My Weekly Rhythm As a Worship Pastor
POV you’re planning the next month’s setlists
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 ESV
One of my favorite questions people ask is, “What do you do all day”? I mean, I know it’s an honest question. For most people, when they think of the role of a pastor, they automatically think of the act of preaching… and maybe studying and writing the message. So what do they do the rest of the week?
I thought it would be fun to break down my weekly routine so you can give me an idea of what fills up my time in this current season. For context, I fill two roles: I am serving on a local level at one of our campuses, and I am also responsible for resourcing our other worship/production teams at the other locations. I work Sunday-Thursday, so Fridays and Saturdays are my weekends. A while ago, my friend, Alex from over at Worship Ministry Training, released a recommended weekly task list for worship leaders, and much of this has been adapted from that original structure. Here’s how it breaks down:
MONDAY
Preview the upcoming week and main goals
Send out the YouTube for the whole service to the team with a “thanks for serving” message
Make sure this week's set is finalized (keys, songs, leaders)
Send group text to this coming Sunday’s worship band with any important info
Double-check that resources and files in Planning Center are correct
Check upcoming schedule; reschedule if needed
TUESDAY
Send group text to this coming Sunday’s FOH and broadcast audio teammates with any important info
Connection with Jason (Campus Pastor) about last Sunday’s services
Review the live stream and share feedback with the entire production team
Clean up and organize backstage/closets
Build at least one new setlist to stay ahead
Check-in meeting with Jerimiah (Central Music Director)
WEDNESDAY
Prepare/assign the devotion for rehearsal (I’ve been loving Alex’s Team Devos for these)
Text/call a few team members to see how they’re doing
Pray for the entire team (I use the InnerRoom app on my phone to make sure I pray for each one by name)
First-time guest follow-up calls
THURSDAY
Warm up voice for rehearsal (I recommend the VocalMist nebulizer along with a good vocal exercise)
Set up the stage for rehearsal
Check-in meeting with Matt (Central Service Producer)
Check-in meeting with EJ (Summerville Service Producer)
Lead rehearsal (starting with team devotion)
And then, throughout the month, you toss in meetings, event planning, funerals/weddings, and team scheduling, and you’ve got a full plate! The cool part is whether you’ve got a staff working alongside you or not- these are things you can scale down and implement in your week-to-week. You don’t have to do BIG things to succeed as a leader. Just do the small things consistently and watch what God does in the ordinary!
Father, You are not a god of confusion. Since the world's creation, You have operated in rhythms, and I want my everyday life to be marked by rhythms. Give me the grace today to walk in step with You. May my heart not grow so familiar with my calendar that I lose sight of what You want to speak in a moment. You continue to order the steps of the righteous. Amen.
