Go through this series with a group or mentor. Learn more
The Worship Leader Training 101 is designed to help your leaders feel equipped and confident in planning for a service, leading their team, and guiding people into a time of worship.
For each lesson below, explore the listed article and also choose a video topic from the Worship Leader Basics playlist and the Vocalist Basics playlist to explore and discuss with your mentor. Also check out the recommended readings from the book Worship Matters by Bob Kauflin which correspond with each topic.
#1: What Do Worship Leaders Do?
Worship Leaders do a lot at the local church to lead others in worship. But when we stop to think about it, what does this really mean? What are the functions and roles a Worship Leader fulfills and how does this relate to the work that God does?
Reading: Worship Matters chapters 1 - 3
#2: Worship Team Conduct
Leading yourself in a life of worship extends to your worship team and those on stage. Being aware of biblical worship team conduct is a key part of you and your worship team leading well.
Reading: Worship Matters chapters 4 - 6
#3: Planning and Preparation Responsibilities
Planning and preparation responsibilities may tend to be the most tedious, but are something that need to be well thought through.
Reading: Worship Matters chapters 7 - 9
#4: Rehearsal Responsibilities
After personal preparation and planning, the worship leader now has is the responsibility of running a productive and effective rehearsal. Here we discuss six things to prioritize at your rehearsals.
Reading: Worship Matters chapters 10 - 12
#5: Service Responsibilities
All the time that is put into personal preparation and the rehearsal ultimately goes toward making the worship service great. Here are some things to take care of before, during, and after the service.
Reading: Worship Matters chapters 13 - 15
#6: Healthy Worship Team Communication
A big part of leading a team well is the ability to be able to communicate well with them. Good communication with your team will take practice, patience, and lots of grace for each other.
Reading: Worship Matters chapters 16 - 19
#7: How Worship Leaders, Sound Techs, and Media Techs Work Together
The Worship Leader, Sound Tech, and Media Tech are three vitally important roles for a worship service to run smoothly. But who makes the final call when a decision needs to be made?
Reading: Worship Matters chapter 20 - 22
#8: Encouraging Your Team's Spiritual Growth
As worship leaders, we must look beyond simply leading our teams musically. We also need to help shepherd them in their relationship with God, particularly as it relates to leading others in worship.
Reading: Worship Matters chapters 23 - 26
#9: Building a Worship Set
Building an effective worship set can be more challenging than it may first appear. With the help of the Holy Spirit and some practical guidelines, however, you'll soon be on track.
Reading: Worship Matters chapters 27 - 28
#10: Speaking from the Stage
Sometimes as musicians and artists, we can rely too heavily on winging it when it comes to speaking from the stage. These principles will help you to think through what you will say ahead of time so that you are prepared for maximum effectiveness.
Reading: Worship Matters chapter 29 - 32