How To Train A Worship Volunteer To Be A Worship Leader

I found myself marveling during a recent Sunday night service.  I was able to simply play guitar as two Worship Leaders excellently lead our church in worship.  No, not guest worship leaders.  These two men were once worship volunteers on our team, playing their instruments with no singing or leading responsibility.  Now they lead worship services across our church every week.  

Guiding a person from a rotational volunteer to leading the team and the church takes time.  It takes commitment on their part and yours.  But it's absolutely worth it.  Developing worship leaders is an essential part of strengthening your worship ministry. 

Here’s how to get started. 

1. See The Potential And Feed The Fire

Always be on the lookout for individuals who may be potential worship leaders.  Do they have raw musical talent?  Strong people skills?  A heart for serving the Lord? If so, show your support and challenge them to take the next step. 

2. Allow Them To Lead A Song

Next, work with them to find a song they are passionate about and feel strong and confident in.  During rehearsal have them lead the band and give instruction just as you normally would.  This helps them get the feel for leading the team and you can observe them in action.

3. Co-Lead For A Service

Once they’ve become a strong song leader organize a service for the two of you to co-lead.  Have them lead half of the songs.  Consider having them welcome the congregation or pray.  This also allows the congregation to get comfortable with being lead by a new leader. 

4. Give Them A Chance

Finally, let them lead.  Decide if you want them to choose the set list and run the full rehearsal or if you want to release these responsibilities gradually.  This will depend on where they're at in their development but this can be a goal to work towards.  Be gracious with their mistakes.  Understand they may be nervous.  But let them lead. 

All in all this could be a three month to one year process but it's well worth it.  Keep communication open.  Give constructive feedback regularly. 

Don’t wait until you go on vacation or get sick to find someone to fill in.  By then it may be to late.  Is there someone on your team right now who could be a potential leader?  What steps could you take to develop your next worship leader?

Let us know in the comments below!

Looking for more info on this topic?  Try these articles.

6 Ways To Find New Worship Volunteers

5 Steps To Your Best Lead Vocal

How To Have An Amazing Worship Rehearsal

Spontaneous Worship For The Rigid Worship Leader