subject: Challenges Faced By The Praise And Worship Leader [print this page] Being a new praise and worship leader can be one of the scariest ministries in the church. The challenge of leading your congregation into a more wonderful experience of the Lord in worship is more important than the way you sing or play! Another facet of fear comes once you realize you must lead a bunch of very gifted musicians and singers.
Praise and Worship Leader Problem Number One
Every church ministry has its challenges, however becoming a praise and worship leader is without doubt one of the most public areas of the church. This means that every thing you do, sing and say is in front of the people who know you best, your strengths and your weaknesses, and the end product of your ministry is likely one of the most controversial in the church.
So, as a praise and worship leader, the primary challenge is that any mistake you make is seen by everyone you know, and this is usually a large hurdle for some leaders.
The Second Problem of Being a Praise and Worship Leader
The second problem is that you're working with a bunch of talented and sometimes very sensitive individuals. You may think that leading a congregation is hard, however being a praise and worship leader to a gifted group is even harder!
Most often the praise and worship leader faces a group who are more gifted in music than they are, and this is indeed a challenge! However, you need to keep in mind that your calling is to lead, not play and sing and be a star! Leadership skills are important at this level, because lots of your team will probably be sensitive to criticism, sometimes prideful and sometimes aggressive about their sound.
Honesty, dignity and firm love is required by the praise and worship leader. They have to be firm but kind, available at all times and sometimes they turn into a counsellor in addition to a worshipper. Leading your team entails musical knowledge, sensitivity to the Lord and a pastor's heart of love!
Praise and Worship Leader Problem Number Three
The third challenge you face is leading folks close to the Lord. It sounds easy, but any praise and worship leader will tell you it isn't that easy! You need a gentle and sensitive spirit before God and you have to be ready to put the congregation ahead of your personal musical desires and tastes.
Above all, you need to be a humble servant, serving your group, the congregation, your pastor and the Lord Himself.
For the praise and worship leader the challenges may seem great, even overwhelming, but you possibly can rise to it should you keep a humble heart and get the right training. So if the Lord calls you to this ministry, get excited, get humble and get some praise and worship leader training!
