Worship leader and blogger Chris Kuti wrote a fantastic article yesterday entitled 22 Habits of a Highly Effective Worship Leader. I’m in full agreement with all of them. Here are some highlights:
1. Hang Out With Your Pastor God is using your Pastor to lead your church somewhere, and picking up on this direction is only going to come by spending time together. So often Worship leaders get their marching orders and hide till Sunday. Don’t. Your effectiveness, in the context God has you in, is in the balance.
3. Encourage Your Musicians Call them, get them gifts, have a monthly fun night. Don’t talk about music when you’re spending time together, get to know them and what interests they have besides music. Do whatever it takes to let them know they’re appreciated.
8. Fast and Pray I always remind myself that “you can’t worship a God you don’t know.” This needs to be your most guarded habit of the day.
13. Watch Yourself Record every service and watch yourself back. You are your best critic. Don’t just watch yourself, this is a great time to assess your other players and vocalists.
20. Memorize You cannot lead people effectively staring at a music stand the entire set. I often use small “cheat sheets” on the ground to help me remember verses to new songs, but I’ve even noticed the negative effect they have on my confidence.
21. Lead Another Leader to Lead Your effectiveness is not measured by how much the music ministry needs you. Rather, how are you equipping younger worship leaders to do what you do better than you? Your goal should be to go on vacation and not have to book a guest worship leader if you don’t want to.
I’m in full agreement with his whole list with one addition: I would change number 15 to “Read and Study.” It is so important to read. Read all you can. Read the Bible especially, and read books on philosophy, theology, leadership, and more. But don’t just stop at reading the Bible. Study it. Memorize it. Meditate on it. By doing so God’s Word will naturally pour out of you as often as you lead worship.
What habits have you formed as a worship leader or church leader that have had lasting, positive impact in your ministry?
