I'm With The Worship Team

The article “I’m With The Worship Team,” Tom Curley talks about the difference between playing in a band and leading worship. He talks about how a band is exclusive while a worship band is inclusive, and how bands want to keep core members because they think it will mess up the chemistry of the band. Band members also feel entitled to equipment, while worship team members are recognize that they can be replaced or God can call them to a new position. He also talks about how bands focus on performance while worship teams focus on facilitating worship to a sovereign God. 

Overall, I believed this article was very relevant to modern worship teams. I know in my experience, these band attitudes end up destroying the productivity of a band. These exclusive and often hurtful mindsets cause more problems and drama in a worship band. However, these worship team mindsets help a team to be more productive. Also, the worship team mindset is more honoring to God and helps others focus more on God during worship.

Are You Living in Your Element?

Dan Wilt is talking about how God has gifted each person. He talks about how we need to use our gifting to glorify God. We should be using our strengths to glorify God and expand his kingdom. If we use our strengths, we are able to affect more people. He talks about how we need to be rooted in our faith and have a strong foundation. We should be living an inspired, empowered, and communal life.

I liked how Dan Wilt compared different attributes about how we should live our lives to different elements of nature. I think it really helped me to understand what he was talking about. I think that he is right about how we first of all have to be rooted in faith. After that, we can use our gifting to further expand the kingdom. The more we serve others using our gifting, the more effective we are in expanding God’s kingdom.

Songwriter Essay

       Matt Crocker is best known as one of the songwriters and members of Hillsong United. He started playing drums initially, but later transitioned to playing guitar and singing. One of the events in Crocker’s life that affected him greatly includes the death of his older sister when she was only 15. Crocker grew up in Hillsong Church in Sydney, but he first became involved in worship in the youth ministry. He played drums and learned how to write music, leading to him falling in love with writing music. Joel Houston and Marty Sampson, two well known worship leaders, encouraged Crocker to write music for the youth worship team. 

       He published his first song at the age of 18. A few years later, he was able to collaborate with other songwriters at Hillsong Church. Years later, Crocker has published many well known worship songs as well as traveled around the world, touring with Hillsong UNITED. He continues to write songs not only for Hillsong UNITED, but also for Hillsong Church. He continues to lead worship at Hillsong Church when he is not touring with Hillsong UNITED. 
       Many of the songs Matt Crocker has written have personally impacted my life, especially the song “I Surrender”. Hillsong has been incredibly inspirational to me because I know God has called me into the ministry of worship, and members of bands like Hillsong UNITED have dedicated their lives to serve God and follow his calling for their lives. For example, Hillsong UNITED has gone on missions trips to serve the Syrian refugees in the Middle East. One of the things I admire most about Hillsong UNITED is that some worship leaders may act like they are better then the people they are leading, however Hillsong UNITED engages with the people they lead and they serve people that others would ignore. Matt Crocker is such a great example of following God wherever he calls and leading worship wholeheartedly and focused on God. 

Songs written or cowritten by Matt Crocker

I Surrender

Open Heaven (River Wild)

Prince of Peace

Relentless

Search My Heart 

Scandal of Grace

Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)

Glorious Ruins

Gracious Tempest

This I Believe (The Creed)

Oh You Bring

Are You Insulting God in Worship

This article talked about how sometimes when worship, we sing that we are worshipping for God. Sam Storms takes a closer looks at the word for. He talks about how sometimes we worship God because we think that he needs it. However, our attitude should be that we are worshipping God because we are saved by his grace, not that he needs our worship. Basically, this article talks about how we should be humbled by how God wants us but doesn't need us.

I agree with Storms that our attitude should be humble when we lead worship. However, I don't know if I agree with how much Storms looked into the word for. I have performed multiple songs that say the word for, however, I never thought of them as songs that say God needs us. Instead, I thought that we are saying that we are privileged to worship God. However, I do agree that we need to humble about worshipping God. 

Get Off the Platform

In the article "Get Off the Platform," Dan Wilt talks about our motives for leading worship. Even though we are following God, sometimes we think that being a worship leader is our right, not a privilege. We think that our skills may be better then other worship leaders and that we should be the main worship leader. However, Wilt encourages us to listen to our heart and see where our motives lie. Also, we feel like being on the platform means that we are working to earn rewards in Heaven. However, chasing after platforms can be damaging for us and for those we are leading.

I liked how this article talked about common mindsets that worship leaders have. Sometimes it's super easy to think that we have the right to be on stage leading worship. However, that attitude is damaging for us and for those we are leading. We should not be thinking that we are better then others or judging other worship leaders. Instead we should be focusing on God and leading others closer to me.

If Worship was like an NBA Game

I thought this video was funny because it over exaggerated what it is like to be on a worship team. The commentary made funny points and the interviews were funny.

Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader Chapter 29

In this chapter, Kraeuter talks about how sometimes it is easy for us to stay in our comfort zone. For some worship leaders, it could playing only one instrument or the same style of music. In Kraeuter's example, he is used to playing the guitar while leading worship. He felt like he was called to simply lead worship without his guitar so that he could be an example of how to lead. By staying in our comfort zone, we don't leave any room for ourselves to grow. We have to be willing to follow where God is leading us, whether that be changing an instrument or playing a song you don't like, because He wants us to grow.

This idea of getting out of my comfort zone is very relevant to me. Sometimes, it is easier for me to want to play songs that maybe don't challenge me. Instead of wanting to grow more as a musician, I want to stay in my comfort zone because I can be insecure about performing. However, I won't be able to grow and sometimes I could be ignoring God's plan for me because I want to stay in my comfort zone, even though God's plan is better then my own. I think there is definitely room for me to grow in getting out of my comfort zone.

Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader Chapter 28

In this chapter, Kraeuter talks about following the Holy Spirit during a performance. After preparing for a service, we should perform to the best of our abilities, but allow for the unexpected. We never know where God will lead us during worship. Sometimes we may need to extend a song or cut one short, based on how God is moving. We should try to follow our preparation, but we also must be prepared to let God lead. Our main focus should be God, so we should try to minimize distractions like switching between fast and slow songs or introducing songs in ways that can take the focus off God, but rather work towards having smooth transitions that allow the congregation to keep worshipping without distractions.

One thing that stood out to me was that we must be prepared ahead of time, even if we are not leading. Kraeuter says that sometimes we get frustrated because some people do not get into worship, however this could be a sign of lack of preparation from the congregation, not necessarily the worship team. However, we should focus on God and how he moves during the service. Ultimately God is the one who changes people, so we should be worshipping him and following where he leads us. We often don't think of the importance of transitions, but in this chapter, Kraeuter highlights that we should have transitions that do not distract the congregation from worship.

Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader Chapter 27

This chapter talks about being prepared ahead of time. Sometimes we think that if we have spontaneous worship, that is God speaking, while also thinking that having a plan seems to limit God. However, God himself had plans for us and for salvation. While we should have plans, sometimes it's ok to leave a little room in the schedule to let God work. We don't need to plan every minute, but we also cannot be completely unprepared.

I think that this concept is really important. A lot of times, we are unprepared and we make the excuses by saying we are leaving room for God to work. However, Gid has given us the example of making plans. Therefore, we should be prepared for our worship sets, but we can also leave a little room to be led by the Holy Spirit.

Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader Chapter 26

Often as worship leaders, we think it is ok to come in late and lead worship without practicing beforehand. However, if we do not prepare spiritually and instead lead worship in a rushed way, then we do not get to fully experience God in that moment. Kraeuter says that we should remember that Jesus is the door to God, not worship. Therefore, we have to spiritually prepare ourselves before worship because if we do not recognize that Jesus is more important then how we sound, then we are missing the point of worship.

I liked that Kraeuter emphasized that Jesus is the reason we can go to worship at God's feet. Worship is an amazing way for us to praise God, but we cannot forget that Jesus blood is the reason we can worship God at his feet. Taking time to prepare our hearts for worship is so important because Jesus is the center of our worship, not music.

Keys To Becoming An Effective Worship Leader Chapter 15

In this chapter, Kraeuter talks about how as worship leaders, we have to learn how to exercise diplomacy. Kraeuter says that exercising diplomacy means building and maintaining good relationships between the band. Most people don't like to confront people, but sometimes it is necessary. It is easy for us as leaders to give up or quit all together. As worship leaders, it is our responsibility to try to fix relationships and not ignoring the problems within our band or even with the elders or pastor.

In my experience, the quality of exercising diplomacy is incredibly important in a worship leader. I've had to deal with conflict twice in a worship team. In one situation, the worship leader ignored the situation until the conflict escalated to the point where the band broke up and some people left the church. In the other situation, the worship leader ignored the situation and it ended in one member of the band leaving. In both situations I was able to see how a worship leader handled conflict badly. Therefore I know that exercising diplomacy is incredibly important.

Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader Chapter 14

We are called to be more then just worshippers, we are called to be worship leaders. We are called to genuinely care about the congregation that we are leading in worship. Although worshipping God is our priority, we cannot call ourselves worship leaders if we are worshipping but not leading anyone in worship. We should be putting the needs of others before our own, even though it is not easy or comfortable to do so. To put others before ourselves, we should primarily be encouraging toward the congregation.

I liked that this chapter said that we cannot be called worship leaders of we do not care about the people we lead. If we are not being good leaders and caring for the people of our congregation, then we should not expect to be followed. It is hard to put others people's needs before our own, yet that's what God called us to do. It may take us out of our comfort zone but to be good leaders, we must be loving and encouraging to our followers. 

Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader Chapter 13

In this chapter, Kraeuter talks about how we need to prioritize the things in our life. Of course we have to prioritize God over everything, however in this chapter Kraeuter talks about how we also need to prioritize family and the will of God. He talks about how as leaders, people will see what we do, including how we prioritize it. If we are prioritizing our position in worship band over family, other people will most likely follow our example. Also, we need to take sometime off the stage to worship with our family because we should prioritize our family over being on the worship team.

I liked that in this chapter, Kraeuter emphasizes that our actions are watched by others. If we are not being a good example of having our priorities straight, then others may begin to copy the way we live. Our first priority is God, and then family. I know that keeping my priorities straight is something I struggle with. Constantly I try to make everything my priority instead of deciding what is more important and cut out the extra stuff. Because of this, I am always tired and stressed out. Therefore, if I worked to make God, family, and God's will my priority, I could avoid extra stress that can distract me from working on my relationship with God.

Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader Chapter 12

In this chapter, Kraeuter talks about how God has given each of us gifts. He also says that although we are given gifts, God wants us to grow and work on our gift. It is so easy for us to think that God is just going to work through our gifts and that we don't need to do anything other then use the gift. However, God gives us gifts and expects that we will be working on strengthening our gifts for his glory. We cannot excel at our gifts if we don't actually work on using them better. He will guide us on how to grow in our gifts, but it is up to us to work on growing.

I liked that Kraeuter said that we shouldn't just sit around and assume that a God will work through us. We have to be open and willing to let him use our gifts. However, by being open to let God work, we have to be willing to work on growing our gifts. God calls us to excel in our gifts, which means we have to try to strengthen our gifts. God gives us the gifts, but he expects that we will grow our gifts and use them for us glory.

Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader Chapter 11

In this chapter, Kraeuter talks about how worship leaders are examples to the congregation. There is no way to avoid it, but the best things worship leaders should do is accept the responsibility. Even small leadership roles have this responsibility. Whenever you are in any leadership position, there will always be people looking to you as an example. The best think we can do is to lead by example. Our actions will speak louder then our words, and when people see us genuinely serving God, they will also want to serve God genuinely.


Whether we like it or not, people will look up to worship leaders. After all, who better to show a congregation how to worship genuinely then the worship leader and the worship team? Because we have the extra responsibility of being an example, we have to make sure our walk with God is strong and constantly growing. It is important that we are examples on and off stage because we will always be looked up to as role models. The idea that we are role models can be daunting but all we have to do is open live our faith and continue to walk with God, and others will see that we live a life of worship, even when we are not in stage. We have to be careful because being an example could also mean that people imitate our negative qualities as well. We have to constantly be walking with God so that people will imitate the positive rather then the negative.

Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader Chapter 10

In this chapter, Kraeuter talks about how it is important for us to discipline ourselves as worship leaders. Being disciplined doesn't mean beating ourselves up for making mistakes, but to stay focused on seeking God diligently. We have to be committed to being a good leader and musician. It is easy for us to be lazy and not practice. However, having self-discipline means that we continue to push ourselves to practice and to be responsible. Also, being disciplined means being in constant prayer for our congregation. We are able to be better leaders if we are dedicated to the enormous responsibility we have as worship leaders.

I liked that Kraeuter talked about discipline as being committed to following God's calling for our lives. We have been called to be worship leaders, therefore we should not take this responsibility lightly. We must continue to develop our skills and our relationship with God. By being dedicated to practicing and praying, God will help us to grow to become better worship leaders. Kraeuter does not define discipline is beating ourselves up for making mistakes, but instead he says it is our commitment to growing to become a better worship leader.

Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader Chapter 9

In this chapter, Kraeuter talks about two different situations where good worship leaders were able to help different churches prosper and grow. However, in both situations, both worship leaders had their positions taken from them. Kraeuter's point is that sometimes, as worship leaders, we cling to our position and importance. However, we never know what may happen. God may lead us to another church or difficult situations may force us to change churches. We have to remember that being a worship leader is a privilege, not a right we are entitled to, therefore, we have to be willing to be led by God, even if that means leaving a church.

I liked that Kraeuter says that we should not cling to our importance as a worship leader. For worship leaders, it is really easy for us to think we are entitled to our position or that we are very important for the church. However, we have to remember that leading others in worship is a privilege, not a right, and therefore we shouldn't define ourselves as worship leaders of Valley Christian, for example, because we never know if God will lead us in a different direction. We should not rely on our positions as worship leaders to define us, but rather we should remember that God or different situations may cause us to move from where we lead worship. It is not the end of the world if we are called to leave a church, because as long as we are following God wholeheartedly, he will provide us more opportunities to be a light to others, even if it is not through worship ministry. As long as our focus is on God, he will continue to work in us and lead us when we need to leave a worship leader position. All we have to do is trust him.

Keys To Becoming An Effective Worship Leader Chapter 8

A danger for worship leaders is not constantly maturing in our faith. When a leader is immature but gifted, compliments will eventually go to their heads. They may believe they are so anointed by God that they should be running the church. There are certain worship leaders qualifications that should be taken into consideration. Also, worship leaders have a lot of influence in the congregation and they should take the responsibility seriously. It is important as a leader to have a mentor to help you grow and become a better leader. We have to be careful to not think our gifts are greater then the Giver of the gifts. If we want to be good worship leaders, we should also have to be good leaders.

I liked that Kraeuter said that we have to be more confident in our God then our gifts. God is the one who gives us gifts, so why should we think we don't need God. Our gifts are given but what is more important is our faith in God and producing fruits instead. Encouragement is great, but we have to be careful to not try to build up another person's ego and make them think they don't need Jesus because they are gifted.