Following the Leader

Finding a new worship leader, worship arts director or music director can take awhile, and it can be a daunting task.  There are several qualities to look for – moral integrity, musical ability-training-experience, a heart for God’s people and for worship, and an ability to work well with people within the ministry area, as well as encourage and inspire new people to get involved.  There’s also that ‘certain something’ the pastor, the team and the congregation want to see in the new person. 

My first word of advice – never settle on a new leader based upon a predetermined time allotment. WAIT until you feel God has truly brought the right person (or persons) your way.  Once your new leader begins his/her job position, he/she will need lots of time to get to know the expectations of the church leadership and the team, along with the response of the congregation.  He/She will need time to acclimate to a myriad of things, including getting to know individual personalities, participation schedules, and preferred musical style choices.

My second word of advice – support your leader.  If the person you have chosen displays all of the above characteristics when they are hired, then believe in them, even during the challenges.  If the person is the right person, expect many challenges!  Remember – inviting a new director into your church is also most likely inviting a new member into your church.  The member would hopefully be warmly welcomed, and nurtured / encouraged to use their gifts and to grow in Christ.  Others will grow as a result of this new member being in their midst. The new director, in the same way, should be welcomed, nurtured, and encouraged to offer their unique gifts and talents to the team.

I am so blessed to be part of a church that supports their music director.  The unfortunate fact is that all too often churches expect the new worship leader to be ‘just like’ the last worship leader.  All too often churches reject new musical choices or ideas offered by a new leader.  Don’t fall into those traps, or you may miss the opportunity to grow musically, or even spiritually. God has something great in store, when you find the right new leader.