Building a Worship Team: Practical Steps and Spiritual Growth
- Learn practical tips for recruiting and growing a worship team, from organizing workshops to nurturing spiritual growth.
Whether you’ve been a Worship Leader for 40 years or are brand new to the experience, we all have a “common denominator,” which is recruitment—we all need a team! We need people around us to help us in leading worship. From the Garden of Eden, God has always created us as a “team,” and the same goes for Music Ministry.
Starting Fresh: A New Church and a Tiny Team
Here’s my hopefully helpful story: I moved from Florida to California (with no Banjo! Ha! Ha!) to a church of around 250 folks. They had a tiny Worship Team of 3 people. So, I decided to hold a “Worship Workshop” and invite interested church members to join the Singing Worship Team, Tech Team, or Instrumental Team. I even asked Chick-fil-A to sponsor us, and they generously provided FREE LUNCH for all attendees!
The Workshop and a Blessed Turnout
With much prayer and preparation, we hosted about 50 folks. Thirty-five people signed up to join the Worship Team. What a blessing! Here’s the checklist I created to help things flow smoothly:
Preparing for the Event: Checklist for Success
- Recruit Volunteers:
I reached out to several teams—Decorating, Serving (to help with food and beverages), Publicity (to put up posters and flyers), and a Prayer Team (to pray for the workshop’s success). - Engage with Testimonies:
I asked five people to create short videos about their thoughts on worship. Our theme was “Worship God in Spirit and Truth,” and my dear friend Babbie Mason shared a wonderful analogy of worship as a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich.
Publicizing the Event
- Posters and Flyers:
We created posters and flyers and distributed them throughout the church and community. One gentleman saw a poster in a store, attended the workshop, and ended up joining the church and the Worship Team! - Video Announcements:
I also created a video announcement to share with the congregation two weeks before the event, giving everyone an idea of what to expect.
Getting the Details Right: Practical Preparations
- Name Tags and Sign-Up Sheets:
I prepared paperwork, including name tags and sign-up sheets for each ministry—Tech, Instrumental, and Singing. We also had a list for those interested in church membership since that was required for volunteers at my church. - Sharing Your Passion for Worship:
During the workshop, I shared a short speech on what worship means to me. I compared worship to preparing a beautiful meal for God, urging everyone to give their best—just as we would in serving a guest of honor.
The Annual Worship Workshop: A Church Tradition
This idea has become a fun annual event at my church. Some come for fellowship, others to learn about the Music Ministry, and many join the Worship Team. However they engage, God is glorified!
Nurturing Your Team: Spiritual Growth and Encouragement
As worship leaders, we are like gardeners. We need to nurture our team, pray with them, and lead them spiritually. Incorporating devotions before or after rehearsals helps keep everyone focused on God’s purpose.
Encouragement: The Key to a Strong Team
It’s essential to encourage your team. I love writing cards, sending emails, and hosting a Volunteer Banquet at the end of the year. It’s at these moments that I remind them of how proud God is of their work in His Kingdom.
The Bigger Mission: Reaching People Through Music
Remember, we all have a mission—Matthew 28:19 calls us to make disciples of all nations. Music is a powerful tool in reaching people for Jesus. Find creative ways to share the good news through music and worship, and always be open to where God is leading you in your ministry!
Conclusion: A Reminder of Your Calling
Isaiah 41:9-10 reminds us that God has chosen us and will strengthen and uphold us in His righteousness. As His servants, we have a vital role in the Kingdom of God. Be blessed and continue to bless others in your ministry!
“You whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, ‘You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off’; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
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Kenn Mann is an award-winning songwriter and worship leader who began his musical journey at just 3 years old, playing hymns on a toy piano. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Kenn has worked alongside artists like Babbie Mason, Charles Billingsley, and David T. Clydesdale, and leaders such as Henry Blackaby and Kay Arthur. He has written over 50 choral anthems for major publishers and co-wrote the Dove Award-winning musical "Make Us One." His song "The Sea of Forgetfulness," co-written with Babbie Mason, became a #1 hit for Helen Baylor. Kenn holds degrees in Music Education and Church Music and has served as Minister of Worship at First United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida for over a decade. He has also hosted the WTIS radio show "Tampa Bay's House of Praise" and contributed to notable musical projects, including collaborations with the Billy Graham Association and Disney World productions.