

well, Here's my two cents, and I've been in the Sunday morning Praise band at my church for about 15 months, and have played in the youth group for over 4 years.

As far as musicians go, I am really happy with our setup:
Drummer
Bass
Guitar (acoustic and electric, just swap occasionally)
Piano
Keyboard/Synth
Director

This provides a good mix of sounds that can be produced, and I would like to get another guitarist in as well, so that both electric and acoustic are going. The big thing, and since you are heading up the 'band' you can do this, is to really let people know the sound you want. I had to lead the practice last night, and the drummer and bassist followed instructions really well. The pianist and keyboardists kind of did their own thing though, and it made it confusing, and really didn't help the sound. Find people who are good musicians, and who are willing to maybe not play a song occasionally, in order to promote the sound.

And pray about it! Congratulations on the job, being part of the praise band for me is some of the most fun I have, and I hope it is the same for you!

franchelB · April 13th, 2006, 06:11 PM

I'd suggest doing songs that most people know. And if you want to teach the congregtaion new songs, do it v-e-r-y...s-l-o-w-l-y, and repeat it often until they start to catch on to the songs.
Also, try and ease into the job position, don't "upset the apple cart". Some in the assembly might not be too keen to changes, especially musical changes...

GoldieLocks · April 13th, 2006, 10:27 PM

I've had tons of fun in church bands, and I've suffered sooooo much angst. Good luck.

Here's some things that help me.

1) amateur musicians - if they show up on time, and their in tune...then they're the best musicians in the world. Beginners don't think like pros, lower your expectations. & they're not on the payroll.

2) Rehearse your intro & extros - If a song has a tricky part, make the band do it over & over again. I like to do parts 3x in a row to make sure we got it.

3) Teach your musicians how to jam & have fun with music - seriously most church musicians have no idea how fun & free music can be. Just have fun playing 3 chords over & over with different dynamics & fills.

4) Make everyone go home & learn their scales - (except drummers). Most Christian musicians I know don't really understand music...especially singers & guitar players.

5) In the Grand scheme of things musics not that important (can't believe I said that). Being ministered to and making friends is.

Good luck. Sometimes you'll have 10 musicians, sometimes just you. Be ready for anything.

Jim W · April 14th, 2006, 09:55 AM

I have been the lead guitarist in our Church's Praise Team for over 8 years. We have a floating group of people - which may include up to 2 keyboards, another guitarist, sax, flute, trumpet, and clarinet, drums and several vocalists - alas we have been unable to keep a bass player. The vocalists and some of the instrumentalist rotate on a schedule

To make it work we have found that the following is necessary to be successful.

First and formost this is being done to lead the worship service and to Praise the Lord not show case your talents. This is not why you are there.

We also have only one rule - if you want to be part of the service on Sunday you have to come to the practice. Occassionalyl, we do make an exception for our drummer (he is the military so he isn't always able to make practice). He knows most of the songs that we are going to do so it generally works out.

a. Pray - before and after practice and at the services

b. check the egos at the door - it is group effort and everybody is replaceable, listen to each other, and remember the 100% rule. If you only have 4 instruments, each instrument should play about 25%. Of course the exact distribution will depend upon the specific conditions (i.e., sax solo - the other instrumentalist drop back and play less and sax will play more). Remember you are part of a team.

c. We don't do alot of "solos" but if we do we spread it around.

d. Practice - don't do your first service until you are ready

e. You need a music director (ultimately calls the shots) i.e., is the song working? do we do it good enough for a service (if not drop it) - and keeps things organized (keep track of who is going to be part of the team this week. We also have several team members that are part of the Worship Committee that works with the Pastor to set a general course as to where things are going.

Originally we did not "audition" muscians and singers, but we pay more attention to this now, so there usally is some sort of audition.

f. Currently we have about 8 people who prepare the weekly service (order and song selection). We rotate this so you only have to do this 2 or 3 times a quarter

g. We have always ran our Praise Team as a democracy, we decide what we are going to do as a group. We generally do not have alot of issues. Occassionally we will be asked to conduct a service at another church, or play at a wedding etc. We have sponsered a Praise Music festival where we have teams come from other churches in the area to put on a days worth of music. We would vote on these types of things (to determine whether we have a bodies to do it or not)

In 8 years we have really only had one big problem, we had to remove one of the worship leaders from the worship leader role. This definately needed team vote.

h. Our team is bless with a Pastor that lets us have complete control on the Praise Service - we pick the songs, the order of service etc. The Pastor basically just delivers the sermon (thus he doen't have worry about the praise service). He does let use know (most of time) if something special has to be planned for (Baptism, quest speaker, etc.)

k Make the sound person part of the team (also the video person if there is one). Our regular sound person and his backups do a good job of trying make use sound good (keeping volume and mixes under control). My personal preference is that I don't always like his mix, but it is his job to make us "sound good", so I let him do it.

tom grossheider · April 14th, 2006, 03:11 PM

The only advice I have to offer is to spend more time on your knees before God than in front of an audience. Only then will be a worshipful experience when they catch your fire. Hope that helps.

NoTim · April 14th, 2006, 11:04 PM

Thanks for all of these good responses. I find that most of them are already a part of my plans, which is confirmation I'm on the right track.

maestrovert · April 15th, 2006, 12:36 AM

WORSHIP !!
(it's NOT a "show"...... y'know ?)

PRAY !!

Relax and have fun , (joy might be the better word) it's contagious !

Blessings, and best wishes 'bro

tom grossheider · April 17th, 2006, 02:30 PM

Worship, the free breath of a ransomed soul.......

junkstuff · June 6th, 2006, 10:38 PM

Hey I have some tips for you...

I'm a relatively new worship leader and I've run across dozens of problems...

1) Make sure to make your set ahead of time
2) Have ample time for practice before service
3) Have ample time to practice during the week. (Not just worship music, but all kinds. That way your band can mesh together and it'll be a lot more fun and enjoyable.)
4) Pray
5) Enjoy it...THIS is my biggest problem..i don't enjoy leading worship as much as I enjoy playing backup or playing bass. My church uses a rotation schedule...Make sure you enjoy leading and that you feel called to lead your church in worship

Have fun, God bless

thunderbyrd · June 7th, 2006, 03:18 AM

not as a leader, but as a layman, i'll make this comment: take time to do a soundcheck and go out in the pews and hear what your sound system actually sounds like out there...i've been in several churches where they haven't done this or at least it sounded like they hadn't, because all we were getting out in the seats was an aural mush.

collinsman · June 7th, 2006, 09:26 AM

I used to go to this large church and there was a guy who was a great musician, but I always felt I was being entertained, too much solo stuff etc. If I want to get entertained I'll go see a gig somewhere, I really hate solos period in church.
There an old adage that says: " seek to express, not to impress." 8)

popthree · June 7th, 2006, 10:56 AM

www.justworship.com

i recently found this site, and while i have not read everything this guy has to say, but i think that overall, he has some worthwhile thoughts on worship.

marvelous · May 22nd, 2008, 11:15 PM

1. The best thing you can do is to mix styles like 50/50 to keep the younger & older gereations happy. Do not do all contemporary music or will alienate the older generation. If you do all traditional you will somehow alienate the younger generation which I will never understand.
2. Also mix the instrumentation so you don't just hear a keyboard, you can hear ALL the instruments.
3. Try to keep the music upbeat instead of a lot of this depressing stuff. As part of the congregation you want to feel better after so called P & W, then worse.
4. The congregation does not need to feel they are at a rock concert. The whole community does not want to hear the music.
Marvelous
2000 Fender Nashville Telecaster
1966 Gretsch Jet Firebird.

SatelliteOrders · May 23rd, 2008, 12:48 AM

Work with your band, especially your drummers, if you're gonna break out a tune in 3/4 time. Your drummer is likely mostly a rock player, and rock players don't know anything but 4/4. If you don't teach waltz time, they'll have to figure it out on the hot seat.

Also, as the lead guitarist on Wednesdays says, "No drummer is better than a bad drummer". It's OK to have nobody hitting the strings if you have no good candidates.

April 13th, 2006, 05:29 AM	#1 (permalink)
NoTim TDPRI Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Surprise, Arizona Posts: 28	Any advice for a new worship leader? I just got the job today. I've done some fill-in gigs, and have been leading for a couple of months at youth group, but now I've got the responsibility of the whole thing. I'm half stoked and half terrified. I'll basically be building the whole thing from the ground up. The last guy, who is very talented, preferred to do the solo guitar thing. So, any advice or words of wisdom from the P & W leaders and musicians out there? Also, prayers would be helpful. In His Service, NoTim __________________ God bless us everyone..

April 13th, 2006, 12:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
andy__woods Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Michigan Age: 23 Posts: 1,158 60 Photos	well, Here's my two cents, and I've been in the Sunday morning Praise band at my church for about 15 months, and have played in the youth group for over 4 years. As far as musicians go, I am really happy with our setup: Drummer Bass Guitar (acoustic and electric, just swap occasionally) Piano Keyboard/Synth Director This provides a good mix of sounds that can be produced, and I would like to get another guitarist in as well, so that both electric and acoustic are going. The big thing, and since you are heading up the 'band' you can do this, is to really let people know the sound you want. I had to lead the practice last night, and the drummer and bassist followed instructions really well. The pianist and keyboardists kind of did their own thing though, and it made it confusing, and really didn't help the sound. Find people who are good musicians, and who are willing to maybe not play a song occasionally, in order to promote the sound. And pray about it! Congratulations on the job, being part of the praise band for me is some of the most fun I have, and I hope it is the same for you! __________________ -- Andy "Woods" Crowder --

April 13th, 2006, 10:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
GoldieLocks Tele-Holic Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Abbotsford B.C. Posts: 833	Worship band? I've had tons of fun in church bands, and I've suffered sooooo much angst. Good luck. Here's some things that help me. 1) amateur musicians - if they show up on time, and their in tune...then they're the best musicians in the world. Beginners don't think like pros, lower your expectations. & they're not on the payroll. 2) Rehearse your intro & extros - If a song has a tricky part, make the band do it over & over again. I like to do parts 3x in a row to make sure we got it. 3) Teach your musicians how to jam & have fun with music - seriously most church musicians have no idea how fun & free music can be. Just have fun playing 3 chords over & over with different dynamics & fills. 4) Make everyone go home & learn their scales - (except drummers). Most Christian musicians I know don't really understand music...especially singers & guitar players. 5) In the Grand scheme of things musics not that important (can't believe I said that). Being ministered to and making friends is. Good luck. Sometimes you'll have 10 musicians, sometimes just you. Be ready for anything. __________________ "How little I know inspires me tremendously! I'm a huge fan of other people's playing." Bonnie Raitt

April 14th, 2006, 11:04 PM	#7 (permalink)
NoTim TDPRI Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Surprise, Arizona Posts: 28	Thanks for all of these good responses. I find that most of them are already a part of my plans, which is confirmation I'm on the right track. __________________ God bless us everyone..

April 15th, 2006, 12:36 AM	#8 (permalink)
maestrovert Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: West Branch Mi. Posts: 6,471	WORSHIP !! (it's NOT a "show"...... y'know ?) PRAY !! Relax and have fun , (joy might be the better word) it's contagious ! Blessings, and best wishes 'bro __________________ Sing the Song Bro' Play on Drummer www.godonthe.net

April 13th, 2006, 06:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
franchelB Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Irving, United States of Texas! Age: 43 Posts: 1,857	I'd suggest doing songs that most people know. And if you want to teach the congregtaion new songs, do it v-e-r-y...s-l-o-w-l-y, and repeat it often until they start to catch on to the songs. Also, try and ease into the job position, don't "upset the apple cart". Some in the assembly might not be too keen to changes, especially musical changes...

April 14th, 2006, 09:55 AM	#5 (permalink)
Jim W Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 447	I have been the lead guitarist in our Church's Praise Team for over 8 years. We have a floating group of people - which may include up to 2 keyboards, another guitarist, sax, flute, trumpet, and clarinet, drums and several vocalists - alas we have been unable to keep a bass player. The vocalists and some of the instrumentalist rotate on a schedule To make it work we have found that the following is necessary to be successful. First and formost this is being done to lead the worship service and to Praise the Lord not show case your talents. This is not why you are there. We also have only one rule - if you want to be part of the service on Sunday you have to come to the practice. Occassionalyl, we do make an exception for our drummer (he is the military so he isn't always able to make practice). He knows most of the songs that we are going to do so it generally works out. a. Pray - before and after practice and at the services b. check the egos at the door - it is group effort and everybody is replaceable, listen to each other, and remember the 100% rule. If you only have 4 instruments, each instrument should play about 25%. Of course the exact distribution will depend upon the specific conditions (i.e., sax solo - the other instrumentalist drop back and play less and sax will play more). Remember you are part of a team. c. We don't do alot of "solos" but if we do we spread it around. d. Practice - don't do your first service until you are ready e. You need a music director (ultimately calls the shots) i.e., is the song working? do we do it good enough for a service (if not drop it) - and keeps things organized (keep track of who is going to be part of the team this week. We also have several team members that are part of the Worship Committee that works with the Pastor to set a general course as to where things are going. Originally we did not "audition" muscians and singers, but we pay more attention to this now, so there usally is some sort of audition. f. Currently we have about 8 people who prepare the weekly service (order and song selection). We rotate this so you only have to do this 2 or 3 times a quarter g. We have always ran our Praise Team as a democracy, we decide what we are going to do as a group. We generally do not have alot of issues. Occassionally we will be asked to conduct a service at another church, or play at a wedding etc. We have sponsered a Praise Music festival where we have teams come from other churches in the area to put on a days worth of music. We would vote on these types of things (to determine whether we have a bodies to do it or not) In 8 years we have really only had one big problem, we had to remove one of the worship leaders from the worship leader role. This definately needed team vote. h. Our team is bless with a Pastor that lets us have complete control on the Praise Service - we pick the songs, the order of service etc. The Pastor basically just delivers the sermon (thus he doen't have worry about the praise service). He does let use know (most of time) if something special has to be planned for (Baptism, quest speaker, etc.) k Make the sound person part of the team (also the video person if there is one). Our regular sound person and his backups do a good job of trying make use sound good (keeping volume and mixes under control). My personal preference is that I don't always like his mix, but it is his job to make us "sound good", so I let him do it.

April 14th, 2006, 03:11 PM	#6 (permalink)
tom grossheider Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Mokena, IL Posts: 730	The only advice I have to offer is to spend more time on your knees before God than in front of an audience. Only then will be a worshipful experience when they catch your fire. Hope that helps.

April 17th, 2006, 02:30 PM	#9 (permalink)
tom grossheider Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Mokena, IL Posts: 730	Worship, the free breath of a ransomed soul.......

June 6th, 2006, 10:38 PM	#10 (permalink)
junkstuff NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3	Hey I have some tips for you... I'm a relatively new worship leader and I've run across dozens of problems... 1) Make sure to make your set ahead of time 2) Have ample time for practice before service 3) Have ample time to practice during the week. (Not just worship music, but all kinds. That way your band can mesh together and it'll be a lot more fun and enjoyable.) 4) Pray 5) Enjoy it...THIS is my biggest problem..i don't enjoy leading worship as much as I enjoy playing backup or playing bass. My church uses a rotation schedule...Make sure you enjoy leading and that you feel called to lead your church in worship Have fun, God bless

June 7th, 2006, 03:18 AM	#11 (permalink)
thunderbyrd Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: central ky Age: 49 Posts: 518	not as a leader, but as a layman, i'll make this comment: take time to do a soundcheck and go out in the pews and hear what your sound system actually sounds like out there...i've been in several churches where they haven't done this or at least it sounded like they hadn't, because all we were getting out in the seats was an aural mush.

June 7th, 2006, 09:26 AM	#12 (permalink)
collinsman Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2006 Location: " Land Of Ten Thousand Taxes" Posts: 1,119	my take I used to go to this large church and there was a guy who was a great musician, but I always felt I was being entertained, too much solo stuff etc. If I want to get entertained I'll go see a gig somewhere, I really hate solos period in church. There an old adage that says: " seek to express, not to impress." 8) __________________ The Tele, my favorite axe and I love the Players - Albert Collins, Roy Buchanon, Robben Ford, Danny Gatton, Jerry Donohue, & many others.

June 7th, 2006, 10:56 AM	#13 (permalink)
popthree Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Tulsa Age: 43 Posts: 2,801 45 Photos	www.justworship.com i recently found this site, and while i have not read everything this guy has to say, but i think that overall, he has some worthwhile thoughts on worship. __________________ don't taze me bro !

May 22nd, 2008, 11:15 PM	#14 (permalink)
marvelous TDPRI Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Beebe, Ar Age: 50 Posts: 23	Any advice for a new worship leader? 1. The best thing you can do is to mix styles like 50/50 to keep the younger & older gereations happy. Do not do all contemporary music or will alienate the older generation. If you do all traditional you will somehow alienate the younger generation which I will never understand. 2. Also mix the instrumentation so you don't just hear a keyboard, you can hear ALL the instruments. 3. Try to keep the music upbeat instead of a lot of this depressing stuff. As part of the congregation you want to feel better after so called P & W, then worse. 4. The congregation does not need to feel they are at a rock concert. The whole community does not want to hear the music. Marvelous 2000 Fender Nashville Telecaster 1966 Gretsch Jet Firebird.

May 23rd, 2008, 12:48 AM	#15 (permalink)
SatelliteOrders Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lafayette, IN Age: 38 Posts: 642	Work with your band, especially your drummers, if you're gonna break out a tune in 3/4 time. Your drummer is likely mostly a rock player, and rock players don't know anything but 4/4. If you don't teach waltz time, they'll have to figure it out on the hot seat. Also, as the lead guitarist on Wednesdays says, "No drummer is better than a bad drummer". It's OK to have nobody hitting the strings if you have no good candidates. __________________