Topics
- Audition
- Band
- Ministry
- Ministry Logistics
- Mission
- Music
- Musical Improvement
- Philosophy of worship
- Production
- Rehearsals
- Song selection
- Theology
- Volunteers
- Worship Leading Tips
- budget
- burnout
- care
- click track
- culture
- expression
- gospel centered worship
- help
- lead pastor
- leadership
- leading
- multi-site
- pastoral ministry
- practical
- production
- small church worship ministry
- song planning
- team
- vocal
- worship planning
- worship production
The Long View: Building a Ministry That Outlasts Trends and Transitions
After 20+ years in ministry, here's what I've discovered: The most fulfilling moments aren't perfect Sundays—they're seeing someone you've invested in leading others effectively. When Mitch leads worship now, I don't think, "I wish that were me." I think, "Thank God for what He's done in this man's life." That's Level 5 leadership—your greatest satisfaction comes from others' success. The long view transforms daily decisions: You choose character over charisma in team selection. You prioritize development over immediate results. You build systems over dependencies. You pursue substance over style.
From Planning to Platform: Building Systems That Actually Work
One of the biggest misses in worship leaders that I coach is that they don't truly have systems to get things done. They have well intentioned ideas and are decent at communication, but even the highest caliber leader will get lost in the myriad of weekly tasks that a worship leader must get done.
Here's the little known secret: most of the church has no idea how much work it takes to pull off an "undistractingly excellent" and "inspirational" worship gathering. I'll never forget the amount of times I've been asked "so, you're a full time worship pastor? Like, what do you do all week?"
The breakthrough came when I realized that crafting and implementing a well curated worship order is like preparing a really good meal. Not the kind where you cut up some hot dogs and throw them in boxed mac and cheese, but the kind of meal that's worthy of responding to the glory of Christ. That kind of meal requires intentionality, preparation, and systems that actually work.
Worship as a Response, Not a Performance: The Theology of Revelation and Response
One of the most challenging tensions to manage as a worship leader is ensuring we don't end up worshiping worship itself. When we truly recognize the awesomeness of God, our unworthiness, and the grace by which we've been saved—that's when our hearts are drawn in the direction of a true worship leader. We're just beggars showing other beggars where they can get bread. Throughout Scripture, we see a consistent pattern: God reveals Himself, and His people respond. Those big musical builds, heavy pads, lush guitars, and killer vocals are awesome, but they do NOT cause worship to happen. Our job is to simply point people to Jesus again and again, creating space for genuine revelation leading to heartfelt response.
Fostering Congregational Participation: A Journey of Patient Leadership
Discover how to foster deeper worship engagement through intentional song selection, meaningful teaching moments, and effective transitions. Learn the principles that help create an environment where your church can authentically express their worship of Jesus.
Production in Worship: Making the Most of What You Have (Part 2)
When technology serves the heart of worship, something beautiful happens - distraction gives way to encounter. Explore how to develop volunteers, establish effective systems, and create an environment where production elements enhance rather than overshadow worship.