YOUTH WORSHIP TEAM
RELATIONSHIP AND PURPOSE | Vance & Michelle Shepherd
In the evenings, there is nothing that my wife seemed upset. Michelle got up, closed the door mic off in the house mix and run a multi-
and I like to do more than sit on our balcony and said, "Don't worry, you can tell me about track instead. They just want bodies up
and talk through our day. The other night we it and it won’t leave this room." The student there “leading” worship. But could rushing
asked about how each other's day went. I told proceeded to tell her about a relationship the youth into these live-playing situations
her that I asked my students, "What would you at school that had been damaged, and she possibly be doing the student and the church
like to do today? We could spend your lesson didn't know how to act around that person, more harm than good in the long run? Do we
time on bass, drums, keys, guitar, or even start and that it was just hard right now for her to really know that student’s needs? Do they
a studio recording session - it's your pick!" One be around them. This question created a very need ministry and an understanding of what
particular student pondered for a moment, put close bonding moment for both of them, and worship truly is before getting on stage? Would
down the guitar and with a huge smile on her allowed Michelle to share God’s perspective the responsibility that comes with being on a
face said, "I think I would like to record myself with her. The ministry that happened during platform create pressure for them that they
in the studio!" So, we took one of her favorite that time was priceless. wouldn’t be able to handle well? Are we setting
worship songs and recorded her singing it. At
a personal standard for them to work towards,
the end of her studio session I mixed down an When Michelle told me both of these stories it not only musically, but spiritually? If we put
mp3 for her to surprise her mother with on the inspired me to want to be more of a friend, a them up there before they’re ready, are we
drive home. She told me that her mother had minister or mentor to our students. It also made possibly setting them up for failure, or training
tears in her eyes as they listened to it. me think that at times we as youth leaders or them not to become as skilled a musician or
Christian music teachers could be vulnerable of vocalist as they could be some day? And do
My wife Michelle then told me how her lessons wanting a youth worship team so desperately, they truly realize what purpose they are serving
went with students that week. One thing she that we can miss opportunities of bonding with when they are leading worship? We need to
loves to do when students come into their our youth and knowing their personal story or remember that relationship and purpose are the
lessons is ask, "So how was your day?” Now struggles. Sometimes we’re just too focused key ingredients to having a great youth worship
because they're teenagers, they usually just on getting them from point A to point B. I have team, and find creative ways to implement both
say, "okay…." So, she started asking them, seen it all too often that when youth pastors as you lead students.
"What was the best thing that happened to you and leaders find out that a student plays an
today?” One of her students was so excited instrument or sings, they have a tendency May you be blessed as you pour into the next
to tell her about a special chapel they had at to say to them, "How about jumping on the generation of worship leaders!
her school and went on and on about it. It was team next week? You're on!” without even exciting to see this student so fired up about trying to develop a relationship first.
worship! She also asks the opposite question,
"What was the worst part of your day?" One We’ve seen churches that put youth up on
of her students that week got really silent and stage, and then turn their instrument or vocal
98
June 2019
Vance & Michelle Shepherd
Founders of The Shepherd School of Music in Las
Vegas, NV, where they work with youth to raise up the
next generation of worship leaders and musicians.
facebook.com/shepherdschoolofmusiclasvegas
www.ShepherdStudiosLV.com
Subscribe for Free...