10 Things a Worship Leader Should Never Do

The times they are a’changing. Worship leaders used to be conservative. Now you’ll see them sporting hats, deep v-neck shirts, and TOMS. They use vocoders and trash cans for a bit of creativity. But some things about worship never change. This is my take on 10 things a worship leader should never do. Enjoy!

1. Chastise the congregation. If the congregation isn’t responding, it can get tempting to “preach” to them about how they aren’t worshipping. But we can’t judge their hearts. Plus, it’s the pastor’s job to bring correction. The worship leader should be a cheerleader, not a grumpy coach.
2. Take a secular song, and change the word “baby” to “Jesus”. (Unless it’s referring to baby Jesus.) Come on, guys. I know it can be tempting to play that really cool song on the radio. A simple change of the word “baby” to “Jesus” could do the trick. But, seriously?!
3. Introduce every song with a story. An occasional story can be a useful tool to engage folks with a song. But you’re there to sing, not tell anecdotes about your child reaching up to you saying “Dada”.
4. Run the sound while leading worship. This is especially tempting at the churches where the sound guy and worship leader are always fighting. Trust me. Even a bad sound guy can do better than you can while leading worship. Don’t do this unless you have no other choice.
5. Close your eyes during the whole service. You’re leading. Plus, it looks like you’re in pain if you close your eyes the whole time.
6. Attempt a hymn you “think” you know. Be sure you know the hymn. Otherwise that throwback for the traditional folks will fall flat.
7. “Wing it.” Unless you’re the only band member…with no sound team or slide runners…don’t wing it. Even then. Be careful. You’ll probably end up saying something dumb or forgetting all the words.
8. Let choir members smuggle percussion instruments on stage. There’s nothing worse for a sound guy than suddenly hearing a choir member shaking a tambourine or smacking a cowbell next to the choir mics. Have a gender-segregated pat-down before the service if you need…
9. Show your mid-riff. It’s the next inevitable phase after the deep-V. But please…don’t do it! (Especially guys.)
10. Think it’s all about you. It’s not about you. It’s not about the music. It’s not about the songs. It’s about leading people into worshipping God.

Anything I left off the list that a worship leader should never do? Chime in!

Original Post by The Church Ideas Blog