Worship leaders, when you’re leading people into worship through music, you’ve got their attention for 20 +/- minutes while you’re up there. I know I don’t have to explain the significance of the responsibility you carry. Or the weight that comes with being given the task of leading people into God’s presence. I know we’re all aware of that. But, what I do want to challenge you with is to make the most of the time you’ve got in front of your people.
We can do so much more than to just lead the people to sing the songs we’re playing. So why not really step into leading them? Don’t always be content with just getting on stage and letting the music carry the worship set. Find those strategic moments where you can insert God’s Truth, God’s Word into their hearts. Whether it’s in the middle of a song, or setting up a song, or closing. Whatever. Prepare enough in advance to know what Scriptures you could use at certain points in your set. Think and pray through what you’re going to say before getting up there. The Holy Spirit can move just as much in your preparation as he can on stage in the moment. So why not be prepared on the front end, and then be open to his leading when your up there?
We challenge ourselves in this area a lot. We think through every transition we make in and out of each song. We ask if there needs to be anything said, Scripture read, Scripture quoted, a prayer prayed, or just go directly into the next song. We write those verbal transitions out (whatever they may be, and whenever they may fall in the set), and set them to memory.
And be creative. Actually put thought into what you say. Don’t just settle for an opening, “Welcome to church, stand to your feet and worship with us” every single week. You’ve got their attention for a short amount of time, so make the most of it. Make every one of your words count that you speak from stage. So instead, open with an actual call to worship. Tell them where you’re going that day in worship. Remind them why they are there. Proclaim the works of God to steer their hearts in the right direction. Open up by letting Ps. 8, Ps.48, Ps. 103 direct your words. Sometimes people are showing up with the weight of the world on their shoulders, and they need a little help getting focused. That’s your job – that’s why you’re a worship leader. Don’t allow people under your ministry to simply show up and sing songs like they did Friday night at karaoke. God wants to do more there. So speak life into your congregation. Don’t waste the opportunity to lead.
If you’ve attended Elevation before, or joined us online for a worship experience, you know that we aren’t ones to get up there and ramble on either. We don’t misuse our time or platform. Some weeks we may not say much at all from the stage. But I can guarantee that what we did say was thought out and prayed over. And once again, if you’re not sure where to start with your “verbal transitions,” start in the Word of God. Quote it over your people. Read it out loud to them. That won’t let you down.
So that’s my call for you to make the most of every opportunity you have while leading your people. Put more thought into what you say. Please. Your people will appreciate the leadership.
Thank you for this inspirational post. As a growing worship leader in my college campus ministry, this advice is so true. I struggle with what to say during worship experiences because I don’t want to detract from the music. You have helped me see that a simple scripture or word of prayer may be exactly what is needed. Thanks so much.
Your prayers during worship have touched my soul time & time again. I definately feel God’s presence &
know that it is way beyond the incredible music you play. You are touching people’s lives in more ways than you know.
Thank you for having a sense of urgency each weekend.
A Thankful fellow Elevator-
Jenn Rinaldo
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This was a challenge i really needed. Our worship team has been together for about 6 weeks and I needed the gentle nudge. There are so many dynamics going on during praise and worship to watch for, not to mention being led by the Holy Spirit, knowing what to speak or if to speak, and so on. I know we are a new team, but being obedient to the Holy Spirit has to be the most important of them all. Thanks for the reminder.
So convicting! So Encouraging. Thanks guys! We try the same and find as you said, the Holy Spirit blesses the prep just as much as the actual moment in worship. Bless you!!!
Great thoughts. I talk with lots of artists who use their spontaneity and “quick on your feet” attitude as an excuse to not do the prep work of thinking through introductions and transitions. If the Holy Spirit can be guiding us through each moment of the service as we’re leading, why can the Holy Spirit not be guiding us days or weeks in advance for what we should be saying in those moments?
Thanks for the encouragement. This is something artists need to be reminded of!
this is something I have been struggling with lately and I think this was a reaffirmation of my questioning of how I should be leading. Our church likes to have every detail planned out but it is some of those “spontaneous” moments that God truly speaks to people’s hearts – music is just a backdrop for the words or lyrics that are spoken. I feel like I have gotten into the “routine” of church and this would be a change and refreshment.
This is will definitely be a challenge for me to be able to pray and prepare for our services for if and when things should be said.
Thanks for the challenge!
You can never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever go wrong with Scripture. Ever.
Kudos for that reminder. I think we can tend to overcomplicate things. A lot.
I’m enjoying reading this blog. Although I’m in Phoenix now, I’m originally from Monroe…lived in Matthews/Indian Trail area for a long time as well. So pumped to see what Elevation is doing in and around that area of NC. God bless you guys!
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This is exactly what I needed to hear in relation to where I am at as a growing worship leader. Thanks so much.