“I’d like to be a part of the worship team” or “I have a song that I’d like to sing in church.”
Those are requests I’ve heard over and over in the many years I’ve been a worship leader. These requests, at times, have brought me great joy and also, at times, have made me want to run and hide. I’m amazed at how many people want to be involved in the music ministry but aren’t really gifted musically. One of my least favorite things to do is tell someone they can’t sing – and over the years some of them really could not sing!
When I first began working with the worship team in my church, my pastor gave me some wonderful advice. He said to always look for musicians who, not only, are gifted musically but also have a heart for worship. Both are important. In the Body of Christ, God gives each of us gifts and opportunities to exercise those gifts. Some are called to serve in the ministry of music and others are not.
In I Chronicles 25, musicians were being chosen to serve in the temple, leading worship. Verse 7 says that those who were chosen were “trained and skilled in music for the Lord.” Psalm 33:3 also speaks to musicians and says, “Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” Those who were trained and skilled musically were given the responsibility of leading worship. Based on this direction from God’s Word and following the advice of my pastor, I established some requirements for being a part of the music ministry in the church in which I serve.
- You must be a believer. I ask for a personal testimony to be written down and shared with the group.
- You must be living what you believe. It’s very important that those who stand on the stage and lead in worship truly be walking in fellowship with the Lord – living out what they believe, not just on Sunday, but Monday through Saturday also. If I’m looking for someone who has a heart for worship, this will be evident in the way they live their lives.
- Present a musical audition – for singers, a vocal audition and for the band, an instrumental audition. This audition includes some solo work and then along with the worship team. Remember that I Chronicles 25:7 said those chosen were “trained and skilled.” That’s what I look for.
I continually ask the Lord to bring to us the people that He wants involved in the music ministry. So when someone approaches me about being involved, I begin seeking the Lord for guidance. Sometimes the musical skill still needs to grow but the heart is there – and the heart is what the Lord is looking at.
So if you’re in charge of lining up singers in your church take this three step process to heart. It may give you guidance the next time someone approaches you with the request, “I’d like to sing in church.”
Make the most of your journey!
Molly
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you for this clear explanation for those who wish to sing. There does need to be order in our worship. Which entails being prepared. We have a member who sings along with country tapes-by their interpretation, has a religious/spiritual theme, BUT it is the same songs over and over. I have expressed my thoughts and other ideas for letting this person share music, I am severely ignored. By the way, I am the church pianist. I have not been heard at all about my ideas that I feel God has urged me with. I am in prayer about the matter. Also, my offertories are never acknowledged by the leader. I play for God’s ears and hope that the church is blessed by the connection as that is a time for worship and reflection-but I never hear the result of my actions because there is too much talking and moving about during that time. UGH! I see the ones who are gifted and have the skills but again I get ignored. Sorry if I sound like I’m venting, but I have the bottom line of worship in my heart.
Wow! Do I ever agree with this. Those singers in the Old Testament also were the first line of defense when the Israelites went to war…literally. In
II Chronicles 20: 21,22, they led the way, singing and praising the Lord “as they went out before the army”. What a responsibility! This is true in a church service as well. As singing soldiers of the Lord, we are the front line of defense!! That’s why the singing usually comes right before the minister delivers the Word of God. With much prayer, it usually flows smoothly.
Any suggestion on those who have the heart to worship and sing ,but are tone deaf and can’t hear notes. How do you get them to blend. I ‘ve tried workshops . vocal exercise tape to practice with . any advice will help
I am firmly in the music worship in two churches. I am a faithful praise team and choir member. I lead our worship by singing solos also. Both of these churches are new and growing. That is how I am able to be a part of organizing music ministry in both churches. The minister of music is being called to be the music minister for a different church and will leave this position open for the taking. The Lord called me to be in His music ministry and I want to take this position but the problem I have is I can only be in each city for a temporary time each year. I cannot transport myself because I cannot drive and I live with my sister & brother -in-law. Should I attempt to contribute my worship leading gift on a temporary basis? How necessary is it for a worship leader to be present ? I’m asking you because you indicated your position with your church. I look forward to your reply.
Thank you all for your comments. Pam, thanks for being honest and sharing your frustrations. I think we’ve all felt what you verbalized. Let me encourage you not to let the enemy steal away your joy. He’s very tricky and can plant seeds of discouragement. Play and serve for your Master. He will take care of all the details. Play whole-heartedly for Jesus.
Lee, I firmly believe that those who are tone deaf and can’t hear notes should not be in the music ministry. God gives each of us talents and gifts to use for His glory. Those who have no musical ability yet desire to be involved in music are missing out on what God has planned for them- using the talents He has given them to serve Him. Our worship is the way we live our lives unto God minute by minute, day by day. Worship is not limited to music only. If you know someone who is tone deaf and has a heart for worship, help them to identify their strengths and then find ways to use those strengths to serve the Lord as He planned.
Lisa, You have quite an interesting situation and I appreciate you sharing it with me. Sounds like you’ve got your hands full. Ultimately you have to decide if you can serve in both churchs and give it what is needed. The Lord calls us to serve whole-heartedly. With the complications of being in another town I’m not sure that you could do the job as well as someone who could be right there at all times. I can’t imagine doing the job that I do from another town – it wouldn’t be impossible but it would make it much more challenging. Be careful not to spread yourself so thin, with so many responsibilities, that you don’t do anything well. God will clearly guide you and make a way. Maybe He’s planning to make a way for you to move. Get before Him, be still and listen to His voice. If you don’t have a complete peace from Him about it then don’t try to do both. I will pray for you as you work through making a decision. Keep me posted!
Molly