5. Songs Are Tools, Not Ends in Themselves
The goal of your “worship time” isn’t to sing through songs. Rather, carry something in your heart for what you’re about to do. Use worship songs as vehicles to help you lead people into declaring the promises of God.
6. Learn How to Communicate
Singing isn’t enough. Great worship leaders build trust with the people they lead. And that is done by knowing how to speak and communicate in a way that helps people relax and endears them to you.
RELATED: Learning to Sense God’s Presence
7. Don’t Think of It as a Career Move
Thinking of worship leading as a career leads to all sorts of problems. Think of it more in terms of your calling and your passion to serve the local church. I’m not saying you shouldn’t get paid for what you do. Just don’t approach your local church’s stage as a way to climb the corporate ministry ladder. Lead because you love God and have a heart for his people.
8. Be a Pastor
No, you don’t need to have credentials. But you need to approach your role pastorally. Love people. Care for them. Lead with compassion. Then all the other things—songwriting, albums, events—actually make sense.
9. Don’t Neglect God’s Word
It’s easy to neglect the Bible for new worship music, leadership books and “creative inspiration.” Resist the urge. The Word is never a book you graduate from. You never learn enough. You never arrive. Let it get inside your spirit and influence everything you do and say.
God is too glorious and there’s too much to be done for us to waste time on our egos. Let’s love and lead with all our hearts.
