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.