If you have been leading worship for any length of time, you have learned some valuable lessons.
Maybe you just began leading a year ago and you’ve already learned that you can’t expect your team to know a new song if you don’t give it to them in advance. Or maybe you’ve learned that you have to make notes of when to remove a capo. Or maybe you’ve learned that the church can hear you when you whisper stuff to the band near the mic.
As you grow in leadership, you begin to experience more and more, and to learn from each success or mistake.
You may not think of yourself as someone who can help lead others, but your experience is invaluable to other worship leaders.
I once heard the phrase “Learn and Return.” It basically means to take what we have learned and give it away! Give it back to others. Praise the Lord for the thoughts, the clarity, and the experience, and share it with others.
How can you learn and return?
WRITE OR BLOG
I began writing in a worship ministry blog a few years back and in many ways, it keeps me motivated to learn. A person can go big and set up a blog to make this happen or you can share things as simple as posting on social media!
PODCAST
Another common way to share what you’re learning in leadership is through a podcast. There are many ways to do this and one way we’ve made it happen is through anchor.fm. It’s really simple and fun. Listen to our latest episode here.
LESSONS WITH YOUR TEAM
Create a time to teach your team what you’re learning in ministry. This can be through scripture, what you’re reading, or what you’re experiencing.
WORSHIP LEADER NETWORKS
When you meet with other worship leaders, you speak the same language and understand each other a little more. This is also a great place to share what you’re learning. You also want to ask questions and listen well — don’t dominate with everything you can think of! But share the helpful things – someone may need it.
WRITE IT DOWN
Make notes of what you’re learning! Write it down in a journal or in a church publication (email, website, newsletter, etc). Writing down what you’re learning will help you clarify it and make it concise and simple.
MENTOR YOUNG LEADERS
Find a way to mentor young worship leaders. This doesn’t have to be formal, but it can be. Become a great question asker and listener. Help encourage and share with others. And offer advice as it fits.
JOIN ME IN THIS NEW HANDBOOK FOR WORSHIP LEADERS
I’m halfway through the process of writing a book for worship leaders and I would love to learn from you! Can you share a story, an experience or a lesson you’ve learned – from any angle – in worship ministry? What have you learned about leading the church? What is something another worship leader has taught you? What are some of the tricks and tips you’ve picked up to make things better in your work? What are some of the frustrations and barriers you’ve had to overcome? Email me! I would love to hear it and possibly include it in this book! My email is tim@harvestministryteams.com.
Join us on The Worship Leader Toolbox Podcast wherever you listen!
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