Whether you’re the leader of a mass choir and orchestra, or a solo guitarist singing every song by yourself, no one leads worship in a vacuum. Knowing who is on your team and the role each person plays is critical to bringing a community together in worship. In our Infinitely More ministry, we work with music programs of all sizes, but I sometimes wonder if we limit who we see as being part of our “team.”
So, who should we consider on our team?
#1. The Musicians, Singers, & Songwriters
Obvious answer, I know, but let’s think outside our regular players. You may lead the band, but what about the choir, guitar club, youth group, and drama team? How can you work with the other artistic groups in your church? There are also those sitting quietly in their pews, waiting for an invitation to join the team. And there are guest musicians who can bring a new voice into your church for a special Sunday. Think widely about who to include on your team. Who might you be overlooking?
#2. Your Pastor
Whether leading worship at our home church or as guest musicians, we always recognize that we lead under the authority of the church’s pastor. Developing an open, creative working relationship is key to healthy team worship. How can the music and preaching feed each other? How can the songs support the pastoral goals of your church leadership?
#3. Your Congregation
If the whole point of leading worship is to get your congregation singing, then the congregation is part of your team. When’s the last time you attended coffee hour? Are you in a small group? Who is the couple with the new baby in the 3rd row? Get to know your people. Learn about their lives, families, trials, and passions. The more we know a group of people, the easier it will be for them to trust us with their spiritual walk.
#4. Your Prayer Partners
Confession time: we don’t have any formal structure in this area. A few weeks ago, we led worship at the Elim Women’s Retreat with speaker, Tara Rye. Several times, she spoke about her prayer partners, and how they were praying for her all weekend long. I knew that my family was praying for us, and probably a few friends, but I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to have a group of people purposefully praying for the ministry of Infinitely More? How could this feed our abilities and effectiveness?
#5. Your Mentors
So, this one begs the question: do you have a mentor? If not, please get one! Gerald and I are always seeking mentors. Sometimes, they’re people we watch from afar. Attending workshops and studying the songs of Paul Baloche, Keith Getty, and Audrey Assaud are masterclasses for us. But even more so, we seek mentors that we can get to know on a one-on-one basis. Over the years, we’ve sought the guidance of songwriters, worship leaders, and music business professionals to help hone our skills and push us outside of our comfort zones. We then offer our own skills to musicians, songwriters, and worship leaders who are seeking that same growth. Who are your mentors? Are you meeting with them regularly?
#6. Your Friends and Family
Let’s face it - worship leading can be a weird way to make a living. We turn 16-bar choruses into 8-minute worship songs. We burn dinner because that new song idea drowned out the oven timer. And with our early Sunday mornings, we’re the first to leave every Saturday night party. In our world, none of this works without the support of our friends and family. We actively include them in our journey, so they can understand our challenges and celebrate in our joys. We want them to share in every blessing this unusual walk sends our way. How are you engaging your family and friends in your ministry? Are there new ways you can include them in your journey?
I hope this gets you thinking about your team - who they are, how you can support them, and how they can share in your ministry. Maybe you have people on your team that I haven’t included?
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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