The Importance of Music Mentors

Ever wonder how musical legends are made? Get ready for a wild ride through the world of musical mentorship.

Picture this: Don Moen, the guy who wrote some of your favorite worship songs, driving a tour bus and teaching harmonica on the side. Or Larry Dalton, whipping up impromptu medleys that’d make your jaw drop faster than you can say “Flintstones theme.”

This isn’t just a stroll down memory lane – it’s a peek behind the curtain at how raw talent gets shaped into musical mastery. From high school band teachers to big-time composers, you’ll see how these unsung heroes mold the voices that lead our worship.

So if you’ve ever picked up an instrument, stepped up to a mic, or just wondered how the heck those worship leaders got so darn good, this one’s for you. Grab a cup of coffee and settle in for a story that’ll have you looking at your favorite musicians in a whole new light. Who knows? You might just find yourself inspired to pick up that dusty guitar in the corner…

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How to Put Together an Engaging Setlist

Creating the perfect worship setlist week after week can feel overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be! This comprehensive guide takes the pressure off and helps you rediscover the joy in crafting engaging worship experiences. Whether you’ve been leading worship for years or just getting started, you’ll find practical wisdom mixed with spiritual insights that will transform your approach to setlist building.

In this article, you’ll learn:
• How to strike the perfect balance between familiar songs and new material
• Smart tips for choosing song keys that work for both your team and transitions
• Why copying other churches’ setlists isn’t always the answer (and what to do instead)
• The secret to executing songs well while staying flexible enough to follow the Spirit
• Practical ways to create authentic worship experiences that fit YOUR church’s unique DNA
• How to let go of the pressure to be “perfect” and create space for God to move

Get ready to approach your next worship setlist with renewed confidence and creativity!

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What Exactly Does a Worship Band Music Director Do?

Behind every smooth-flowing worship service is an unsung hero – the Music Director who orchestrates it all. From calling transitions on the fly to managing complex tech setups, your MD is the glue that holds the band together. Whether you’re curious about what really goes into this crucial role or thinking about stepping into MD shoes yourself, this comprehensive guide breaks down everything from essential gear to crucial leadership skills. Discover the art and science of directing worship with excellence, and gain a whole new appreciation for the person keeping your team in perfect rhythm every Sunday morning.

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Culture Killer // Tardiness (A Volunteer’s Perspective)

Late again? From leaders rushing in last-minute to no-show volunteers, tardiness can silently poison your worship team’s culture. This eye-opening article flips the script on the age-old punctuality problem by letting team members speak their hearts about one of the biggest culture killers in worship ministry. Instead of another lecture about being on time, discover raw, honest insights from volunteers who pour their hearts into serving every week – and learn why being “fashionably late” might be doing more damage than you think.

In this article, you’ll discover:
• Why being a “Defender of Culture” is a hidden part of every worship leader’s job
• The real emotional impact of leader tardiness on your volunteer team members
• How chronic lateness can secretly erode your leadership credibility
• The fine line between grace for life’s surprises and enabling bad habits
• What your volunteers actually think about their time being valued (or not)
• A refreshing perspective from a worship leader who struggles with punctuality but refuses to let it affect the team
• The simple but powerful mantra for attendance: “Suit up and show up or call with plenty of time to cancel”

Ready to strengthen your team’s culture and tackle the tardiness issue with wisdom and grace?

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Answers to Common Sound System Questions

Audio systems can cause some serious brain malfunctions if you aren’t prepared. So… how do you prepare? We’ve got you with a guide that breaks down everything about facility sound systems into bite-sized, understandable pieces. From managing wireless mics to tackling that dreaded feedback screech, we’ve got you covered with practical knowledge that will boost your confidence behind the mixer.

In this article, you’ll learn:
• The essential components of a sound system and how they work together
• Smart tips for speaker placement to eliminate those frustrating “dead spots”
• The real pros and cons of wireless vs. wired systems (and when to use each)
• How to achieve crystal-clear sound with proper mixing and EQ techniques
• Practical ways to prevent and control feedback (goodbye, scary screeching!)
• Troubleshooting tricks for common issues like hums, buzzes, and sound cutting out
• Essential maintenance tips to keep your system running smoothly

Stop feeling intimidated by your sound system and start serving your congregation with confidence.

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Worship Planning: Refining Your Song Canon

Need help building a meaningful worship song collection that truly serves your congregation? This insightful article explores the powerful concept of viewing worship songs as “flags” – markers of God’s movement in your church’s journey. Learn how to thoughtfully curate a song canon that honors both your church’s history and its future, while staying true to God’s current movement in your congregation.

In this article, you’ll discover:
• How to view your song selection through the lens of “flags” that mark God’s work in your church
• Why incorporating your lead pastor’s meaningful songs can bring added blessing to your worship ministry
• The importance of regular song canon evaluation (including a practical DRTC meeting framework)
• How to balance preserving significant songs while staying open to new movements of God
• Tips for involving other leaders in your song selection process
• Ways to identify and address gaps in your worship repertoire

Build a more intentional and spiritually significant song collection for your congregation!

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Speaking Between Songs and Other Elements of Worship

Ever felt like your transitions between songs fall flat? Want to make your worship services more engaging and impactful? This article will help worship leaders who are looking to level up their speaking skills.

Packed with practical tips, you’ll learn how to:
• Craft powerful verbal transitions that enhance, not hinder, worship
• Use scripture, song lyrics, and personal touches to guide your congregation
• Master the art of speaking at key moments in the service

Plus, discover the five crucial times to consider speaking during worship. You’ll be on your way to more genuine dialogue, and more meaningful, spirit-filled services. Dive in and see engagement soar!

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Phil Wickham: “I Want to Practice What I Preach”

Think you know Phil Wickham? Think again!

In a raw, emotional interview, the Christian music superstar bares his soul about his wildest dreams – and they’re not what you’d expect.

Forget Grammy awards and sold-out arenas. Phil’s got his eyes on a different prize:
• The secret to his 16-year (and counting!) marriage
• Why he gets teary-eyed thinking about his kids’ future
• The surprising dream that makes him laugh (hint: it involves a basketball hoop!)

But it’s his vulnerable confession about being “better” that’ll leave you stunned.

Is Phil Wickham the real deal off-stage? Get ready for a backstage pass into the heart of one of Christian music’s biggest names.

Read the full article.

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Essential reading for worship leaders since 2002.

 

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