what i've learned about leading worship as a volunteer

Leading worship well (and for free) – the art and technique behind leading worship within a volunteer/lay worship ministry model

Spiritual aspects:

• Don’t be afraid to take an uncomfortable step of leadership – I’ll share a little of my story and share about the example of Moses – He wasn’t even that willing really, God Himself taught him on the job.
• Be authentic - bring in aspects from your real life – I often share stories from my family and friends and about how God is teaching me – (Reference some personal stories in the article. Use Eli’s story about how God sings over us.)

Artistic Aspects:

• Accept that God has placed you in an important role of ministry and be confident that he will give you a voice – and something significant to say to his local people. (i.e. don’t downplay the fact that you’re “just a volunteer”)
• Don’t just use other famous worshipers’ ideas – listen to God and ask Him how to lead his local people to Him, through you – be a true servant. Write your own song, or do a song in a new way.
• Be willing to put the effort into preparing, but come to the worship time prepared to follow the Spirit – and let go of things a bit. Those most prepared to worship are the most able to follow the Spirit (This is a Louie Giglio point)
• Don’t use your “volunteer” status as an excuse not to prepare.

Logistical Aspects:

• Think specifically about what you will say between songs, and how you will help lead people into God’s presence.
• Get lots of people involved.
• Have high expectations for the entire ministry (even though it’s a bunch of engineers/lawyers/scientists making some noise for God)
• Ask people to commit.
• Bring people along in their own journey of leading others in worship – help them take small steps of leadership along the way
• Practice as a band for three hours for every ½ hour of worship time
• Be clear to the worshipers about how the team and ministry works – so everyone has realistic expectations
• Search for that hidden talent within the church – young and old
• Don’t decide/judge how God might use or not use someone – I’ve been wrong on this too many times
• Work with church staff to connect all aspects of any given worship service together