I’ve dubbed myself the language police. Not language as in swearing but I mean the words that frame our day to day lives. In our home and lately out and about I find myself correcting people in the way they speak about themselves and their world. Our words matter.

In terms of worship leading, without careful consideration of what else we do other than singing, we can end up settling into a sort of Christian karaoke with a touch of add lib. Seriously! Think about it.

Aside from the skill of singing (and all the heart, character, anointing, Jesus stuff) what differentiates you leading worship from the next person? What makes you effective assuming you can sing and you are anointed in this space?

It’s the leadership part of worship leading that sets you apart. And much of leadership is about how you communicate. Your language.

Here’s three things that will help you grow in your ability to lead.

 

1. Remember you carry the heart of a pastor and shepherd

As a worship leader, you are a pastor, a shepherd. This is about knowing where your congregation is at, knowing your people (and loving them,) then knowing where God wants them to go.

Hint- it’s not always where they want to go OR where you want them to go. In fact, we can give people what they want and it won’t move them forward. Eg songlists- sometimes people’s favourite songs or your favourite songs are not the keys to the freshness that God wants them to move into. In the same vein, sometimes pulling our an oldie can unlock something within the hearts of people that will help them move forward. It’s about a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and a heart to actually stop and intentionally inquire of the Lord.

Ask where are people at? Where do you want them to go? How can I craft a set that helps lead people?

When our intention is for people then it frames our approach and our language. You are thinking about latecomers, creating ‘bus stops’ for people to jump on.

When you have a vision (or should I say God’s vision) for the service then its time for the next step…

 

2. You are a gatherer

Sing with not to or at our congregation. The younger a congregation the more direct they need to be lead. In Kids and Youth worship you can afford to be slightly on the bossy side, make it clear, tell them what to do, TEACH them. But when it comes to Sunday’s we are inspiring people in their worship. Our language should be we, us, together, let’s as in let us.

 

3. Share vision and communicate with clarity

When we assume the role of shepherd, and gatherer then next is our ability to actually LEAD. This comes down to communication. How well we communicate is the difference between others coming with us or leaving them behind.

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish (KJV) Some versions say ‘prophetic vision’

Tell the team where you are wanting to go so you can intentionally rehearse and leave the guesswork out of it.

The same goes for effective communication during the set. Short, simple, direct.

If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed. (MSG)

Our role is to simply remind people WHY they lift up the name of Jesus. Remind them of who He is, His character, sing out aspects that you know He is wanting to reveal to people. You do not need to be a theologian. In fact please don’t be!

If you REMIND them WHO He is and they will figure out their own how/what (how to respond, what they want to do to worship). And on that note love people don’t judge. Don’t look at their external expression of worship and try and change it. Make a decision to not count hands raised. Everyone responds differently. Hands can be raised and hearts distant. The opposite is also true. So trust and follow His lead.

One of the best books on communication I’ve read is Andy Stanley’s Communicating for a Change. You need to read it. It’ll change your life and your leadership.

As worship leaders, we communicate during pre service prayer, devotions and during the set. It’s a skill and you can get better. But make sure the posture of your heart is right. You are not telling people what to do, or how to do it. But rather communicate what God has put on your heart and how you belive it can help us.