Sometimes I lead the worship band and sometimes I play in the band. Both are important roles and have specific responsibilities to do them well. As both a leader and a player/singer, here are my 10 most important rules for great worship team members.
The 10 Commandments of Great Worship Team Members
1. I will be available at least twice per month and answer worship department emails within 24 hours.Â
- I find that players need to play a minimum of twice per month to stay in the flow of the worship and maintain good relationships with the leader(s) and team members.
- As someone who has scheduled worship teams for years, prompt replies by the team members is greatly appreciated. Also, it is a good habit to be prompt in all your communication. It is a form of discipline and respect.
2. I will listen to, practice and memorize the songs for Sunday.
- Most musicians learn by listening. I always spend the $0.99 to $1.29 to download the songs on iTunes and make a playlist to listen in my house and car. Listening will teach you things that charts never will. I also use the PlanningCenter app and media player for my phone
- I always take time to practice the new songs for the team and briefly review the older songs. I want to be excellent in my service to the Lord. Whether I get paid or not, I’m playing for the ‘King of kings.’ God rewards faithfulness and excellence.
- I will try to play according to the style of the music that is driven by the church’s vision/mission instead of simply imposing my personal tastes into the music.Â
- I will work on memorizing the music. Memorizing songs allows me to get past the music and worship God freely. Most worship songs are not hard to memorize. Here is my post on helping you to memorize.
3. I will show up prepared and on time for rehearsal.
- Leaders and other team members really appreciate when all the team has done their homework. When the drummer knows the grooves, tempos and breaks, it makes the rehearsal go so much smoother. When the lead guitar and keyboard players have learned the introductions and lead lines, it saves so much time for the rest of the group.
- I will bring a pencil to highlight problem parts, changes and incorrect charts.
- When team members all show up on time, it shows respect and value for the whole team. It promotes unity and makes the rehearsals go much smoother.
4. I will show respect and love for my fellow team members and leader.
- The second greatest commandment is to ‘love your neighbour as yourself.’ When team members show love and respect for each other, rehearsals, worship and life in general is much better.
- If team members get direction that they don’t like. It’s important that they don’t take it personally, agree to disagree and submit—just like professionals do in the studio.
- Being a leader can be tough. When you give respect and are patient with your leader, God sees and rewards that attitude and heart.
5. I will not noodle on my instrument when the leader is speaking.
- Having great rehearsal habits is important. The time to practice your individual part is when you are on your own.
- You show respect for the leader and the rest of the team when you learn to listen at the appropriate times.
6. I will worship as I play my instrument and endeavor to be a great worshipper on and off the stage.
- The purpose of a worship band is to worship God and lead the congregation to do the same. If you are just playing or singing then you are not fulfilling your responsibilities. Get past the music and worship God and lead by example.
- A sign that you are an authentic worshipper is that you are the same on and off the stage. People see you on and off the stage. Be authentic!
7. I will attend church and give whether I am playing or not.
- Great team worship team members know the importance of regular church attendance. We all need to be great congregational members before we can become great worship team members.
- Supporting your local church means more than playing your instrument. Giving of your time and finances really shows where your heart is.