articles

Four Worship Ministry Fires

Managing worship ministry is like managing different types of fires. Some fires represent God’s Spirit moving and need maintained with diligent feeding. Other fires symbolize chaos and need extinguished before consuming the ministry. Then there are embers of former flames now needing agitated to rekindle. And sometimes a spark exists…

Worshiping in the Booth

Serving on a church worship team may not seem conducive to personal worship. But for those running lyrics and sound, advance engagement allows key lines to minister deeply. Certain verses or choruses can jump out during repeated rehearsing and really penetrate one’s heart. Even while technically enabling the congregation’s worship,…

How Not to Worship Your Worship

Singing “I love you, Lord” can be a moving worship experience. But there are cautions to balance the emotion. Though the Psalms contain passionate expressions, the emphasis is on God’s steadfast love for us. Our feelings fluctuate, so basing worship on our fickle devotion rather than Christ’s unwavering love is…

It’s Time For A Worship Team Evaluation

Reflection and evaluation are key for continuous improvement, even in ministry contexts like worship teams. As worship leaders, it’s easy to fall into auto-pilot and miss opportunities to grow. Taking time for thoughtful assessment using guiding questions can reveal blind spots and produce Godly fruit. Though risky, seeking honest feedback…

How Worship Leaders Should Handle Critique & Criticism

Critique and criticism are invaluable for growth, yet many leaders recoil instinctively. Distinguish constructive critique from harmful criticism. Confirm the source’s validity to filter input wisely. Search harsh comments for kernels of truth, but don’t let the harsh words bog you down. Don’t justify, but clarify. Listen more than you…

5 Non-Negotiables When Using Loops In Worship

Loops can enhance but also overwhelm worship, so small churches should use them selectively. Choose just 1-2 songs and match subtle loops to your band’s size. Reliable software prevents choking. Decide if keyboards, drums, or worship leader runs loops, with volume mixing. Musicians need clear signals on timing to lock…

It’s Time to Release Churches from the Myth of Infinite Expansion

Though rapid growth is alluring, infinite expansion is impossible for churches. Exponential gains always reach an inflection point requiring change to sustain. Focus less on rapid multiplication and more on maximizing your campus. Parking and seating capacity seem like barriers but with multiple services, signage, and a willingness to see…

We All Like New Things: Why Singing a New Song Is Important

Introducing new songs is vital to keep worship fresh, but it can be challenging. Over-relying on familiar songs leads to diminishing returns. Regular evaluation of your song choices, even soliciting feedback, reveals when it’s time for something new. Go slow, just 1-2 songs per month. Use repetition across services and…

12 Ways To Grow Your Worship Ministry

Are you trying to grow in your calling as a worship leader? Here’s a powerful list of 12 keys that presents wisdom gained from author Mark Cole’s 30+ years of leading worship. Things like developing administrative skills, running effective rehearsals, picking great songs, building a strong team, mentoring new leaders,…

15 Ways to Recognize Control Freaks in Your Church

It’s important to keep your eyes open for controlling lay leaders in church who can negatively impact pastors, decision-making, and the overall health of the congregation. This list will help you spot negative behavior before it’s too late! See the full list.

Behind the Decline: Unraveling the Forgotten Reasons of Fading Neighborhood Churches

Sam Rainer, President & Senior Consultant at Church Answers, explores the challenges faced by neighborhood churches in today’s changing landscape. As a contemporary church worship leader, understanding these issues is crucial for fostering growth and vitality in your congregation. Rainer delves into the historical context of neighborhood churches, highlighting how…

9 Tips for Teaching Your Worship Team a New Song

Introducing a new worship song to your team can be tricky, but good preparation is key. Here are 9 tips to help your team learn a new song well, like sharing the original recording, finding great charts, showing live videos, using training resources, purchasing multitracks, writing vocal parts, modifying the…

The Top 20 Fast Worship Songs of 2023 [with Tutorials]

Looking for the best fast tempo worship songs to elevate your service? Here’s a compiled list of 20 upbeat praise songs [with tutorials!] with driving rhythms, passionate vocals, and powerful messages that will get your congregation singing, dancing, and celebrating God’s goodness. See the full list.

4 Ways To Bring Your Congregation Forward In Worship

Do you long to see your congregation more fully engaged in worship? Here are 4 practical ways to help move people forward on their worship journey. The keys that jump out – take time and don’t rush changes. Know the congregation’s “sweet spot” and work with it, honoring what connects…

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