9. Spend years recruiting musicians.
It’s the rush to have a crowd up front that creates a monster we must dismantle later. If that’s a value buzzing in your plant, then borrow musicians from other places and get the sound strong. Piling everyone on because they like music will just damage things in the end.
10. Ask for short-term commitments.
Do the opposite of making promises. Call it an experiment and welcome people into four- to six-month opportunities. Running auditions is a must, right from the gate. Playing with a band is a different skillset than many grew up with. It is always easier to appoint than it is to disappoint.
11. Get a great small sound system.
Great sound brings in great (called) musicians. I’m a huge fan of the Bose L1 series. In my view, every church, whether it be church plant or otherwise, should have at least one. The sound is perfect for smaller venues. Other systems work as well. Producer and Trainer Mike O’Brien has much wisdom in this area.
12. Borrow under-utilized musicians.
You’re setting the tone for the dynamics of corporate worship that you want to become the environment of the church. Draw in solid musicians and make it fun. Some of them stay, but for the right reasons. If not, help them figure it out. (Thanks to pal Mark Young for reminding me of this one.)
13. Coach and mentor your worship leader.
As good friend Ted Kim says, don’t set worship on autopilot. Sow into that leader; you’re already coaching them by example, so do it intentionally. Coach values, not skills, unless you’re a worship leader. Have them meet all your friends and heroes.
