We all know that music is an anchor part of local church worship leading roles. However, there are many leadership components beyond music and here are few that each worship leader needs to be aware of. These roles come up intermittently as you are serving. It’s good to note that, as it is with most ministry roles, you’re switching hats from time to time as you serve.
Pastor/Shepherd
As worship leaders, we are also pastors. We are assisting the work and vision of the Senior Pastor of the church, but we are pastors as we share from the stage, welcome and care for the gathered congregation, and as we care for our team and others. Caring for the team comes up every week – we’re thinking about the group, following up with needs that were mentioned, and being concerned for the welfare of our team as people more than “volunteers.” Of course, we want each to excel in ministry and be fulfilled in serving, but life is always happening. Someone once said, “there is a broken heart on every pew.” And for sure, there is a need to be open to noticing the needs of your team, especially as those who serve on stage can fall into the trap of thinking their lives have to be more “put together.” You’re a pastor to your church and people. A pastor cares, listens, watches out for, pursues when needed and is there to help.
Leadership
Leading is taking action that helps move the followers forward toward a way of operating for a future vision. We are leading our team to do their best, serve in excellence, know the vision, work hard, love the church, and grow in faith. We want our people to be fulfilled in their ministry and partnership with us – which means we have to build the structure and systems to make it easy to plug into.
Mentoring
We’re not going to serve in this role forever. We are called to raise others up for the ministry roles. We’re calling people, inviting them to serve, recruiting leaders raising up more leaders, teaching, and leading. Church staff are there to coach and build up the church so ministry can happen on a larger scale than just one person. Mentorship takes time to invest in and build others up. Find times for this to happen regularly. Invite others on your team to teach and share what they know. Challenge your core people to take steps out of their comfort zone – lead songs, play more difficult songs, step in front to lead. Mentoring others for future leadership is a gift to the church!
Prayer
You’re standing on behalf of your church, ministry, and team before God in prayer. Invest time in praying for each team member. Pray for the church and leaders. Find ways to develop a prayer plan – certain people/areas on certain days or any other system you can put in place.
Encouragment
Be positive and uplifting! Encourage those who serve with you, your pastor, and other leaders. There are times to have hard conversations, but we usually want to encourage the church and the ministry. The church needs encouragement. It’s not easy to be in leadership for the long haul. If you have people who have been with you for years, you need to keep making sure they know you know they are serving. Noticing people serving well, sending notes, sharing compliments with the team, and much more helps the leader be an encourager. Get into the habit of encouraging every chance you get!
