Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast

Archives for December 2010

Merry Christmas Giveaway!

First of all, Merry Christmas to you! Second, thanks for being such a faithful reader of this blog. If it wasn’t for you, this wouldn’t happen and we wouldn’t be able to share valuable information and encourage each other in such a unique way. Thanks for reading. I’m looking forward to 2011.

Now for the main event. I’m not sure who took this picture. I don’t know who these crazy people are. Especially the dude revealing his belly button for all to see on Christmas.

I have a prize for the person who writes the best caption for this picture. Leave it in the comments section. I will pick the one I like the most. Let’s spread a little Christmas hilariousness.

On your mark. Get set. Go.

What Makes a Worship Leader Successful?

There is what the ‘worship industry’ would tell us:

Write your own songs. Put out records. Go on big tours. Sell out big venues. Write a book. Repeat.

Those are good things, but it’s possible to have all that with a barren heart and fruitless ministry. And many will never get to do THAT.

So, what does a successful worship leader do? How does a worship leader leave a legacy? In your ministry as a local church worship leader, what are you working towards?

I don’t have an answer…just yet. I’m waiting on YOU. Leave a comment and let us know.

 

What's Your Favorite Musician Joke?

Bass players are just guitarists who never applied themselves.

Did you hear about the guitarist who was in tune? Me neither…

What’s the difference between a musician and a large pizza? A large pizza can feed a family of four.

How many guitarists does it take to screw in a lightbulb? 13. One to do it and 12 to stand around and say, “Phhhwt! I can do that!”

Drummer: someone who hangs out with musicians.

What do a vacuum cleaner and an electric guitar have in common? Both suck when you plug them in.

What do you do when a musician comes to your door? You give him the money and take the pizza.

Why can’t many vocalists get through the door? They either can’t find the key or don’t know when to come in.

Why are so many musician jokes one liners? So the band can understand them.

YOUR TURN: What your favorite musician joke?

 

Creating Unity on Your Worship Team

How many stories could we tell of rehearsals gone ridiculous? Services gone sour? Worship teams with too much tension? Think about it: many musicians of different ages, different styles, different expectations, different preferences, different spiritual expectancy, different everything? Sounds like a nightmare, doesn’t it?

It doesn’t have to be. How do we create a unified culture in our worship teams?

There isn’t much that could be more important. Unity is essential for victory. Imagine any professional sports team winning the championship while breathing down each other’s necks in anger and resentment. Not gonna happen.

So if unity is so important, how do we cultivate it? What can you do today to make a difference? Glad you asked.

I don’t think there’s one canned answer but here are some quick ideas that may inspire you:

  • Talk about your vision. All the time. People are drawn to visionaries.
  • State expectations up front to potential new members.
  • Have fun together. Laugh.
  • Pray together before, during, and after rehearsals.
  • Confront disrespect (in private) the DAY it happens.
  • Validate everyone’s opinions and thoughts.
  • When you see something good, praise it.
  • Meet periodically outside of church to hang out.
  • Study the Bible together.
  • Earn your team’s respect. Don’t just demand it.
  • Show up prepared for rehearsals and services.
  • Be an encourager.
  • Bring together the old and the young to talk about gear together.
  • Ask for your team’s opinion.
  • Come together, sit in a circle, and have people share what they appreciate about each person.
  • Sometimes you have to let people go who will not submit. Bless them and release them. That is OK.
  • Constantly improve what you do. Team members appreciate that kind of leader.
  • Raise money TOGETHER. Do an outreach TOGETHER. Do something meaningful TOGETHER.

Worship Leaders, I know there’s more. How do you unify your team?

3 Effective Leaders. 3 Essential Lessons.

We all have experienced it from time to time. We go to do ministry and feel nothing. It’s as if the logistical side of ministry has stolen our passion for what we once loved to do. You remember when you were called to this but now it just feels like a duty and you long for the times you can just be at home and not rush around so much.

Maintaining perspective in ministry is essential. This is part of what makes a leader a great one. When the tribe is feeling overwhelmed and distracted, a leader steps in with the necessary perspective that lifts spirits.

How do you get to that place? I’m assuming YOU want to be THAT kind of leader. I have had the privilege (and still do) of working with some of the best leaders on the planet. Every meeting with them was and is an opportunity for learning. They carry that perspective I mentioned earlier.

Here are a couple of those people and what I’ve learned:

1. EFFECTIVE LEADERS PRAY

I learned a lot about prayer from Matt Brown. I was fortunate to meet Matt as a young freshman at NCU and was immediately struck by his passionate leadership. Matt led a lot of outreaches and continues to do so but nothing was ever attempted without prayer. I’m talking intense, exhausting prayer. He stayed close to the heart of the Father and listened. If it is your responsibility to lead people spiritually, you can’t afford NOT to pray. It’s easy to put prayer on the shelf with all the other demands that come. But great leaders know they MUST pray.

2. EFFECTIVE LEADERS ARE VULNERABLE

What struck me about working with Dave Pedde in college was his wisdom. Wisdom that would pretty much leave your pride speechless. I regret not writing down or recording EVERY CONVERSATION we ever had. This wisdom came through his vulnerability with God. He wasn’t perfect and he wasn’t afraid to share that with those he mentored. He learned to recognize his imperfection, find his source in Christ, and communicate truth others. Great leaders know their weakness, press into God’s strength, and are open with those they lead.

3. EFFECTIVE LEADERS KNOW AND COMMUNICATE THE VISION

Great leaders have laser focus on what they’re called to do. In order to focus, there’s many great things they simply cannot do because they have a vision from God. They have a mandate to carry out. They don’t try to be balanced and please the masses.  When you’re around Jeff Leake for any length of time, you know his mandates: loving the ONE who is disconnected from Christ, church planting, serving the poor, reaching the unreached. He communicates this all the time. A staff meeting doesn’t go by where you don’t feel the vision. That’s what great leaders do. Zero in on what God has called you to and don’t swerve trying to please everyone in the process.

Who are some great leaders you have served with? What did they teach you?