It’s been a while since I’ve shared a good list through the newsletter.

No—I’m not talking about a Top 10 [whatever] list.

Rather, it’s an attempt to gather my thoughts on how I’ve observed the character traits of worship leaders in churches: what they try to be, and what they actually end up showing. 

A lot of this is drawn on self-reflection, where I’ve caught myself cultivating traits that ultimately don’t meet the mark. But by the grace of God, I’m trying to re-orient myself, bit by bit. 

Here’s what I’ve put together so far.

Instead of charisma, seek genuine listening.

Kids these days have the saying, “He’s got that rizz…” 

It seems silly, but that slang term really wraps up that perception of someone who shows a lot of charisma. From the outside looking in, there’s almost an aura of elevated persona, where people are just inherently drawn to an individual. 

I think at a core level, approachability is what we should aim for, and with that comes the need to develop genuine listening skills. Much like you need good listening to be a good musician, you need to hear people. When people feel heard, then they naturally draw closer, and it’s at that point you can minister even more effectively, serving them well according to their needs and expressed desires. 

Instead of perfection, seek growth and curiosity.

A lot of our job as worship leaders is to get it right. While this is largely true, aim for excellence as means of growth for your team. Instead of making your team fearful of making a mistake, inspire them with passion and curiosity, helping them to self-discover and grow in their craft. 

Instead of pure focus, have intentional awareness.

Much of my beginning periods of ministry, especially in assuming a couple of formal roles, involved dogged focus. In some ways, this was necessary to perform my job duties to make sure standards were met and smoothness felt in every service. 

But in the midst of that, it became all too easy to shut out other perspectives, values, and needs from the people around me. It would often take a “jarring” back to reality for me to look up and then correct the course. 

Your focus will have to shift from place to place if you are overseeing several areas under what’s known as “worship ministry.” Don’t get locked in on one particular area for too long, or else, you’ll risk isolating the rest of the whole for the sake of a single component. 

Instead of showcasing ability, lead through encouragement.

It’s a tantalizing temptation to showcase ability, “chops,” cleverness, or knowledge as someone in a performance-based role. If the moment is well-served through your expertise, then by all means, go for it! 

But let’s be honest: How much of that is being done for your own gratification than the edification of the body? 

If anything, the most value you can bring to service is where you pull back instead of letting the floodgates open from your well of talent and know-how. Don’t skimp on ability or underserve by neglecting your service through craft, though. 

Instead of stirring up revival, lead from right responses.

If there’s anything that leaves me with the “ick,” it’s hype. 

I’ve seen services where leaders and congregants are given over to their passions, rather than directing their affections through a spiritual filter of self-control. 

Worship leaders can egg this on, but mature leaders understand when to rightly lead with passionate response in the form of intensity and also respond with sobriety when the moment calls for it. 

Always posture your responses in adoration and thanksgiving to God, while also remembering to confess the need for God and His Holy Spirit to continue to work within us, despite our sin and unbelief. 

Instead relying on platitudes, sow with the Word of God.

A lot of modern evangelical Christianity relies on summaries and platitudes in place of God’s Word, so much so that the regular reading of Scripture outside of a sermon becomes a novel aspect to the worship service. 

People: This should not be so! 

Enrich your life through regular reading, meditation, and prayer over God’s Word, all so that you can communicate that truth directly using those words. It’s at that point you can give a summary exhortation and encouragement.

Instead of producing services, actually be of service.

Worship leaders, you’re not there to be a producer of a service. Rather, you are being of service to the people that have gathered.

And here’s the thing: Your service doesn’t stop after the last mic battery hits the charging bank, the last amp is turned off, or the last computer is put on standby. Rather, find ways to be of service that go outside your usual method of putting together music, coaching teams, and running tech. 

You’ll enjoy stronger, deeper connections with the people of your congregation, and you’ll build up the way the body is supposed to function.

Instead of being “hip,” be confident clothed in humility.

A lot of worship leaders and musicians tend to be ultra-creative types, which lends itself to a certain image. This is reinforced by celebrity worship artists who sport trendy clothes, hairstyles, and mannerisms. 

That’s fine—but make sure you’re known by your humility and willingness to serve, rather than being the coolest cat in the room who happens to love Jesus. People will see that meekness combined with confidence in the identity you have in Christ—and they’ll appreciate it much more than any pretense.

Be blessed 👊✌️