Top 10 Pet Peeves About Worship Leaders
Last month, Carlos Whittaker of Buckhead Church (Atlanta, GA) blogged the dangerous question:
What is the biggest gripe you have about something a Sunday worship leader does?
The 185+ responses were fascinating, insightful, and offensive to some. To cut through the clutter of all of the opinions, I made a very rough tally of all the pet peeves to determine the top 10 pet peeves about worship leaders. Keep in mind these are subjective opinions.
Top 10 Pet Peeves About Worship Leaders (with examples)
- Asking the Congregation to do Something (21 responses)
>> Makes us shake hands with the people around us.
>> When a worship leader tells you to lift up your hands, it takes a meaningful personal action and turns it into a obligatory command.
>> Talks like they’re at a high school pep rally, “Let me hear ya!”
>> Asks how everyone is doing. We’re not at a concert, so we’re not going to scream.
>> Tells you what to do and how to worship… to the point where it makes you feel guilty if you don’t conform yourself to her/his understanding of what worship is.
>> I hate it when worship leaders script the worship too much by telling people what to do. I’ve had worship leaders completely distract me from God when they start telling me what to do. - Mini-Sermons & Talking (20 responses)
>> Talks between every song.
>> I am distracted when worship leaders start talking about anything that is not directions on what we are about to do.
>> When they repeat the same catch-phrases every week.
>> Breathy speaking between songs.
>> Sermonettes are annoying if too long or common
>> You can tell a mile away when a worship leader is “sharing” because he feels obligated to. It’s always a cheesy or over emotional blurb. When God’s really laid something on a worship leader’s heart, it’s cool. But even then, say it in less than 45 seconds! Don’t meander on for 3 minutes. - Not Focusing on God (17 responses)
>> Forget that the audience of worship is God and start making it a performance for those sitting in front of them.
>> When they perform rather than worship themselves.
>> Showing zero emotion, standing still, focusing too much on perfection.
>> Worship leaders who seem really wrapped up in being “cool.”
>> Sometimes you can tell they’re being fake and/or showy.
>> I hate it when the music guy/gal asks the crowd to praise God but soaks it up like they are Bono and the crowd is really praising them.
>> I hate it when worship leaders don’t lead people. - Unprofessional (14 responses)
>> Starts service late.
>> Typos on the screen.
>> Talks to the praise band while leading worship instead of using hand signals to tell them what to do.
>> When the leader changes the key of the song and does not tell the rest of the team.
>> Goes out of order or adds another song in the middle of the set
>> When the leader and/or band member turns away from the people to mess with their gear.
>> When the production team on stage are laughing, joking, and gesturing behind the worship leader to the soundboard guys in the transition between worship and the message. - Singing (11 responses)
>> Can’t sing very well.
>> Doesn’t know the lyrics.
>> When worship leaders run words together.
>> When they put their own little spin on simple, common words.
>> Repeating the same line in a song 3.6 million times. There’s the Spirit’s leading and then there’s just plain losing people.
>> Our old church’s leader would sing so high that no one could sing along. She provided no harmony for us to pick up. It was to showcase her own voice. - Appearance (9 responses)
>> Sing with their eyes closed.
>> When singers act like they are really bored up there.
>> Wears crotch hugging jeans.
>> Looks or sounds seductive.
>> One of our young worship leaders had a really big hicky on his neck a couple of weeks ago. - Prayer (8 responses)
>> Inauthentic prayer – too scripted or so random that it doesn’t make sense, or rushed/dragged out to make the prayer fit the interlude.
>> Prays the words of the songs.
>> When they can’t talk or pray appropriately between songs. - Bad Transitions (5 responses)
>> Transitions between songs take long time.
>> Allows uncomfortable dead time between songs.
>> When they pray essentially the same prayer at a transition moment.
>> Using the song name as an introduction/transition - “You know I was thinking about how much God has done for me…it really is ‘Amazing Grace’ isn’t it?” - Lifestyle (4 responses)
>> When he’s obviously ungodly during practice and throughout life, but turns into a saint on Sunday morning.
>> I hate to see a person who is suppose to be leading worship acting like a jerk before service and then getting up on stage acting like nothing ever happened.
>> As a Pastor, I hate it when the music guy/gal is lazy apart from their 30 minute set on Sundays. - Catering to the Congregation (4 responses)
>> When they hold back because they are obviously conscious of what the congregation and/or pastor will think.
>> I hate it when worship leaders/pastors play to people who think the worship somehow revolves around what they like and what makes them feel good when it has absolutely nothing to do with our preferences or likes.
>> Has to risk being a cheerleader because the people that claim to love God exhibit no sense of joy when singing about Him.
Some of the pet peeves also have supporters. For instance, many people find it important to ask the congregation to raise their hands or shake hands with others. Ultimately, what matters most is that the worship leader is a Christlike example that can lead people’s focus into intimate worship with God. I like the quote that one commenter referenced:
Leading worship is the art of removing distractions.
For Discussion:
- What tips do you have for creating an effective worship experience?
- Do you have any worship leader pet peeves?
Aaron Said,
August 12, 2008 @ 3:34 pm
wow! Great list…thanks for sharing.
Totally eye opening about some things…
John Said,
August 12, 2008 @ 5:36 pm
I laughed so hard! This is awesome! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!!!
Scott Fillmer Said,
August 12, 2008 @ 7:18 pm
great post, I am forwarding it on to my worship leader
Christopher Coats Said,
August 12, 2008 @ 8:03 pm
What an insightful list. I find it interesting that some items (such as the obligatory handshake-time) have supporters AND detractors. Perhaps these types of things only work with SOME styles/demographics, but not all? Same could go for demonstrative-extroverted leading style or the repeat-one-line style?
Bryan Nelson Said,
August 12, 2008 @ 9:56 pm
This list is a great eye opener. It’s time for me to shut-up, focus on God, and let my life be the biggest part of my worship leading.
June Said,
August 12, 2008 @ 10:19 pm
You ought to have this in reverse and have 10 pet peeves about congregations (from the pastor or worship leaders perspective). You’d be surprised about the perspective from the platform.
Actually, the congregation is just a reflection of what’s coming from the platform. ‘Nuff said ’bout that.
btw-not all WL’s are like this. But people sure like to whine, especially about music. Usually when they do, it actually goes to something much deeper.
slw Said,
August 14, 2008 @ 8:52 am
The keeping the eyes open yet wanting the worship leader to worship rather than perform thing never made sense to me. If it is about worship, what difference does it make? I’ve heard church leaders say that many times before, but it seems to be a ctiticism coming from the theater rather than the throne room.
aaron Said,
August 14, 2008 @ 10:11 am
I would agree with a whole lot of these. I can’t even count the number of times I have been in worship and thinking to myself “Are we really doing this?” Stand, sit, greet, cry out, do a back flip, eat a banana, is that prayer for real or is he stalling (most of the time the answer is yes..it seems he is stalling)
However if you try to design a worship service without some of what annoys people you may as well just stay home and listen to a CD. You can’t please everyone…nor should you ever try.
Still great food for thought.
Chris Said,
August 14, 2008 @ 1:24 pm
I think this list helps us with a number of things.
The first is evident from some comments about how touchy we are as artists. We don’t like to hear what other people have to say about the ministry we are involved in, especially since they wouldn’t try to get on stage and do it.
But we must honestly remember that being a worship leader means that we put aside our own desires in worship and work to provide an atmosphere and experience that is most helpful to our congregation. Worship leaders should be spending their days Mon-Sat in worship so that when Sunday comes around, we can use our talents and energies to help those who don’t have regular times of worship to enter into that experience with God.
It’s helpful to know what our people think about us as ministers so that we can minister effectively to them. If your pastor got up on a Sunday morning in shorts and a tank top, would that bother the congregation? If so, he might have to rethink the way he dresses. So if filling the space between songs with sermonettes loses your congregation and detracts from their experience, wouldn’t you want to know so you can correct it and work on ministering more effectively?
Thanks for the work, Kent. Great stuff to take to heart.
Emma Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 2:42 am
Eph 4:29-32 look it up, it’s a good verse! Why is it that satan makes it so much easier to hate than love? Why does he have to come in to our church families and cause factions and dissentions? The main thing is that regardless of age, background or upbringing, we are all going to find something to get in the way of our worship! Now, whether we choose to allow it to get in the way of worshipping- the main thing we should be focused on (God)- is entirely up to You! Spend some time on your knees, in prayer, about this-it is important. If these things are really hardening your hearts to worship and getting in the way of your authentic worship, then there is really just one entity who needs to hear from you. “Even to the least of these, you do unto me…” There are two rules: Love God and Love people. If loving people means posting a list of things you don’t like about them, then there is something wrong with the church today.
dan Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 7:54 am
I agree in part with Emma on this, that having The Body list out a bitchfest is likely not an end-road to something constructive. I know, I know… it’s in the name of identifying that which is getting in the way of worship, or so is the stated intent.
But I think there’s a big aspect of Truth to where Emma was going, and it’s something I - as a music leader within The Body - had to learn a few years ago.
That is, when I worship God with The Body I ought not go expecting or monitoring what I’m getting out of it, or I how I “feel” about it. It is like giving someone a compliment in order to feel better about yourself. Doesn’t make sense.
When we leave a worship experience questioning or noting what we didn’t get out of it, a voice should shout in your mind that you just experienced the worship of yourself. Not God.
I tend to back up and look at a bigger question, though: Why is the same formula being used o-so-many years now? Why are we all still huddled together, facing forward, lights, camera, action, shine, polish, manufactured emotionalism, etc.? Why is this considered normal to followers of The Way? Why is much attention paid to the programming of services, the production value? It has nothing to do with Jesus.
Kent Shaffer Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 8:15 am
@Emma & Dan
I am a big fan of Ephesians 4. However, when someone lists out a worship leader pet peeve, I think what matters is his heart attitude. Is he doing it out of hate and malice or out of constructive criticism and wanting the church’s effectiveness to improve? Only God and that person can truly know the heart attitude.
Unfortunately, I believe that this is a necessary uncomfortable discussion. For many churches, worship has fallen into a rut. How they worship either revolves around tradition or what the big megachurches do, etc.
In fact, I believe that #3, “Not Focusing on God,” is a very serious and common issue. Hopefully, discussing the downsides of how we try to lead worship will influence us in a way that ultimately leads us and church congregations to more intimate worship.
Claes Holmgreen Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 9:18 am
This a nice list, and I believe that a lot of worship leaders would gain from reading this post. However, it’s in my opinion dangerous to assume that everything here is “right”.
I think the most common of these is number 2; worship leaders talk way too much instead of focusing on worshiping - a big problem. It has spread to my country as well.
But I do disagree with some stuff:
4) Unprofessional
>> Typos on the screen.
- In the end, this is not the worship leader’s fault, at least not where I’m from.
>> Goes out of order or adds another song in the middle of the set.
- Where is the freedom to act in the presence of the Spirit? I’ve experienced worship times with strong influence of the Spirit to be valuable times for people to encounter with God. Don’t make things TOO scheduled.
When changing the order or adding a song, it’s important that the leader knows his/her team well. It would be very bad if a leader started on a song that the team didn’t know by heart.
6) Appearance
>> Sing with their eyes closed.
- In my opinion, it’s a balance. It’s important that the worship leader is engaged in worship thereby inspiring others to participate. Sometimes the easiest way to do that, is by closing your eyes.
In the meantime, if eyes are closed all the time, some might feel left behind and find it difficult to participate because the leader is in his/her own “little world”.
9) Lifestyle
In general, the Church leadership should be aware of issues like these - not having a bad role-model being a leader.
Finally, when we comment on things that we dislike or have a difficult time understanding or dealing with, we ought to think about our choice of words. Please look at these comments:
—–
>> I hate it when worship leaders script the worship too much by telling people what to do. I’ve had worship leaders completely distract me from God when they start telling me what to do.
>> I hate it when the music guy/gal asks the crowd to praise God but soaks it up like they are Bono and the crowd is really praising them.
>> I hate it when worship leaders don’t lead people.
>> When he’s obviously ungodly during practice and throughout life, but turns into a saint on Sunday morning.
>> I hate to see a person who is suppose to be leading worship acting like a jerk before service and then getting up on stage acting like nothing ever happened.
>> As a Pastor, I hate it when the music guy/gal is lazy apart from their 30 minute set on Sundays.
>> I hate it when worship leaders/pastors play to people who think the worship somehow revolves around what they like and what makes them feel good when it has absolutely nothing to do with our preferences or likes.
—–
This really spreads a negative attitude, and for most people it’s difficult to handle and they go into defense-mode.
If you liked this post, please visit blog.claesholmgreen.com.
-Claes Holmgreen
dan Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 9:21 am
Clarification: Kent, your comment is well-received and I agree with it. To clarify my last point, though (because I just re-read it and it seemed incomplete), I am trying to say: If we’re going to open Pandora’s Box on what pet peeves we have with the formula for worship as we know and practice it, why not take a few steps away from the discussion to look at the bigger picture? Why not look at how The Body has approached music and gatherings historically, and borrow/innovate from what they did? If we’re just commenting on the formula as-is, then it’s like Tyler Durdin said, “…polishing the brass on the Titanic.” Good conversation!
Kent Shaffer Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 9:43 am
@Dan
I think the reason that we (the Church) rarely if ever take it a step further to look at the big picture is because of the amount of work required to facilitate such a discussion.
I think technology and resources are evolving to where we are finally being able to successfully discuss big concepts across a broad scope of dogmatic backgrounds.
In this case, Carlos Whittaker did the initial work to ask the question and collect the answers. And I analyzed those answers.
Although it would be nice to see a bigger picture discussion, it would certainly take more work to facilitate. And I think a blog would not be the right medium either (too confining).
Emma Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 11:20 am
I don’t know about all you all’s churches, but at my church, we have comment cards and we encourage the congregation to use them. I think people just like to complain, no matter how hard the worship team works to allow God to move the congregaton into worship. We’ve gotten comments anywhere from songs not being sung right to “you started the worship set too early” (by 5 min.). I agree, it’s the heart of the complaint. Is it a complaint that is self-serving or is it genuinely concerned for the church family?
mark earle Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 1:02 pm
while i agree with some of these (ex: being professional, good singing, no hidden band jokes), most are geared toward the seeker sensitive movement (ex: don’t tell or encourage me, or make me do anything, just let me sit and don’t bother me) ugh! there have been many times in a service that i needed encouragment to lift my hands, or maybe hear a quick blurpt from the worship leader. because of the weeks troubles i really wasn’t feeling like i wanted to worship. thank the lord for them and not being afraid to ruffle a feather or two.
dan Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 3:36 pm
@ Kent
I hope you don’t take my comments as a dis on your work. This is good info, and being that I lead our house church in song, it was great to read.
But I couldn’t disagree more about blogs not being a good place to have the bigger conversation. I think they are the conduit to the best possible conversation about these things, as evidenced by the growing house church networks popping up everywhere. Blogs have been a very important aspect for collaboration, venting, and ideation for followers of The Way to figure out how to put some modern-day flesh on Psalm 33:3.
Kent Shaffer Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 4:30 pm
@Dan
Not at all.
I just want to be sure that people don’t take the opinions too seriously. Many of them are insightful, but they are just opinions.
Take them for what they are worth. Although limited in its scope, it is an interesting topic.
Scott hill Said,
August 17, 2008 @ 3:46 pm
When the Psalmist said “shout joyfully”. Or “clap your hands” do you think it was a suggestion?
Dale Cox Said,
August 18, 2008 @ 7:02 am
This is really interesting! I teach church singers, and most of them are working really hard on singing well, getting their spiritual life in order, just doing the job and trying not to stuff up. They (mostly) take the responsibility really seriously (hence paying for lessons for lessons and improving their skills), and I know for a fact that some are given specific instructions which appear in the pet peeves, and are just doing their job as instructed by their leaders / senior pastors.
Also, just an observation, worship leading is actually a pretty hard job for many singers. Often I have musos come for some lessons who are singing because they HAVE to and have no training in singing (as opposed to years of lessons and practice on their instruments). Singers often are putting up with not the greatest sound systems, guitars and drums which are very loud, sharing foldbacks (can you imagine many guitarists sharing a foldback on their different instruments?). There can be lots of technical issues to overcome, and it is not a perfect world! You could be working with a less than perfect music team who are not really backing you up, and have had a fight with your kids about getting out of bed and getting to church in the first place. I agree with a lot of the pet peeves, but I am grateful for every singer who is brave enough to get up there, stick a microphone under their noses and give it their best!
Seth Swindall Said,
August 18, 2008 @ 3:20 pm
WOW…..this is very intense and straight forward….I agree that every P&W Leader needs to read this list….
Being a P&W Leader…it is a real struggle to find the (key word) BALANCE in all this….
I have this thought….We (as a P&W leading Team) are simply a water hose….we connect to God on end…and connect to the People on the other….if we fail to do either…we fail at being effective to Lead People into the place of True Worship God desires them to get to….as Leaders it is our responsibility to well…LEAD…
Most P&W leaders are simply a thermometer that simply reflect the attitude and energy level of their congregations….and the success of the service rests on the attitude of the people and not the leaders…do this and you will only have those…”WOW God really moved today” services when the people feel like having one…
We are not a thermometer…but a Thermostat….As leaders we set the atmosphere…we set the energy level…we lead people to worship..when they are tired…when they have had a terrible week…we become that voice like David is Psalms….
“Soul..you will bless the lord…”
We won’t let them settle…but…we do it w/ love…grace…kindness….it is God’s kindness w/ which he leads us to repentance….
1 tip I have found….is that when “encouraging” (not condemning) the congregation to be more active in worship…a simple rephrasing of words can make a significant change….for example instead of saying…
“lift YOUR hands..” ….which is totally saying…YOU aren’t getting it done…YOU need to pick up the pace…
instead try including yourself in the mix…
“Come on church…LET’S lift OUR hands”
so now you are not the mr./mrs. high and might commanding action…but you are apart them inspiring them to join you…
small but I have found it to be a help to me….
Dave Said,
August 19, 2008 @ 6:17 am
I have two significant problems with worship in many churches today:
The entertainment aspect: worship should be focused on and wholly directed towards God. I think the Roman Catholic church has the right idea in placing the choir and organ at the rear of the church.
The selection of music: Since the Reformation there has been far more Biblically sound music written than we can possibly use. I wish with all my heart that worship leaders would vet songs for doctrinal soundness and consistancy.
jon mark Said,
August 19, 2008 @ 10:15 am
i found this post very interesting…maybe there could be a study on the top 10 pet peeves pastors and worship leaders have of their congregations? maybe they already do…
i would agree with a majority of these peeves!!! and i’m a worship leader. but there is one that i won’t worry about no matter how many people complain…that has to do with closing my eyes, #6…
there are times when i am trying not to see what the female in the front row is/isn’t wearing…there are times when i am concentrating on the song and not messing it up…and the majority of the time i am closing my eyes to concentrate on the One i am singing to and about…how can i LEAD others if i’m not going there myself…
Emma Said,
August 21, 2008 @ 11:38 am
I would generally agree that it is good to have both negative and positive feedback about worship leading. However, these complaints aren’t applicable, unless it’s your own church talking. Most of these sound like personal pet peeves. It’s kind of ironic that this kind of manner is encouraged, when God punished the Israelites in the desert for grumbling/complaining. Our society is very selfish right now, “Have it your way.” If you’re so focused on what the worship pastor is doing during the worship set, how can you possibly have genuine worship to God?
Kent Shaffer Said,
August 21, 2008 @ 11:52 am
@Emma
Don’t throw the good out with the bad. Of course there will be some opinions you don’t agree with - it is based off of 185+ perspectives.
I think they are all good things to be mindful of. You can’t please everyone as a worship leader, but it still helps to understand the diverse perspectives of others.
Please don’t imply that the people who want their worship pastor to worship rather than perform (#3 Not Focusing on God) and be a godly example (#9 Lifestyle) are like the complaining Israelites.
Just because some might complain with the wrong heart attitude does not mean that you should badmouth every opinion, including the Biblically sound ones.
Emma Said,
August 21, 2008 @ 1:06 pm
I’m sorry, you misinterpreted what I was saying. When I wrote “most”, I was mentioning all of the other complaints, with the exception of the two you mentioned (#’s 3 & 9). That’s 80%. It’s my opinion.
Isaiah 29:13 (NIV)
13 The Lord says:
“These people come near to me with their mouth
and honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship of me
is made up only of rules taught by men.
Kent Shaffer Said,
August 21, 2008 @ 1:14 pm
@Emma
Thanks for clarifying.
Brandi Harvey Said,
August 22, 2008 @ 7:32 am
I think ultimately you just have to hear and follow God. Every congregation is different, and you will never be able to “please everyone.” But then it’s not about pleasing the congregation. It’s about being a lead worshipper. I have to do what I feel God leading me to do, as a worship leader, and trust that as I worship and serve Him, the congregation will be drawn into worship as well.
JDN Said,
August 22, 2008 @ 3:20 pm
Well I never intended to read all of this, but I did and I find something amazingly went unmentioned, something of vital necessity in the house of God. I could preach a long sermon but I’ll be brief, what’s missing here and what should be number one on the to do list is a real CORPORATE PRAYER TIME with ALL of those who are participating in the Worship ministry prior to the start of a service! As a long time prayer minister I have found it extremely difficult to get the worship team members to spend any MEANINGFUL time praying together before a service. The few times that I have seen this successfully done, the resulting sweet presence of the Holy Spirit in the service was unmistakable and as another bonus to this (as if we needed anything else but His Presence) the often made criticisms toward the worship team were no where to be heard after the service! If you are really serious about being a worship leader or part of the worship ministry, and are really intent on doing so for the Glory of God why not put this to the test, prove me wrong! Get the whole worship team together an hour before service, not to practice but to truly PRAY TOGETHER and watch and see what happens with that being the foundation of your Worship time! If you are so brave as to try this expect some resistance and for it to be a bit uncomfortable at first, the insincere and uncommitted will not survive the prayer time, and that’s ok the church does not need folks like that in the worship team anyway, to put it bluntly. The Worship leader who dares to make CORPORATE PRAYER TIME into a mandatory Requirement for those wanting to serve in the worship ministry will be blessed with a whole lot less criticism and whole lot more Presence of God in their ministry. Remember “MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER”!
Stephanie Said,
August 25, 2008 @ 8:36 pm
I just wrote about this today, interesting.
Stephanie Said,
August 25, 2008 @ 8:36 pm
I just wrote about this today, interesting.
Jyl Said,
August 26, 2008 @ 2:48 am
I think this post is very nice.
For an attendee: it would bring out a reaction like “yeah, they’re like that in my church” etc..
For a minister/PnW leader: “Hey, this is helpful” or “Hey this is too much”
Sometimes, it depends on who reads it. But I suggest that for PnW leader take it as a constructive criticism. I mean people won’t tell that in your face.
and for some…maybe the reason why they say such things is because they’re hearts are not that ok with God. Worship is a lifestyle. It;’s true that the worship team distracts us sometimes but whatever happens to the worship team would mean nothing to you if your heart is in tuned with God.
and besides, even if the worship team makes a technical mess, as long as they’re heart beats to worship God…I believe the congregation would really feel God’s presence..
I’ve seen it many times. An annointed pnw leader can sing the most boring song and yet become a great blessing to the congregation.
To top it all..it’s a very informative post
Alastair Said,
August 28, 2008 @ 1:21 pm
Let me first say that I’m a worship leader and at most times I do not find it an easy role. It’s demanding both physically and spiritually. There is a lot more involved that what is since on the stage. When I see peeve lists like this they intrigue me. Sometimes I get peeved off reading, other times I take notes. Here’s my comments on this list.
1) Our jobs as worship leaders to to encourage people to worship. Instructions to ‘raise hands down’ or ‘dance’ probably are out of order, but gentle prompts to worship is acceptable I think.
2) There is a slight pressure on worship leaders to talk between songs instead of just sounding like a cd. I’m not confident at this part at all. I haven’t done any transition-sermons yet. I might mutter a prayer. Nothing more.
3) This should probably be No.1 since it’s supposed to be all about God. Why are people not most annoyed about this area?
4) Sometimes when we concentrate too much on the professional aspects we can loose the element of worship. I know for me sometimes I can concentrating really hard on getting the song right and it’s more of a stressful experience than a worshipful one.
5) Sometimes even repeating a chorus can annoy some people. If you don’t like it now, eternity is really going to bug you.
6) The whole eyes-closed-eyes-open thing again. A worship leader needs to interact with the congregation in order to encourage them to worship. BUT, the worship leader also should be able to worship. If we close our eyes for some stretches, it’s OK - isn’t it?
7) Some of you are awful hard on worship leaders. Talking & Praying between songs is not easy at all. How can you say it is not authentic simply because the theme of the song is used as a prayer? They picked the darn song list in the first place. Songs & prayer go hand and hand in my book.
9) This should be up there at No.1. If you know your worship leader isn’t living like he should consistently (we all slip up from time to time), then you ought to do something about it. Your worship leader should attempt to live a lifestyle that honors God 24×7. A worship leader post is not just a job.
10) A worship leader needs to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. We must be willing to go where God leads during a service. Yes, we’ll make mistakes from time to time - but following God closely involves some risk.
Jake Said,
September 2, 2008 @ 8:58 am
I appreciate Carlos opening “Pandora’s Box” like this, but I also have to say - as a worship leader - that some of these peeves contradict each other, or are nearly impossible to placate.
For instance, no worship band at any church is going to have even one Sunday where nobody exhibits one of these “peeves” to the congregation. God’s gifted my guitarist… does that mean he shouldn’t take a guitar solo, as to pull attention to himself? He’s also young, and likes the fit of skinny jeans more than baggy fit. Who can really be the judge of his heart? Is it really okay for the congregation to make a judgement call based on a pair of jeans?
My question is on a different level: what is worship? Why do we ALWAYS DO IT THROUGH MUSIC AT OUR CHURCHES? Do we even need music at all? In Jewish history, the highest form of worship was thought to be STUDY.
Here’s another question: in worship music, who’s leading who? I like the thought, “Leading worship is the art of removing distractions.” I think that’s dead on - in the sense of leading worship through performing arts. But…
Does anyone think we’re only adding more potential for “distraction” when we overcomplicate the worship atmosphere? Are we overcomplicating it with our screens and our huge sound systems and our huge lighting rigs with our huge bands and vocal groups? I’ll be honest… these things are great for special events and concerts, but I believe the stakes become too high when we make our services into weekly novelties. We as worship leaders can really see this taking a toll on our volunteers/staff.
One can only stop to wonder, “is it worth it?”
Nikki Said,
September 11, 2008 @ 8:34 am
wow… I’ve been a P+W leader for nearly half of my life. And, I’m barely 20 years old. A lot of these were very touchy for me, but very very eye-opening. rest assured, I forwarded this on to my team and my friends who lead worship in various churches around the country.
I know that it is impossible to lead a worship service without “breaking” any of these “rules/guidelines”, but, it helps a lot to know these things in order to best lead your congregation into worship. As terrible as it is, we, as worship leaders, need to really almost take our congregation step-by-step into that place of worship. In order to do that, we need to convince them that we’re in it for them, that we’re trustable, that they like us.
As a young person leading a congregation of 350+, with ages ranging from from 1 to 87, I’ve had my share of complaints. It sounds awful, but if I wear a more conservative outfit on stage (skirt/dress, nice blouse, what-not) I could “get away” with singing more youthful, contemporary songs without getting complaints from the seniors. And if I wore (nice, clean, no-holes/rips, properly and modestly fitting) jeans, I could sing some older songs, or even hymns (in their traditional form) without losing the younger crowd.
It’s kind of discouraging to think that our congregations use us worship leaders as such a crutch, but it is something we definitely have to consider.
Thank you so much for posting this!
Bryon Said,
September 24, 2008 @ 2:57 pm
It’s amazing how many different ways we can find out truly how many different types of opinions there are in the church today. No matter what, there will be absolute differences in each and every one of us.
The important part is that those who are leading worship are actually called to do so and have examined their heart enough to know they deserve to be the one responsible for bringing worship to the father when we come together. It is a very demanding position, not by man but by God! Worship or I should say Worth-ship is the very reason for existence (not just limited to song obviously but as a congregation it is the most evident), and to be the one responsible is not an easy feat, especially if you take it seriously. The Lord, God, Almighty is the one we do this for, the side of attracting people is a by-product of how much we put into it and the technical side (including, sound, style, genre). Take a look at the Levites and what was expected of them, and know we got it made in our day!
I do have to say as a worship leader and over the years hearing pretty much every one of these things if not directed towards myself, another worship leader in our ministry or our team in general, plenty of times in just conversation and many of them are absolutely valid. The best solution I have come to is, do what God has called YOU to do, examine YOUR heart, and put forth 100% and at least you’ll minimize the pet peeves……..and most of all you’ll more importantly “please Him” and we know if we do that, he’ll be sure to raise us up as his word says and possibly even change the hearts around us!
Seraphim Said,
October 11, 2008 @ 11:06 am
OH man! I’m more interested with the comment section! Diversity is really confusing,yet i learned many things. i’m a new worship leader at our church, and i still have no mentor but the Holy spirit. thank you brothers and sisters for your comments. I know you guys are led by the Spirit. I’ve learned that it’s really hard to balance spirituality and worldliness. As it is said in the word: Test every spirit, and you will know them by their fruits. God bless you all!
Eric Said,
October 14, 2008 @ 12:46 pm
Interesting list. I became so tired of fulfilling everyone’s complaints and desires, I had to walk away from the job for now. Don’t get me wrong…I think constructive criticism is good, but timing is importantant and it has to come from the right people. If you think God has called you to go tell your worship leader that he’s a dufus, you’re wrong.
Senior leadership is very important for a worship leader, without it you are on the path to doom. It’s just a matter of time. Pick a true leader and lead as well and woship to the only one that matters.
The list proved that you can never please everyone and your goals must be to TRY and reach those who have yet to find a relationship with JESUS.
Stay true to JESUS and love people whether you are just being a neighbor, worship leader or whatever. That’s who JESUS was and is.
Anybody got a job I can check into? I need to feed my family.
f dacumos Said,
November 23, 2008 @ 9:22 am
I feel that it is okay to list those things that can and at times are distracting to “true worship”. As lead worshipers it is important to keep an open mind of these issues. However, to create a list of pet peeves is ultimatly judging the leader of worship whose heart is usually sincere. The only pet peeve that should be at the top of the list is what the Bible says that we as worship leaders or any other leader in the church should gage our character by. If we are abiding in Christ, He will pour out His Spirit among His people. The Bible teaches evidence of being a christian (or those who truly abide in Christ) will love his/her brother and sisters. Evidence of this love is how he/she treats his/her brother or sisters in Christ. Too many times I have been distracted from worship because before/during rehearsals of worship teams the leader is an example of one not abiding in the presence of Christ and is evidenced by the way her or she treats the other members of the team. Not having his or her own time alone with God in order to grow and increase in prayer. The behind closed doors whorship is evidenced in the way the leader treats others. When a worship leader “walks” with God he or she can do nothing else but yeild to the Spirit of Christ, as God does His work in and through the leader….Changing the lives of some in the congregation…enlightening others of forgotten sins…encouraging and giving hope to others who have lost loved ones…..reminding others of Christ’s everlasting love…giving hope to face the week to those who are in unbearable circumstances of life and relationships. We need to stop focusing our attention on “Pet Peeves” and focus our attention on Christ Himself. When “Worship” becomes our focus rather than Christ, we have become worshipers of worship rather than worshipers of Christ.
lucas Said,
November 24, 2008 @ 10:51 pm
These pet peeves are like the following:
I love to eat apples, but I really hate the skin, but i absolutely hate it when someone peels the skin cause then I got to deal with the seeds.
Matt Said,
December 3, 2008 @ 2:29 pm
I think that it’s good too wake up to things that may be distracting a congregation from worship. Any leader who takes the stage needs to constantly be aware of what they’re doing and why they’re doing it and also reflect on it’s impact after the fact.
However, we must remember that worship leaders are all far from perfect. Sometimes things happen that are far more annoying to a worship leader than to a congregation (sound problems, band mess ups, forgotten words, etc.) that require an “on the fly” response. Our worship leaders should be striving for excellence and be open to criticism when it is appropriately given. But people shouldn’t be walking into a service trying to find every little thing that they find annoying. Why are they even there in the first place?
I am actually a worship leader myself, but I can remember times when i’d be sitting on the other side of the stage wanting to roll my eyes in response to another WL or thinking “I can’t believe they did that…” Upon examining my heart, I realized that I was not being critical for the benefit of the leader or anyone else, but rather to satisfy an innate desire in my heart for me to be right and someone else to be wrong. That, my friends, is just wrong.
Worship leaders have a huge responsibility and thus need to be evaluating their effectiveness regularly as well as looking for helpful criticism. You can usually tell a genuine worshipper from a fake pretty easily. But I ask you, from worship leader, cut yours some slack every once and a while. If they’re anything like me, they beat themselves up on a daily basis for evey little screw up that happened during the service. We notice when things aren’t going right the moment they happen and then we’re anticipating the next criticism.
Ask your worship leader how he or she is doing. Tell them to their face when you think that something was effective in leading you to the throne. When you have a problem with something they do, ask them about it. Maybe there’s a reason that you haven’t thought of. Perhaps you can even offer an idea of your own. But please, don’t grumble about your leaders behind their backs. No one wins when that is going on.
Matthew 18:15-19, 1 Tim. 5:19
Matt Said,
December 3, 2008 @ 2:32 pm
Oh… one more thing…
pray for the worship of your church that it would be out of an overflow of a life given to God fully
and
pray for your worship leader’s role in that process
and
pray for your own role in that process