shepherding worship leaders - Ministry Exchange (MX)

Pastoral considerations for leading student worship leaders and musicians

These are a few observations taken over the years of common struggles
inflicting student and staff musicians and worship leaders and what those
“crazy artsy types” need.

1. Leading musical and non-musical worship is a personal and vulnerable experience. Contributions are often connected with heart experiences and passion as an artist and considerations should be made for this as we give feedback and encouragement. 2. Student worship leaders feel more deeply scrutinized and criticized than we staff often see. It hurts a bit more as they often feel way “out there”. 3. There is an interplay between growth as an artist or musician and guilt over the perception that artistic development is wrong, sinful or shallow. Students often need help journeying through this developmental phase to see the Lords blessing on their gifts and talents. They need guidance to link this area to the rest of their walk with God. 4. As worship leaders mature, they will become increasing aware of their struggle for integrity in leading worship. Particularly the struggle between leading, feeling self-promotional and “humility”. 5. Students are exposed to excellent, high quality music throughout the day. Encourage technical growth and musicianship in a worship team- particularly for evangelistic worship settings. Give them time to practice. 6. Encourage worship teams to listen to and learn more than their current set of musical genres allow. Help them develop exposure to bands, artists and styles found on campus. 7. Give feedback on stuff you know about- help them gain the bigger pastoral goal of shepherding the congregation during worship. What is happening during worship? 8. Give them time off and away. Consider rotation of worship leaders and teams. Encourage them to visit others groups, others churches and see others lead worship in different settings and of different styles. 9. Students love to worship- they often feel the most free- yet there is very little depth of teaching surrounding the experience. Staff could lead more by teaching and developing a theological frame to help students enter worship.