YOUTH WORSHIP TEAM
WORSHIP : THE FIRST IMPRESSION | Vance & Michelle Shepherd
Have you ever heard the saying “ You don ’ t get a second chance to make a first impression ?” In the world of church , the first thing people usually see and hear is the worship band . Many church goers that we ’ ve talked to pick their church based on how good the worship is . That ’ s a lot of pressure on the worship team ! It might also be someone ’ s first time in church , and we as regular church goers have a lot more grace for a worship band that is not up to the standard of secular bands . But those that are new to church have much different musical standards , and often don ’ t understand the “ congregational ” structure of the music . This can be especially true of youth ministries , and the church should always strive to have its worship be authentic , heart led , and as skilled as possible . ( Psalm 33:3 , 1 Sam 16:16 )
One of our brand-new students told me that the youth pastor at her church found out she was taking music lessons . Without even knowing what her skill level was , he asked her " How about playing on the worship team next week ?” I knew that she wasn ' t even close to being ready for that ( she had only taken two music lessons in her life ), and I told her that it would be like throwing her in the ring with a professional boxer when she could barely spar . After talking with both the parent and the student about it , they agreed . They let the youth pastor know that she would like to continue working on her skill level and understanding of music before joining the team .
We have seen this all too often : youth pastors and leaders find out that a student plays an instrument or sings ( or is just starting to ), and they ’ re quick to get them on stage , even going so far as turning their instrument off in the PA system and running a track instead , so it ’ s a lot of people on stage “ just for show ” ( so to speak ). Could we possibly be doing the student and the church more harm than good in the long run by rushing them in to something before they ’ re ready , and before understanding the level of responsibility this brings with it ? We suggest always having a formal audition to find out what their current skill level is , and then give them practical goals to work toward . Also , mentoring them in a small group that ’ s geared toward worship and understanding the role of worship in the church would be extremely helpful in keeping them focused on why we worship congregationally , and how to honor God in the use of our talents and skills .
We feel that the audition process is extremely necessary and beneficial in the student ’ s musical success . If they don ’ t pass an audition this time , encourage them to keep working and pass the next one right around the corner ! Let them know you ’ re cheering them on and want them to succeed . Possibly reach out to some other accomplished musicians in your church and see if they would like to work with your youth ministry in musical mentorships .
When our students audition , we take notes and score them per song , and point out parts they will need to have to focus on for the follow up or next audition . This way we ’ re setting a skill level standard for them to work toward . If we put them on stage before they ’ re ready , we feel that we could be setting them up for failure , and not encouraging them to become as skilled a musician or vocalist as they could be some day . But on the other hand , you could play a huge part in encouraging your youth to not just maintain their current skill level , but set fun goals , and maybe take extra lessons and push themselves to become a real musical asset to your team .
May you be blessed as you pour into or become the next generation of worship leaders !
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