I can see faces of people connecting, engaging and embracing worship. I just see it on their faces and in their actions. It’s prophetic, but it is learned by observing and listening. Just about every week, we end up doing a song differently than we did in practice because there is a nudge from the Spirit and we respond. It works.
5. If you’re given a time parameter (or a song suggestion), honor it! If you’re given 15 minutes for worship songs, ask the Father to lead you through it, and He’ll do it in 14:59. If you’re asked to do “Shout to the Lord” (“Really? You really want to do STTL?”) as your closing song, do it. Laying down your preferences to bless the folks you’ve been asked to lead builds their confidence in you. You’re there to serve.
6. Be compassionate toward yourself when you make a mistake. Most people won’t notice you played a wrong note if you don’t point it out. I have a piano-player friend who would quietly say “no” every time she hit a wrong note. She didn’t realize she was doing it, and was grateful when we pointed it out to her. It’s a good idea to gently, privately, positively point out these kinds of things to team members. They’ll be grateful and feel loved.
7. Your physical posture and presence matter. You’re not simply the worship leader but also the lead worshiper! If your denomination and congregation are open to it, invite the people to stand, raise their hands, or show some other outward form of connection or surrender in worship. As you lead, you are also teaching by example. Be conscious of your own physicality that speaks and teaches your people as you lead.
8. No worship leader is an island—build community! Be the one who becomes friends with other worship leaders in your area. Pull them together. Do it to bless and encourage each other. Worship with each other. The fruit will be amazing!
