The Role of a Worship Leader and a Worship Team_Part 1

A-Singers and Musicians in Church Worship

The biblical use of singers and musicians in worship was probably most developed during the time of David and continued under Salomon (1 Chronicles 6:31-47; 15:1-16:43; 23:5; 25:1-26:19).

There are many singers and musicians mentioned by name: Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun and Kenaniah (1 Chronicles 15:22; 25:2-3, 5; 6:33, 39).

Skilled and trained musicians were set aside under the leadership of specific individuals to fulfill this role.

The worship leaders played a prophetic role. The Hebrew word used is nâbâ, which means “to speak or sing by inspiration in prediction.

We see a pattern for leading the corporate worship involving teams of singers and musicians, and a specific leader who is responsible for both the worship and those under his or her direction.

B-Distinction Between Musical Ability and the “Call” to Worship Ministry

Recognize that all members of a church should be freed to focus on using their gifts in ministry where they fit best (Romans 12:1-8; Ephesians 4:7-13).

Not everyone who can play and/or sing automatically qualifies. Pure talent is not the primary criterion for selection.

Pure enthusiasm or simple willingness to fulfill a need are not good criteria either.

Natural talent becomes a spiritual gift only when it both glorifies Christ and edifies the body of Christ. Unless our contribution is helping and encouraging others, it will never be a spiritual gift, however brilliant it may be.

The style of of worship that is especially needed today is one marked by gentleness and simplicity.

The essential question: what are we doing, and who are we doing it for?

Many people have a tremendous amount of talent—it just needs to be identified.

The individual must spend some serious alone time developing and polishing those fledgling skills.

Nothing seems to feel better to the worship musician than the sense that everyone on the team is pulling together to honor God. There is unity when we practice unified praise, as was done by the Levites in 2 Chronicles 5:13.

C-Worship Teams and Leaders

Usually, one person is responsible for planning and leading the service and those who assist them.

The worship leader may be a worship pastor, a music director, or choir director while the worship team may be anything from a musician, a worship technician up to a full choir and orchestra.

The worship leader has a dual responsibility: leading worship and being responsible for those under them.

The worship leader functioned in a prophetic manner. Prophecy in the Bible has two elements: predicting the future (“foretelling”) and proclaiming the truth about God (“forth-telling”).

The role of the worship leader is to be sensitive to God’s prompting as he or she prepares a worship service in terms of selection and ordering of those elements that make up the whole.

The worship leader is responsible to those assisting him/her, for communication, organization, rehearsal, care and training. Examples of training: rudiments of music, sight reading, instruction in worship and musical technique.

To some extent, the worship leader plays a pastoral role within the context of the team.

the worship leader should be willing to learn and to pass on the skills needed to effectively lead worship.

The worship team/choir supports the worship leader in leading the congregation.

1. Who makes a good worship leader?

musical talent/abilities (level and extent depends on context)

desire to serve God and the church

known and respected within the congregation

has strong desire and vision for worship

humble, teachable attitude-always looking to learn more

commitment to excellence and personal devotion to Christ.

a worship leader needs to hold themselves accountable to the church as a whole for their personal conduct and discipleship

2. Who makes a good worship team member?

The first meaning of “team” according to Webster’s is “two or more horses, oxen, etc., harnessed to the same plow.”

Team members subordinate their individual interests and opinions to the unity and efficiency of the group.

Team members are, at heart, worshippers with an attitude of serving through the exercise of musical gifts.

Worship team members must be genuine team players.

Team members do not have to be potential worship leaders.

Team members must also show a flexible attitude towards what they do and a willingness to participate even if the music may not be to their own personal tastes and preferences.

Must be consistent in attendance at practices and services, to learn as much of their music as possible by practicing on their own as well as with the team.

Actively support the team leader in the worship service.

Encouraged to participate in worship conferences, seminars and technical training in order to develop their own understanding and abilities.

Retool: to reorganize something in order to make it more efficient or powerful.

D-The Tabernacle Corporate Worship Pattern:

1. Call to worship

Assembling together; the invocation

2. Celebration

Praise, rejoicing; affirmation of faith

3. Confession

Personal and corporate reflection

4. Communication

Prayer for ourselves, the church, the world; listening to God through quiet, readings, sermon

5. Commission

The dismissal/benediction

E-Setting Up A Team

1-Determine

In order to develop a leader’s vision for your new team, you must determine the availability and musicianship level of potential members. Plan a special formation meeting and begin to get to know your new worship teammates. Relationship building should be one of your highest priorities. Determine who best fits your vision and pursue them.

2-Hold Auditions

The audition is as much a relationship builder as it is an opportunity to hear and place team members where their gifts are most beneficial. Use this time as an opportunity to establish trust between the leader and follower. Blessed are the meek…on both sides of the leader/follower hierarchy.

3-Build Relationships

Not only do we need to know the musicianship level of team members, we need to understand their spiritual lives as well. Spend lots of time with your team outside of rehearsals. Create an online group and stay in touch. Minister together outside the four walls! Take mission trips together. Attend worship and Christian music conferences as a team.

4-Disciple Your Team

The absence of growth equals death. Spend time identifying and addressing discipleship needs within the team. At the beginning of each rehearsal, have prayer and teaching time (keep these periods short). Sponsor churchwide, even community-wide, worship workshops. Enjoy special times of worship and ministry as a team. It’s vitally important for us each to have our spiritual batteries recharged!

5-Create Together

The best way for team members to get on the same page and take personal ownership of the team vision is to create that vision together. Spend plenty of time in prayer, worship, and brainstorming as you write down what the Holy Spirit is saying to each heart. Next, create a mission statement that clearly and concisely articulates the heart of the team for God and God’s specific calling for the team.