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Musical Worship Leader

An individual Leading the musical worship is a common idea in the modern church. However, the concept is nothing new, we can see individuals leading praise to God throughout  the bible. 

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The musical worship leader is expressing their own interpretation of the music and keeping in unity with the service leader (often Martyn the minister) but more importantly interpreting how the Holy Spirit is leading. The use of songs, music, and spoken word is to take the congregation to where the leader feels God wants people to be that particular service.

 

This role requires both preparation, a sense that the musicians, singers, sound and OHP operator are able to adapt to where they are going, and are attentive and cooperative with them. This helps the leader to have a free mind to tune in to God. 

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Be aware that as a leader of musical worship (as opposed to performing) your soul will be exposed. Authenticity and humility are essential qualities to being used as a vessel to lead people to God, this is not a platform to perform or lead from your ego. God has given you a great responsibility to lead invisibly. We become a conduit to lead people to God. It does mean that you are putting yourself in a vulnerable position in front of people, and often it will be an emotional strain. The weight of any discord in the group, or in the church in general will often be felt, the emotional and spiritual "kickback" can be quite overwhelming. 

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Leaders should be

 

  • Able to interpret the Holy Spirits leading through a personal relationship with Him

  • Aware of others (the band, the minister, the congregation)

  • Aware of the instruments playing with them, knowing their challenges and skill levels

  • Prepared but also flexible

  • Able to communicate effectively with the band

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Musicians and Team

The main quality for musicians (apart from a certain skill level on their instruments) is the ability to listen and watch me. But not only me, but to be able to tune in to the leading of the Holy Spirit as well, or at least to tune into the mood of the music and play sensitively accordingly.

SKILL LEVEL

We do not run the Church, or the music group as a business, or a professional band. There are no auditions, however, I will not let a musician join before hearing them play their instruments first. Very rarely I have welcomed musicians I feel led to encourage. Because of the fluid nature of the leading it is essential that the musicians can use their ear and follow chord charts as opposed to written music. Because of modern computers it has become so easy to transpose keys accordingly so that flow of songs are not interrupted, but this does require the musicians to be able to adapt to that. 

Singers

The singers are as much as a presence on the stage as their voices are! Because they are at the front, the way they enter into the music will influence the congregation. They are backing singers, which means they need to hold the tune, but also find harmonies that work. They need to have a sensitivity and should be listening to the dynamics of their voice, they should blend together and not stick out. It is also essential that they watch and follow the music leader. 

Sound Desk operator

Yes the sound desk operator is a part of the music team! The influence of the balance of sound from the instruments and singers is so powerful on the effectiveness of the music. 

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