Worship Leader Probs

We have been talking about values that we embrace as a team. So far we have talked about the values of Preparation, Authenticity, Character, Teamwork & Excellence.

This week, I want to talk with you about Promptness.  Ok, so I know that I am very aware of time and that is a huge part of who I am.

In our application, as worship leaders, Promptness is huge. When we gather for worship services or rehearsal, very rarely is it just a few people. For a typical rehearsal, we have more than 20 people involved. When you add choir and some extra orchestra players into the mix that number raises to more than 70. With that many people involved we are all dependent upon one another to be here on time, ready to go. For instance, say that I am late for a rehearsal. I am the worship leader and also the piano player. If I am late, that really could involve 70 people waiting to get started because of me. They have made arrangements with their families and jobs to be there on time and they aren’t able to begin because I am late. If a team is like a chain and a chain is only as strong as the weakest link then my being late weakens the chain and affects my team.

Another way that this affects us is not being able to clear the platform on time. Our goal is that the platform will be cleared and quiet 30 minutes prior to the start time of our services. When we don’t start on time it is nearly impossible to end on time. When we don’t end on time we aren’t able to set the table for the congregation as they arrive for worship. We want them to enter into a peaceful worship center where they can prepare their hearts to receive what the Lord has in store for them during that service. That means that there isn’t noise or movement on the platform. I really can’t emphasize this piece of the puzzle enough. If you think about it, this is a time when we are leading the congregation in worship without even being on the platform. Pretty cool, huh? Worship leadership goes much deeper than just leading a song. By beginning on time, we can end on time and really set the table for a meaningful worship experience for the congregation.

Promptness is an essential part of the process as we develop our team and lead the congregation in worship.  

Below you will find an article called “Late For God” by Tony Guerrero of Saddleback Church in California. Saddleback is a church of more than 22,000 people in weekly attendance. While I would never advocate taking every sing principle from a church like Saddleback and trying to implement them at another church, there are definitely some things we can learn from a church that has reached this level. Tony is recognized around the world as a leading speaker on worship, church music, and rehearsal techniques. 

I would encourage all of you who are involved in ministry, and especially MPCC folks, to read this article. Before you do, let me offer a word of caution: this article comes straight after the subject of promptness. He does not mix his words in any way. So, be ready for some “straight talk” on promptness and read on. 

Late For God