Tips For Leading Worship

Written by Ivy | 03 March 2010

I'm still putting my house back together after last week's fire, but the light is glimmering at the end of the tunnel. We're home tonight, which means I have internet again!

No internet has been tough, but I have to admit it was kind of a nice break. Speedy and I spent a lot of quality time together without the distractions of the world wide web or the DVR. I even taught him how to mash potato and do the twist (and yes, sing the song).

I also had a lot of time to reflect on my role as a worship leader (or lead worshiper as I like to think of it). It's a lot more than just getting up on stage and singing. I've been asked to lead a congregation, most of whom are relatively new to modern worship, in a spirit-filled worship experience. It's a role I've been studying, reflecting on and praying about for some time now, actually before I even joined the praise team.

The big questions right now in my mind are: What is the best way to approach this very important duty? What's the best way to lead?

I found a great article posted on The Worship Community with 10 tips for worship leaders. I thought this would be a great place to start as far as documenting my journey through this ministry. I'd love your feedback as fellow worship leaders, worship team musicians, worshipers, or casual observers.

Tip #1: Watch what you do.

"Be (or become) aware of your body language and gestures. If you can, have someone take a video of you leading worship so that you can observe yourself and see what you might be doing, consciously or unconsciously, that is awkward, distracting or helpful."

I think is great advice for anyone whose role puts them in front of a congregation, or any large group. I'm still pretty nervous up on stage leading, so I catch myself doing some pretty unnatural and awkward things every now and then. It's always at times when I'm most nervous, and usually at times when I've looked in the direction of someone or a group who does not agree with modern worship. I let the thought of "what are they thinking" get into my head, which causes me to lose focus.

Tip #2: Keep your eyes open.

"Watch the congregation. Shocking, I know. In order to lead well, however, you need to know what’s going on around you."

If you haven't experienced modern worship this might seem like no big deal to you, but it definitely is an issue. I close my eyes a lot when I worship. I try to picture what the face of Christ might really look like and often just soak in the presence of God as I sing. When I started as a worship leader, I closed my eyes a lot. I felt like it helped me worship and be an example of worship, but then I realized it's not my job to show people how to worship. I'm supposed to invite them into the worship moment. I need to be aware enough to take cues from the congregation about what is working and what is not.

Tip #3: Sing like you mean it.

"Sing clearly and in such a way that people can easily sing along with you. We’re not being good leaders if people can’t follow! Reflect on and give an appropriate facial or bodily response to the words we sing."

This is one I think I do well, but like any musician I sometimes catch myself going through the motions or focusing more on the technical side of the music. This is supposed to be all for God, so even in practice we need to focus on the meaning of every word and glorify His name.

Tip #4: Cut down on “down time”

"There are two things that commonly happen to a congregant or a vocalist during an instrumental solo or extended instrumental break in a song: either they disconnect (because there’s nothing for them to do) and stand awkwardly waiting for their next cue to sing, or they start noticing and admiring the skill of the instrumentalist. Is this always the case? No. Is it often the case? Probably."

Right now, this is a huge disadvantage for our church, because we're still using tracks. The congregation isn't quite ready for live musicians, but it's coming. I'm glad I stumbled upon this tip though, because it's something I need to think about as we move close to a live band. Right now, we're tied to the track as they are written, but I try my best to fill awkward gaps with meaningful scripture.

Tip#5: Use readings and transitions wisely.

"Be reverent, conversational and sincere, but use appropriate expressiveness and emphasis when you read or speak. Slow down a bit: don’t drag, but remember that not everyone in the congregation is a fast or good reader."

This is another one I became aware of pretty quickly. I talk pretty fast, especially when I'm nervous. I've relied on emphasis to help me not only slow down, but to add meaning to the text. I just take cues from my newspaper writing days and emphasize the verbs. It seems to be working out pretty well. This article talks about emphasizing the verbs too, so that's nice confirmation that I'm doing something right.

Tip #6: Show and tell.

"Show or tell people how the song we’ve just sung relates to what we’ve just done or are about to do. Mention the Scriptural truth that gives us the basis for this action, song, or activity. Be honest about how our feelings may not seem to line up with what we’ve just sung or what we are about to sing, pointing out that truth is not so subjective.

This is the first time I've heard this one, but I can already see why it's so important. I've looking for something to tie in the songs better to not only the sermon, but also just tie the songs together. I'm excited to get started on this one.

Tip #7: Get engaged.

"One big factor in on-stage presence is what we’re doing when the focus is not on us. People can still see you, and they are watching you if you’re on stage. At our church, we often have a liturgist do the readings in between songs. During those times, it’s crucial that those who are on stage, even if they’re not talking or playing, model what it means to be engaged in what is going on. If someone else on stage is talking or reading, turn your body and your head towards them. Listen to what they are saying. React appropriately. You are leading even in those moments."

This is another one I never thought of, and a tip I want to bring to the praise teams at our church. I'm a people watcher, so I should have seen this one coming. If we aren't paying attention up on stage, why should the congregation?

Tip #8: Practice, Practice, Practice.

"One of the best ways to look and feel comfortable and relaxed and engaging on stage is to know what you’re doing. Learn the words and music to the songs so you can look up from the page and establish eye contact with the congregation. Practice your readings out loud several times so that you are familiar with all the words before the service. Run through the order of the set and service as a team before going up on stage so that everyone knows what’s happening when and where."

This one is a no brainer, but when you're fitting in preparations for Sunday into every week... it's so easy to get caught up in life and next you know it's Saturday night. Sweet-D, who is in charge of the sound and running the program for our service elements, and I have actually scheduled an additional practice on the weekends to make sure we're ready for Sunday. Every now and then we just don't have time, like for instance when our kitchen catches on fire (I had to go there, didn't I?). I notice a huge difference in how worship flows when we don't make that practice a priority.

Tip #9: Embrace imperfection.

"Whoa! That caught your attention, huh? What I mean is that, when it comes to worship leadership and serving the Church–much like anything else we attempt to do–perfection is rarely possible and certainly not our ultimate goal. The unexpected and unfortunate will happen. No matter how much we practice, we will forget lyrics. We will stumble over phrases. We will feel and look awkward. But, you know what? More often than not, those imperfections can serve as a gentle reminder to us and everyone else that what we’re doing is not a performance to entertain and wow, but rather the people of the Lord living and worshipping together as family. Our congregations are not crowds and audiences to be impressed. Be humbled by that. Be freed by that!"

That's big and very easy to forget. I don't think I know any worship leader who goes out there to wow, but we all want to do it perfectly. We don't want to miss a note or forget a word. We're doing it for God, so we want it to be perfect. We also don't want to embarrass ourselves up there. But I like the way the author of this article worded this tip. Thank you for that.

Tip #10: Pray.

"If it’s a day ending in “y,” then it’s a day in which you’ve experienced the pervasive power of sin in your own heart and mind. We customarily and easily fall into thinking more about ourselves than those we serve. We want to be admired and respected and affirmed and praised for what we do and how we do it. We want to shine. We want things to go smoothly, to feel in control, to avoid conflict and evade embarrassment. We are obsessive and fearful and insecure and prideful. So we must pray. Grow ever quicker to acknowledge and confess your sin before the Lord and those who hold you accountable. Ask the Lord to make you useful to Him in ministry. Ask Him for wisdom and guidance in how to love and lead His people well. Pray for and cultivate a humble, teachable heart to learn from those who give you feedback and serve as mentors. Pray for those you serve, and those with whom you lead. Pray together faithfully as a team."

I couldn't have said it better myself. This is the most important tip when you're involved on any level at the church. I've made this a priority as I get deeper into this ministry. I want every worship experience to be spirit led. I can't do anything on my own as well as I can with God guiding me. I've realized that through this journey, not only the leading worship part of my story, but also my return to music in general. I'm so grateful to be in a position to bring music that glorifies God to as many people as I can. I'm humbled by the opportunity to sing again. I see so much grace in my life and my ministry that I've vowed to pray over every step. After all if we don't do this for God, then what's the point?

Pure Status Quo is a Myth

Written by Ivy | 22 October 2009

I have been working on this blog for two weeks. Most of the time I was simply second guessing the direction God was leading me in because I was afraid to post this. I was a reluctant servant, and I apologize Lord for questioning you. I am answering the urging and am finally posting this.

For the last few weeks, one phrase has echoed in my mind like a broken record begun only to haunt my thoughts. The phrase in itself is not really the problem, it’s the context it’s used in.

It’s a phrase I’ve heard from every person who has voiced their concerns about the small changes in the church service as we transition to a more modern, more effective style of worship. Only a handful of people have come to me to express their discomfort with the changes to the church service, but each and every one of them have said to me “You don’t understand, I was married in this church.”

I’m guessing the reasoning for choosing this phrase is to explain how long they’ve been there. I love that the church has a history, after all my husband was raised in this church, but it got me thinking about my own upbringing and the changes that have occurred to the settings of my own milestones.

I was born in a small country hospital staffed with a multitude of the sweetest Catholic nuns you could ever meet. It was about 45 minutes away from my hometown, but still the closest option for childbirth (other than your house of course). During my late teenage years, the hospital was consolidated with another hospital in the area and all labors and deliveries were moved to the partner hospital. Although I thought it was sad to not have the care of nuns anymore in the nursery, I was thrilled to learn about the improvements of services and upgrades to equipment made available by consolidating and moving all services to one location.

When I started high school, I was thrilled to get to the same building my mother and brother had told me so much about. But the stay was short-lived. During my sophomore year, the former mansion was sold and we moved to a new, state-of-the art facility outside of town. I was sad to leave the old high school, but the opportunities available to us at the new school were priceless.

I came up with dozens of examples in my own life when things have evolved to keep up with the needs of the surrounding area, but none of the memories or even experiences I still have today at those locations were affected in the slightest by any of the elements that have changed.

I guess I’ve never looked at changes for the purpose of improvement as a bad thing. I grew up knowing that change was an inevitable part of life. Without change, we would still be living in caves and rubbing sticks together to make fire. Before I continue, I know there are some of you reading this thinking this example is a little extreme. I know most of you have never lived in a cave, and it’s not fair to go that far back in time. You don’t care about anyone else changing, you just would rather not change yourself. This is actually a real conversation I’ve had before. The thing is that you change every day. You get a little older, hopefully a little smarter, and you develop a deeper character. Our outsides give in to time and what’s inside is shaped by every experience we have.

In the case of the handful of people who have expressed concerns about modernizing our Sunday services, they too are changing even when they try not to. They are losing grip with the reason for the changes, which at this point have been only to some of the music. They are also losing grip with the needs of the community, something this church excelled at during its heydays.

Eric Walker, a seasoned worship pastor in Illinois, recently blogged about this exact subject. He said a gentleman came to him and told him “I haven’t been able to worship for a year and a half.”

Here’s what Eric wrote about this conversation:

“A gentleman at my church had pulled me aside to express his displeasure at the music style in our services. My astonishment at his confession was hard to conceal. Without meaning to, my brother had revealed more about himself and his understanding of worship than he had intended.

This gentleman shared a perspective held by many in the church today. “If the song is right, and the key is right, and the volume is right, and the instrumentation is right, and the right person is leading… Then I’ll worship.” For those with an “I’ll worship if…” or “I’ll worship then…” attitude, the decision to worship is based on specific criteria. This worship is conditional.”

But the Bible doesn’t say worship if you want to or if you feel comfortable. Psalms 34:1 says “I will bless the Lord at ALL times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” The psalmist doesn’t say if the time is right or under these preconditions. It’s about God’s glory, not our comfort. And it stretches far beyond Sunday morning service. Worship is to be our lifestyle.

Almost ten years ago, Gene Appel and Alan Nelson, wrote about this subject in their book “How to Change Your Church (Without Killing It). This book was the result of countless articles, interviews and research about how to implant change without losing your congregation. They say, “Whether we realize it or not, pure status quo is a myth. Unfortunately, if everything but the church is changing, we are changing too, because we lose our grip of service and influence on society. Yet many people strive to perpetuate the myth, supposing that doing what we’ve always done somehow maintains the good old days.”

For this church, I hear about the good old days all of the time. I hear about the time when the church had to add seats to the aisle just to accommodate everyone in attendance. I hear about the closeness of the church, and the excitement they felt every Sunday. In all of these stories, the focus is the number of people touched by the church and the closeness of their relationship with God. I have never heard anyone mention they loved the church during those good old days because they sang the same hymn every week or said the same prayer.

The church is the primary vehicle for growing God’s kingdom. That’s a huge responsibility, so as churches we should do whatever is necessary to become more effective and fruitful. Our society is so fluid, and that’s a good thing. It forces us to re–examine our methods for reaching those who don’t have Christ in their lives. Despite our discomfort, we need to embrace times of change and see the opportunity for growth in the church. We’re all in this for the same purpose and that is share Christ with those who need Him most.

Don't Go To Church

Written by Ivy | 14 October 2009

I’ve always thrived on change. It’s a part of my personality that has astounded my family and friends. I can never keep things the same for too long.

Although it sounds more like a mixed up version of OCD, it’s actually a strategically planned way of living. The dictionary defines routine as “an unvarying and constantly repeated formula” and “a convenient or predictable response.” Convenient, predictable, constantly repeated – words I never want to associate with my life when I look back on it from my death bed. I want to live every moment like its my last, not just float through the motions because I’m used to it.

There are so many people who need a constant schedule to get through their week. I’m learning how serious routine addiction can be first hand as I take part in the transition of our church to a more modern, more effective style of worship.

Our new minister, who just happens to be one of the coolest ministers I’ve ever met (more on that soon), was brought to the church essentially to save it. Decades of routine have resulted in a steady decline of attendance. The members see the church is dying, but when positive change comes their way some members resist. They don’t embrace anything that goes against “what we’ve always done.”

It’s a theme very common in the church. When Jesus said healing the Sabbath was okay, the church leaders spoke out against him. When the printing press made the Bible available to Joe Christians everywhere, the religious leaders resisted.

Charles Wesley was called sacrilegious when he put words to the barroom tunes of his time. Those songs became the hymns so many older churches still cherish. And the man who started what we now know as Sunday school? He was called radical when he suggested using the Bible on Sunday mornings to teach reading and writing to the church’s children.

It seems like Christians throughout history have become so attached to the way things are done that they forget about God altogether.

God has changed the methods of things so often in His church to initiate growth. Why? Because without change things become routine. I can’t think of many Christians who would define their relationship with God as routine. We want to grow as Christians and grow our churches, but yet so many believers resit change.

Do you see the disconnect? Why would the Lord want His church to remain the same all the time? Christians are here to reach the lost, not to just be a ministry for believers.

Don’t make God a habit. As Christians we need to worship with a purpose. The church should constantly change in order to keep things fresh. How can we expect to reach those who don’t know Christ if we can’t see him with fresh eyes each and every day.

Can you imagine the relationship you could have with the Lord if you started each day with the same level of excitement you felt when you were a new Christian?