While going through some old files I ran across this gem from Lorie King. Good common sense information for all who lead worship.
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. Our body language and
gestures should be natural, relaxed and appropriate. Remember that you are
seeking to invite and enable the congregation as a whole to engage and
participate in what is going on, not to be the poster child for how a person
“should” look when worshipping. Carefully consider whether what you would
normally do in private worship or as a participant in the congregation–or even
what you do naturally when you hear music–will be more helpful or distracting
when leading from the stage.
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. You may notice that people aren’t singing
along, but rather look confused or perplexed (or bored). Hmm…maybe they don’t
know the song? Maybe they don’t know they’re supposed to be singing? You can
invite them to sing with a statement like, “Now that you know it, let’s sing that
again together,” or simply “Let’s sing that truth/prayer together again.” You
have not only let them know that participation is encouraged and expected, but
you’ve pointed them to the content and substance of what is going on.
3) Sing it 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. The intent is not
that we “act out” each song we sing, but rather show, by our expressions and
actions, that we understand and agree with what we’re singing. If a song is
joyful, smile! When singing a true statement about God, I will often affirm and
agree with the statement by nodding my head as I sing that line. When singing a truth about our hearts, I
often indicate that by placing my hand over my heart. When we lead songs, we
are proclaiming that truth (telling that “story”) to everyone there gathered,
inviting them in to sing it and realize what we’re saying with us. You can do
this well without being overly emotional, dramatic or distracting.
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. This is not to say that
arrangements should be so simplified as to cut out all intricacy and beauty, or
to deprive instrumentalists of using their skills to offer their sacrifice of
praise. But it is a call to worship leaders and arrangers to consider what is
going on for the congregation and the singers during those times. Are all the
interludes, solos, instrumental transitions necessary? An overly showy
arrangement with extended instrumentals and/or solos can be just as distracting
and awkward as a song sung off-key.
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. With regards to readings, a seminary professor once pointed out
that verbs are actually the most important part of any given text. Practice
emphasizing verbs instead of pronouns, adjectives or adverbs. You’ll be amazed
at how this highlights the truths of Scripture.
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.
7) Get engaged. As I’ve
mentioned, our primary role is to facilitate and enable people to engage and
participate in what is going on in the corporate worship service. We’ve talked
about a few ways to do (and not do) this when leading songs and readings. 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.
8) Listen to your mom. And
what did she always say? “Practice, practice, practice,” right? Yep. 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.
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!
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.
Which of these resonates the
most with you as a struggle, tendency or pet peeve?
What are some other tips or
suggestions you would offer to fellow worship leaders?
Written by Lorie King
Lorie's passion is to see people worship in spirit and in
truth---to understand why we do what we do as the church gathered. She has a
Masters of Arts in Worship from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and has
led worship for over 17 years and on four continents. Lorie is currently a
worship leader and planner at Sojourn Community Church in Louisville, KY.
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