Let Them Lead The Last Song
Let’s be honest: handing off the last song in a worship set can feel a little risky, right? It’s the big moment, the one that ties everything together. It’s where the congregation reflects, responds, and sometimes even gets their breakthrough.
And that’s exactly why we hesitate to let a vocalist lead it.
We tell ourselves, “Let’s give them the first song instead.” It’s high-energy, it’s fun, and honestly, they can’t really mess it up (or so we think). The opener feels like a safe space, but when we only ever hand them that spot, we’re holding them back from growing into true leadership.
Let’s talk about why we need to change that—and why it’s time to let them lead the last song.
Growth Needs Trust
Here’s the thing: leadership takes practice. Sure, some people seem to be born with natural confidence on stage, but worship leadership is about so much more than confidence. It’s about learning to read the room, follow the Spirit, and invite others into what God is doing.
And the only way to learn that? By doing it.
When we always give vocalists the first song, we’re keeping them in the shallow end. We’re saying, “We trust you with the warm-up, but not the weightier moments.” That’s not the message we want to send!
Letting them lead the last song tells them we believe in them. It gives them a chance to stretch, to listen to the Spirit, and to take ownership of a moment that matters. It’s not just good for them—it’s good for the church, too.
Mistakes Are Learning
Can we be real for a second? Nobody leads perfectly all the time. Not you, not me, not the most seasoned worship leader out there. Worship isn’t about flawless execution—it’s about hearts turning toward God.
When we focus too much on “getting it right,” we miss the point. Worship is about giving God our best, yes, but it’s also about trusting Him to work through our imperfections.
So, yeah, maybe they’ll stumble a bit. Maybe they’ll miss a cue or struggle with the energy of the moment. But guess what? That’s how they’ll learn. That’s how they’ll grow. And we’re here to guide them, not shield them from those growth opportunities.
Trust Beyond Yourself
Sometimes, if we’re honest, it’s not just about whether the vocalist is ready. It’s about whether we’re ready to let go of control.
Leading worship can feel heavy at times. We care so much about creating an atmosphere where people can encounter God that we hold on to the reins a little too tightly. But here’s the truth: it’s not all on us. Worship is God’s work, not ours.
When we let a vocalist take the last song, we’re trusting not just them but also Him. We’re saying, “God, You’ve got this.” And that’s a pretty freeing place to be.
Set Them Up
If you’re feeling a little nervous about making this shift, that’s okay. It’s a big deal! But there are some simple steps you can take to make sure your vocalists feel confident and supported:
Rehearse Well – Spend extra time prepping the last song. Talk about the flow, the dynamics, and the heart behind it.
Start Small – If the last song feels like too much at first, try giving them the second-to-last song. It’s a great way to ease into deeper moments.
Celebrate the Wins – After the set, let them know what they did well. Everyone loves hearing, “You crushed it!”
Pray Together – Before the set, pray for each other. Remind them (and yourself) that this is all for God.
Let Them Lead
At the end of the day, worship leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating space for people to meet with God. And part of that is investing in the next generation of leaders, even when it feels a little scary.
So, the next time you’re planning a set, take a deep breath and go for it. Let them lead the last song. You’ll not only help them grow—you might just see God do something amazing through them.
