Holding Your Musicians to a High Musical Standard
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
As worship leaders, we're tasked with guiding our teams to create worship experiences that honor God and inspire the congregation. One aspect of this role is holding our musicians to a high musical standard. While fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment is important, striving for excellence is essential. Our worship is not just about hitting the right notes—it’s about offering our best to God. So, how does that play out? I don’t want to give you specifics on what your team should play, but here are a few thoughts to get your mind in the right place as you communicate your standards.
Nothing great is built on minimums, and this applies directly to worship music. Settling for the bare minimum may get you through a service, but it won't create powerful experiences that touch hearts. Excellence in worship music isn’t just about technical skill; it’s about creating an atmosphere where the presence of God can be felt, and the congregation is moved to engage deeply with worship. By holding our musicians to high standards, we encourage them to develop their talents and offer their best, which elevates the entire worship experience. Just as athletes push themselves to get stronger and faster, our worship teams should grow in their skill sets, resulting in more impactful worship.
Musical excellence must be rooted in a purity of heart and a genuine desire to worship. If our pursuit of high standards becomes purely about performance, we risk losing sight of the true purpose of worship. Worship that pleases God comes from a heart focused on Him, not on impressing others or achieving perfection for its own sake. Encourage your musicians to spend time in personal worship and prayer, seeking to cultivate a heart fully devoted to God. When the heart is right, the music will naturally reflect that, creating a worship experience that is both excellent and spiritually rich. Relationship with Jesus first, musicianship second.
At the heart of everything we do as worship leaders is our purpose: to magnify the Lord and encourage the people. Holding our musicians to high musical standards isn’t about perfectionism; it’s about ensuring that our worship is the best it can be to effectively serve its purpose. Excellent music can draw people into God’s presence, helping them connect with Him deeper. That’s why we put so much effort into our setlist choices, arrangements, and, you guessed it, the level of musical skill on our teams.
Everyone who serves on our platform is considered a leader. This includes not just the worship leader but also the musicians and singers. As leaders, we are responsible for setting an example of excellence and integrity. When everyone on the team embraces their leadership position, it fosters a culture of accountability and a shared commitment to excellence, making the worship experience more impactful for the congregation.
Conversations with team members who aren’t hitting the mark can be intimidating. But I’ve found that the best place to start those conversations is a place of honesty and respect. Do your best not to come across as talking down to them, and also don’t hide behind thick, spiritual curtains. Nobody wants to be talked to like a child, and nobody likes to be spiritually tossed around. We set clear expectations for our teams early, communicate them often, and then hold people to those standards when the time comes. Which parent loves their child more: the one who allows them to do/say whatever they want whenever they want to, or the one who sets clear boundaries and punishes as necessary?
Lord, help us to strive for excellence in our worship, not for our own glory, but to honor You. Guide our hearts to be pure and our motives to be genuine as we lead others into Your presence. May our efforts magnify Your name and encourage Your people. Amen.
