3 Characteristics of a Successful Worship Leader
Music is wonderful and powerful, and at times it seems as if developing musical skills should be our primary focus in contemporary worship leading. And yet, who we are is reflected in the way we lead worship. Our character can be seen in how we react to and lead people and how we relate to God during a service.
Here are three characteristics that every worship leader should continue to develop in their personal life.
Be strong in the Lord
You can know who you are in Christ when you study the Bible. 2 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV) says, “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.”
When you read and accept that scriptures like that apply to you, you leave passive Christianity for an actual relationship where what Jesus has done for and in you is a reality to you. Out of the depth of your relationship with Him, you can minister confidently.
Regardless of what you face in life, your faith will remain unshaken if you truly know not only who you are in Christ but also who God is. You get to know people through time spent with them. You come to know God through time spent reading what He says about Himself in the Bible and reading about how He interacts with people. Then when you face a challenge, you won’t doubt that He is both able and willing to provide all that He has for you. You can be strong in your faith.
Be responsible
A person who is responsible can be relied on. A worship leader who acts responsibly is one who values the opportunity to worship God. As a result, that worship leader won’t make excuses for their bad behavior and they won’t blame others for what the worship leader has personally done wrong. They will take responsibility for their actions.
Being responsible means that you are accountable to the worship team, the pastoral staff, and to others in your personal life. Personal accountability is part of being responsible in relationships.
As a responsible worship team member, you value the team and the opportunity to lead worship. You’ll arrive on time for rehearsals, showing that you value others and their time. You’ll practice so you’re prepared for rehearsals and services. Being responsible is an indicator of maturity.
Be humble and teachable
A humble person recognizes that they will never stop learning because there is so much yet to know. Remaining teachable ensures that you are always ready to learn and you’ve found a way to avoid arrogance and narcissism. We can learn from education, from asking other people for their perspectives, and from observing others’ behavior—the good and the bad.
When you’re humble, you recognize the source of your talent. You say “Thank you” when people compliment you, but you also give God the glory by adding something like, “It’s an honor to glorify God.”
When I directed a choir in the past and we sang intricate arrangements for special holiday programs at church, people would come to me after the program and say, “Wow! What a great job you did.” I would respond with something like this: “Thank you. The choir worked hard and sang well, and we all love to glorify God. He takes what we offer and makes it meaningful. I’m so glad that you were blessed.”
Those are true statements that recognize that the person sincerely wants to tell you that you (and the choir) ministered well. We can be authentic and sincere when responding to their compliment, but we also can and should focus on giving God the glory because the talent and inspiration come from Him.
The person that we truly are will show on the stage, in rehearsals, and in our deeper relationships. We should be truthful with ourselves and recognize areas in our lives that need to be developed. Don’t be discouraged; keep growing.
