Hey worship fam there are so many little in betweens in hosting a worship experience. Sometimes we take them for granted so today, let's explore some awesome tips to master the stage as a worship leader and create beautiful worship experiences.
1. Embrace Your Authentic Self:
Psm 139:14 'Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous'.
We seek inspiration from those who are ahead of us, sometimes to the extent of wanting to imitate them completely, including their unique qualities. Personally, I struggled to stay true to myself because my identity didn't align with what surrounded me, often feeling like an outsider. However, after intentionally praying about my calling, I gradually began to recognize my true self, and others started to notice and kept in touch with what I do.'Be yourself because everyone else is already taken'. Embrace your uniqueness and let your authenticity shine brightly. Connect with your audience on a heartfelt level and lead with the Holy Spirit. You may not appeal to everyone, but you will attract the right ones inline with your kingdom assignment.
2. Stay Humble:
Proverbs 29:23 'Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor'.
The way up is down. Keep in mind that it's not about you, and your gaze should always be the cross and hiding behind it. Stay humble and allow Him to shine through you because we reflect his glory. Humility attracts favor, which is distinct from false humility. Humble individuals acknowledge their own gifts and talents in a healthy way, without placing themselves above others. On the contrary, false humility is pride masked as modesty. It occurs when we purposely undervalue ourselves or our efforts in an effort to seem humble.
3. Lead with Passion:
Romans 142:11 ' Never be lazy, but work hard and passionately serving the Lord enthusiastically.'
One of the ways I know I need to find time to rest is when my passion wanes. I get short-fused, I get a block in creating, my worship sets, my energy on the platform is just not where it ought to be, and I end up short-changing the people I serve. Understand that your passion on and off the stage matters. When you stand before the congregation, they do feed from your energy. I am not suggesting that you try to hype them up for worship, just let the natural river of God floe from you. They will drink if the fountain is right. Never forget you are really serving the king and not the crowd and your audience is really that if one. If you fix your gaze and set your heart on fire every time you approach him, your worship will be contagious. Guide well with passion they will follow.
4. Practice Makes Perfect:
1 Chronicles 25:7 'They were all skilled and trained to make music before the Lord'
'No one leads so well that they do not need to rehearse' - Rev Philbert Whynn.
While listening to an audiobook by John C Maxwell titled 'Talent alone is not enough', the choice of topic by this esteemed author and leadership expert speaks volumes. To emphasize this point, I had a unique opportunity to converse with the award-winning musician, singer, songwriter, distinguished scholar, and professor Jonathan C McReynolds. During our discussions on preparing for ministry and creating new music, he expressed that we often rely too heavily on the Holy Spirit and neglect the necessary effort to excel. Essentially, he implied that we can be lazy. Genesis 2:15 states, 'The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it,' highlighting the importance of being good stewards of our gifts, including pre-event preparations.
Dedicate time and energy to prepare for your worship sessions. Select meaningful songs, solidify your scripture references, rehearse with your team, and establish a seamless flow for the service, regardless of the congregation size.
5. Engage and Connect:
St John 8:2 'Jesus came back into the temple and the people came to Him in crowds he sat down with them and taught them
The symbol of the cross is made up of two lines, the vertical and the horizontal. Jesus was all about connecting people and engaging them in various ways. In a session of worship, there can sometimes be a great divide between the team, the atmosphere, and the audience. Traveling with those you are leading is important. Avoid closing your eyes too much or having your set list only carry more than two new pieces. Create an experience by praying over those you will be serving and asking the Holy Spirit to help you plan. He may give you more than songs, He could give you an activity, point out someone that will be attending, a special prayer but however He leads make your congregation feel part of something special. Encourage participation, create moments for reflection, and build a sense of unity among everyone present.
I hope this resonates with you and inspires you on your worship-leading journey, Marsha!
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