5 Questions To Ask Before Canceling Your Mid-Week Rehearsal

A couple of years ago I had the chance to spend the day with the Worship Staff at Harvest Riverside.  Pastor Greg Laurie’s church.  

I was speaking at a Worship Conference along with their Worship Pastor and shortly after reached out to him and simply asked “can I come learn from you guys?  I really admire what you do.” 

It was an amazing day and I learned a ton form their very gracious team but one thing they said really surprised me.  “We don’t have a mid-week rehearsal, our team only rehearses before the service.” 

Really?! How is that possible?  They sounded so good that I assumed they rehearsed for hours.  

I begin reconsidering our Thursday night worship rehearsal.  I followed up with an extensive phone conversation about how they pull this off.  I reached out to several other friends who did something similar.  Finally, I pulled the trigger and canceled our Thursday night rehearsal.  We now only rehearse before the services.  

Here’s what I learned along the way. 

5 Questions To Ask Before Canceling Your Mid-Week Rehearsal

1. Is The Team Strong?

This is the most essential component.  You have to have a strong team.  Are your volunteers reliable?  Do they rehears and prepare on their own time?  Have you been playing together for a while?  Is there strong chemistry and communication?  

2. Is The Path Clear?

Do you communicate early and thoroughly?  Do you share the set list with your team in plenty of time for them to prepare?  You as the leader need a clear vision for the worship service and be able to lead your team confidently.  Make things simple and consistent for your team.  

3. Is The Sound Consistent?

Do you start from scratch with each song?  Building the arrangements from the ground up?  You’ll never have enough time in one rehearsal.  Share the recording of the songs with your team.  Instruct the musicians to learn and play the parts on the recording.  This will give you a head start and a solid launching point for each song.  

4. Is The Song List Short?

How many songs are in your rotation?  75? 100? 200?  I Recommend having a master song list of 40-50 songs.  There may be other songs you bring in from time to time but keeping your song list short allows your musicians to learn the songs well.  After you’ve rehearsed a song you’ll only have to briefly review it next time.  

5. Is A Brief Sound Check Possible? 

We all know how a sound check can eat up considerable rehearsal time.  Avoid this by having the stage set and channels checked before the volunteers arrive.  Write out the channel assignments so the sound man is clear.  Double check your equipment list.  Does everyone have the gear they need?

Finally, here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages I’ve found that may help you with your decision about making this switch.  

Advantages To No Mid-Week Rehearsal

Allows your volunteers to be involved with other areas of the church durning the week.

Allows volunteers who couldn’t attend a mid-week rehearsal to be involved. 

Pushes you as the leader to thoroughly prepare.

Creates space for additional rehearsals for special events.

Disadvantages To No Mid-Week Rehearsal

Doesn’t allow as much time for song arranging and team collaboration

Narrow margin for unexpected technical or musical issues 

What does your weekly rehearsal routine look like?  What are some of the advantages and disadvantages you’ve found with your rehearsal paradigm?  We’d love to hear!  Share in the comments below.