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How to Avoid Awkward Worship Leading

4. Good Conversationalists Are Present—Ever talk to a distracted person? Their eyes look everywhere except at you. They are glued to their iPhone, checking it every minute. It’s like they don’t really care.

In a similar way, a distracted worship leader doesn’t lead well. Since their mind is going in too many directions, they can’t focus on what is necessary. What is necessary? Being present with the people and with God. When it’s time to worship, you shouldn’t have to worry about your band. Rehearsal exists to create a sense of flow and trust with your band so that you can lead with effectiveness. You shouldn’t be worrying about chord changes or lyrics. Abolish everything that keeps you from being present with people and pursuing Jesus.

Action to take: Ten minutes before you lead, create a mindfulness routine. I know, it sounds all Zen Buddhist-like. All that means is allowing your thinking to revolve around the purpose of worship, compassion for your congregation and expectation to meet with God. This is better than obsessing about your songs, your performance and your nervousness.

5. Good Conversation Progresses in Fascination—I never want a good conversation to end. I lose track of time. I get lost in the person I’m with and the fascination of unraveling a subject, learning new things and making new idea connections. When you see each person as utterly interesting and fascinating, you grow as a conversationalist. You become someone people want to be around because of how you make them feel.

In the same way, worship is a journey into deeper fascination. The more we see of God’s glory, goodness and outshining perfection, the more we love Him. It’s a never-ending pursuit. But I’ve also seen my worship leading change when I have a sense of respect for my church—compassion for what trials they are facing, passion to see them encounter God and fascination for how they respond to God in worship.

Action to take: Do a study with your worship team on “fascinated with God.” Study passages of Scripture that reveal who He is, even those parts you don’t quite understand. Worship leaders are students of God’s Word because they know it provides an eternity of fascination for those who will look.

As I’ve been applying these ideas, I’ve noticed my leadership grow. The awkward worship moments are much fewer!

I’ve become more relaxed, present, compassionate and less of a focus—both in my own mind and in the mind of the worshipers (I hope!).

Because that’s the goal, right? We want to leave our congregations fascinated by the glories of Christ, not our talent or leadership prowess.

What about you?