Over the past several weeks, the question of paying musicians and singers in a worship environment has been a hot topic. If you ask churches who are paying their musicians, they have valid reasons for doing so. If you ask those who aren't, they too have valid reasons. What is the best scenario? What is the ideal for the local church? To answer the question of whether a worship team member should be paid or not is a difficult one. There are so many factors to consider in every situation. For example: I have a rocking worship band in my church. We have set a high s...read more

Worship Leadership
By Stephen M. Newman - Worship Leaders - June 25, 2009

One of the most challenging role of a Worship Pastor/Music Minister is serving as a manager/supervisor. As a manager/supervisor I am responsible for everything in my area of ministry. Depending on the size of your ministry team, there is usually tens to hundreds of people under your leadership. Whenever there are people involved in anything, the chances for conflict and disharmony are close behind. When there are musicians involved, the chances are almost certain. We could cover a host of issues as managers/supervisors. This brief article will cover a few duties ...read more

Called. Anointed. Appointed
By John A. White - Worship Leaders - June 22, 2009

As I complete a season of my life and feel a sense of transition, I am asking myself some very important questions about my vocation as a worship leader, administrator and teacher; “what is my calling?”, “What is the anointing for this calling?”, and “Where is God’s appointment to fulfill this calling?”. As I wrestle with these questions, I could not help but think of their universality in every ministry situation and the necessity to review them from time to time. Calling is different than opportunity. Sometimes Christians have a circumstantial faith and m...read more

Christian Leadership University
By Stephen M. Newman - Worship Leaders - June 04, 2009

Many of you have requested information about worship schools. Where can we get further education in the area of worship and ministry? Is there a place where courses in worship are offered for those who are in ministry full-time? The answer is YES! We are pleased to recommend to you a school that offers a variety of degrees from Certificates to Doctorates. Pursue a degree in ministry or specifically worship. Christian Leadership University is an outstanding institution committed to helping you become the person God has called you to be. I am boasting of...read more

Captain Kirk
By Stephen M. Newman - Worship Leaders - May 29, 2009

I am not a Trekkie, but I remember well the phrase that opened every episode in the old days, "To boldly go where no man has gone before.” If you've ever watched Star Trek, you know that it is a saying that is not easy to forget. Either it was very catchy or I just heard it too many times and it stuck with me. When I think about my role as a worship leader, I am reminded of this catchy phrase from Star Trek. Where can I take those in my congregation in worship? How far will they go in worship? Will they boldly go anywhere in the pursuit of worship, or wi...read more

Sight-Reading the Congregation
By John A. White - Worship Leaders - May 27, 2009

I tip my hat to those who can lead worship sight-reading from a lead sheet. While I can figure out the notes and play a crude melody on my guitar, I cannot sight-read music. Sight-reading seems to be one of those skills that many worship leaders what to improve. In fact, I have a friend who played lead guitar for a famous 60’s rock star and holds two PhDs in music and now conducts an orchestra. Even he admits his weakness in performing is sight-reading. But, while being able to sight-read music would be a valuable tool for performing music, worship leaders have...read more

Teaching Your People To Worship
By Stephen M. Newman - Worship Leaders - May 17, 2009

If you have been in the ministry for a while you know that the arts department has a tendency to draw people of all colors and expressions. We are a bit different as people who are for the most part on the creative side. We see things in a different light and approach things in different ways. Because we tend to draw in people who have creative backgrounds and talents in the arts, there is a strong tendency for us to want to use our gifts to help fulfill a need within us. We have all come across people who want to get up and "sing for the Lord" in our "...read more

In Search of the Spiritual
By Stephen M. Newman - Worship Leaders - May 12, 2009

Do you ever stop and ask yourself, "Why do people visit my church?" Do you ever ask yourself, "Why don't they come back?" Why is it that churches across the country see people coming in the front door only to have them exit the same door and never return? I know of churches that will draw a 1,000 visitors a year and yet average under a 1,000 in worship. What is behind this unfortunate phenomenon? There are many reasons why people do not return to our churches after visiting for the first time. Some can't relate to the style. Others never make a connection wit...read more

Leading Worship With Recorded Music
By John A. White - Worship Leaders - May 07, 2009

If you lead a small group and don’t have a worship leader, this paper is for you. I intend to show you how to lead worship, in five easy steps. You might be saying, “that’s impossible” but it is not. Leading worship is a combination of both artistic talent and skills that can be learned. Before you say, “Hah! I’ve got you, John. You’ve never heard me sing and I can’t play an instrument so I can’t lead worship.” I intend to show you how you can lead worship successfully by complimenting your artistic weakness with previously recorded worship music. In fact, there...read more

One On One
By Stephen M. Newman - Worship Leaders - May 04, 2009

As a career worship pastor I have one ongoing struggle. The people in our congregation are behind me in worship. The majority of our congregation are baby worshipers when it comes to their participation and understanding. They come from a variety of backgrounds and denominations, and most come from traditional churches where worship participation was rare. Many still don't see why we have to sing so long or stand for twenty to thirty minutes during worship. Personally I would worship for an hour if I could; but, I am trying to bring them along and not leave the...read more

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