10 Common Mistakes Worship Leaders Make and How to Avoid Them
Hey, everyone! I’m Bryan Boliver, the worship leader here at Rock Harbor Church. Over the past 12 years of leading worship, with 10 of those years as a staff member, I’ve made many, many mistakes. Today, I want to share these mistakes with you in the hope that you can avoid making the same ones. I recently heard a quote that really resonated with me: “We don’t learn anything from the triumphs, but we learn from the mistakes.” Through countless Sundays, I’ve learned a lot from my mistakes. Here are the 10 most common ones I’ve made and how you can learn from them.
1. Lack of Preparation
One of the biggest mistakes I’ve made is not being adequately prepared. This doesn’t mean I wasn’t ready for each part of the service, but it often meant waiting too long to schedule people, set lists, and checking in with team members. To avoid this, give yourself enough time to prepare. When we are prepared, we can handle unexpected issues with confidence.
2. Not Paying Attention to the Congregation
As worship leaders and musicians, we love to challenge ourselves with new songs. However, if those songs don’t resonate with our congregation, we’re missing the mark. Always be sensitive to the needs of your congregation. Pay attention to their feedback and ensure the worship experience serves them.
3. Poor Transitions
When I first started leading worship, transitions between songs were awkward, and public praying felt terrifying. Practice your transitions and prayers. If needed, rehearse your prayers. Use common keys to smooth transitions between songs, and think through instrumental breaks to avoid awkward silences.
4. Ignoring Technical Problems
Technical issues can be a major distraction. If a microphone breaks or screens aren’t working, address these issues immediately. Don’t let the same technical problem persist for weeks. Take care of these issues promptly to avoid unnecessary stress and anxiety.
5. Being Afraid of Conflict
Avoiding conflict is natural, but it’s essential to address issues directly. Whether it’s a team member consistently being late or unprepared, have open and honest conversations. Addressing conflicts head-on will save time and energy, allowing you to focus on positive aspects of ministry.
6. Lack of Team Development
Invest in your team through regular rehearsals, resources, and encouragement. Weekly rehearsals help develop your team’s skills and build a sense of community. Share helpful resources, attend conferences together, and continually pour into your team to help them grow.
7. Ignoring Personal Spiritual Growth
As ministry leaders, it’s easy to neglect our own spiritual growth. Ensure you spend regular time with the Lord through personal devotions. Leading from a place of spiritual overflow is foundational for effective ministry.
8. Making Big Changes Before Big Services
Avoid making major changes before significant services like Easter or Christmas. Introducing new systems or significant changes can lead to unnecessary stress. Plan and implement changes well in advance or wait until after major events to ensure a smooth transition.
9. Lack of Flexibility
Flexibility is crucial in ministry. Be open to small changes and adjustments. Following the Holy Spirit’s leading may require adaptability. Embrace flexibility to enhance the worship experience.
10. Overloading the Schedule
It’s tempting to take on too much, especially around major holidays. Balance your schedule to ensure you have time for both ministry and personal life. Prioritize what’s essential and avoid overloading your schedule to prevent burnout.
11. Neglecting Vocal Health (Bonus Tip)
For worship leaders, vocal health is crucial. Regular vocal exercises, staying hydrated, and avoiding strain are essential. Take care of your voice to ensure you can lead effectively week after week.
