Encouragement for worship leaders in small churches

Sometimes leading worship in a small church can be frustrating - often we want more budget, or more volunteers, etc. It's important to remember that engaging worship does not depend on those things - while they are extremely important - leading with excellence and authenticity can create engaging worship in literally any environment.
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[@daisyann6030]

I was literally in a living room with about 10 people leading worship, just me and my guitar, this past Sunday. I was moved to tears by this, thank you for the encouragement and the remider to always lead with excellence and authenticity! Our God is worthy of all our praise forever and ever amen

[@dominiqueryles2922]

Thank you so much for this. I have been leading worship for 11 yrs. I used to have a full team of 30 people the congregation was about 400 and then I fell into addiction and had to step down. The ministry fell apart after a yr. Of my departure. I have been working on myself over the past 4 yrs and have 4 yrs sobriety now I was slowly given back my ministry and am now the director again. I will never take my ministry for granted again. It was about 25 people in the congregation and 1 musician when I came back we now have 10 people on team and about 125 in the congregation and I've struggled feeling like I am failing but also scared because I don't want to ever mess up again. I've let the fear go recently but realized that the quality is better than the quantity. The goal is not about numbers but the quality of the connection we bring others and God are we effectively helping change lives. Etc. So many more points that u made that I didn't mention hear but this blessed my heart thank you.

[@deborahjevans7829]

Great encouragement and advice. I think it's essential for worship leaders and singers to spend time with the LORD during the week and the evening, night or morning before the worship services because He does a work in your heart, mind and soul that should be with you when you lead others to worship Him. This will also help you and the team to look like you've been with the LORD because you actually have. What shows on your face tells a lot. Passion for GOD should show! If you're not passionate and enthusiastic about worshipping the LORD, those who follow you won't be either. Encourage the congregation to do the same thing during those times as well. And the Word of GOD should be the continuous foundation and support of every music ministry and of all those involved in it. We must also continue in His WORD to be His disciples as well. May our Lord bless each of you/us as you/we lift up His Name in worship and praise!

[@billrhea73]

Thank you. I'm an acoustic guitar player and I've led worship for over 200 people to 15 people. I've had a full band behind me before, but the majority of the time its just me. I'm so thankful for all the resources you guys provide. I'll be moving to a new church this Sunday. It will be me and a pianist. I would appreciate your prayers.

[@Highfivechurch]

Soo true!! Thanks for this! It is all about the heart. Sometimes Acoustic sets are better than an orchestra of instruments. "Lead with excellence" that is a great quote. Use what you have and watch God move! "Your worship leaders need to worship." *Mic Drop*

[@joashbritto]

Woah...this hit deep. It's truly a struggle when you don't have a proper team or more than a single intrument when leading worship, and you have to carry the whole thing on your back while feeling like you're not going anywhere. I couldn't help but cry for some reason while watching this... Thank you for the encouragement in this video. I really hope God answers our prayers and sends someone who could raise our worships. Please pray for our church as I believe God can do anything, only expecting us to be patient and keep praying with all we've got :')

[@vincentkwok7857]

Excellence and authenticity in worship - very well said. Thank you for the encouragement.

[@brandonli4896]

Thanks for the encouragement of two simple yet important things of being a worship leader!

[@Uchihaopbrian]

Bro thanks for the encouragement, I'm the only guitarist in my church I play with an acoustic guitar, and my pastor is the only pianist, every Sunday its us playing and because of the small congregation its always powerful, since everyone is engaged. And the pressure is real on me since my skills isn't all that great great i only play chords and I don't know much chords, and I need a Capo every time I play to match the singers voice cause i don't know how to play in different Chords without using a capo, so yeah... I'm hoping someone who's more professional on the guitar comes to the church later on... to help me and

[@Rhett-Christopher]

There's no shame in using a capo! In fact a capo can be a great tool for guitar sounds.

[@naigellucia3206]

im the only pianist and my skillz aint that good either

[@Rhett-Christopher]

Don't know if you know this but George Harrison used a capo on the 7th fret of his guitar to record 'Here Comes The Sun' when he recorded that song with The Beatles. Sure, he could've played the song in the key of A somewhere else on the guitar but it sounded great capo'd at the 7th fret. If the big dogs can do it - anyone can do it. There's no shame in using capos. ;-)

[@JaimeGonzalez-bn6ol]

Bro i know the feeling 3 years ago i learn how to play the piano and it was just me and my nephew he was the drummer.I was on the keys and leading worship its so crazy how hard it was and frustrating it was but one service i herd God's voice telling me i am here with you and your not a lone. Keep praying and God will bless your church with more musicians.

[@dageachikkeysnote7911]

We've a Small group worship team and we just now starting we've no good musician and no good instrument's and no sound engineer but we're worshipping God so thank you for this encouraging I have to learn more about Worship.

[@rickylimbu3668]

Bro same here. But what briang Wahl is sharing it true and can happen here.

[@princesst633]

Thank you for the encouragement Sir. The encouragement and the comments by different people motivated me more to continue serving God no matter what happened within the team or at the church. Continue and never Give up ❤️

[@lauracheever]

Thank you so much for this. I'm a new worship leader at a very small church plant where no one else plays and instrument and half of the attendants refuse to sing, (or even show up until after worship is over). Everyone else in our church is quite a bit older than me and they all work at a maximum security prison while I'm just a young homeschool mom, so I'm kind of the odd man out. I feel so inadequate and have a hard time taking myself seriously as a worship leader, but this helps so much.

[@frankardos4211]

Hey brother. Thanks for the kind words. I know just where you're at with this message. The Lord just put it in my heart with this thought...The intimacy is precious because the music can't really "enhance" the Gospel, but the Gospel sure will enhance the music. It starts with Christ in our hearts. Music being the gift it is follows our spirit. Bless you and thank you friend. Great channel!

[@rochaaynahn.2492]

Thank you for this. I am a worship leader of a very small church here in the Philippines. Our church got broken due to typhoons few months ago and we changed our venue. This video really encouraged me, we were just five at the front; me, a lead guitarist, an acoustic back-up guitarist, a drummer, and two back-up singers.

[@valeriepizarro2057]

Thank you so much for your words of wisdom. I totally agree with the importance of a worship leader seeking God's direction, through prayer and sometimes fasting, for the power of the Holy Spirit to be manifested in each service. We as worship leader should lead by example and worship the Lord in spirit and in truth so that we would be able to lead others to His presence in a deeper worship. God bless you for sharing this with us.

[@koreysamuels8586]

i have just started to add your advice as a worship leader and it really makes me so happy to be inspired by such a powerfully amazing annointed man like yourself.............im so thankful that god has answered my prayer today to help me become that childlike sponge to soak in the times of listening instead of just doing all the time. as im heading into worship for the first time as a guitarist its great to here your advice and reflect and prepare by spending lots of time with god before sunday and seeing that as my number 1 excellence and priority. bless you brother you are awesome.

[@juda9209]

This video was such a blessing. I was getting stressed because our keyboard, drum, and guitar player are leaving, i just got into KZbin and this was the first video i saw. This chanel has helped me so much in our worship group. God bless you ❤️

[@paulavista7]

Amen. Thank you for encouraging us. :) It's so true that there will come a point in your journey that you will be left alone in the team. As days go by, people change priorities, conflicts in schedules and what not. But as a true and genuine worshipper, you wont stop, you wont feel alone but you will continue to persevere in leading worship and continue giving the highest praise and worship to God. God bless us all.

[@jessejimenez8948]

Hey Brian I've been watching your videos since I first started leading worship and a year ago I was able to attend Calvary Chapel School of Worship and I'm just so grateful for all the Lord has done through you and your service to Him which has always encouraged me to serve to the best of my ability by relying on the holy spirit I pray God will guide you and keep you in your walk with Him.

[@manoletemena6967]

Thank you for that encouragement! I’m just about to start leading worship at our little church with just me playing the guitar and singing and I pray that I never lose that thought that the Holy Spirit is looking to move through me

[@graceaboundsmusic8755]

Bryan, i just listened to this encouragement message that you have, i must say that it really touched my heart... im sure you know, that it was God who touched my heart, thats just how he works many times. Everything you said and talked about, was so good and true, and i could tell that your experience at the coffee house worship was so good and genuine so awesome!...the way as you mentioned that it should be, the way God wants it for all who are there to experience his love and goodness. Ive been learning alot of songs and playing the guitar through your tutorials, Thank you so much for them, Im hoping someday to be able to serve the Lord on my Churches worship team as you do, to encourage, inspire, and just share Gods love through music...

[@paoloelicano]

Gosh. Exactly what I needed to hear today. I was a bit stressed, but now have the strength to carry on. Thank you so much. 💯

[@DeaconJoeMeyer]

I needed to hear this. I have been asked to be the Praise and Worship leader for our first small satellite church opening on Easter Sunday. I struggled to get musicians to play and have been overwhelmed and felt like i should quit before it even starts. I hope this encouragement can lead me through. Thanks.

[@zacharychoate5428]

You've been such a blessing to me. Thank you Bryan for all you do.

[@DavidShearer777]

Excellent video! Those are usually the best services! A lot of times, less is really more! Very encouraging!

[@danpriest7]

Thanks Brian, your encouraging words were much appreciated. I attend a small church in the morning and a different one in the late afternoon on Sunday playing acoustic guitar and singing. Having the time of my life really. So thankful for the opportunity God has given me to play. It does get a little exasperating sometimes though. Seems like all of us who lead worship have similar challenges. Thanks for your transparency. Blessings Dan

[@connieezzell840]

I needed to hear this !!!!! Thank you for ALWAYS having a word that other leaders need to hear !! God Bless you !

[@Quffish]

7:13 onwards did the waterworks for me. amazing God.

[@wendyazpeitia3772]

Thank you for all your advice, lessons, and encouragement. It is much appreciated!

[@garistang]

Amen brother, may God keep blessing you and thank you for all of your time and effort!

[@gabrielkesslau]

Thanks Bryan for the video.. In my church is only me on the electric guitar and my brother on the drums, and he also sing. we had a complete group in the past, we have all the equipment, but now is only me and my brother, it was difficult at the beginning, frustrating, but I discovered your KZbin channel and I discovered the PADS that you made, so I bought the PADS and I've been using your PADs that's is helping us a lot. Thank you very much. God bless you.

[@mitetparon8695]

Dear Sir... Thank you for all the good words... Lots of love from India 🇮🇳

[@tiagonunes4794]

From Portugal! What a encouragment! Thanks you!

[@hevertonrocha7707]

Great video and tips, I've been facing exactly this kind of situation, but I have also realized that the presence of God and the Holy Spirit working in people's lives make all the difference, no matter the gear we use or our musical level.

[@MultiAngel47]

Awesome! Thank you so much for your wise words. Great advice. GBU!

[@emmanuelmartinez9110]

WOW. Thank you God.

[@eduardandreev4677]

Thank you for the incouragement! May God bless your ministry abundantly!

[@warriorsforjesus2308]

Yes we had awesome Sunday. 😃 🙌 🙌 🙌

[@kkkathhh_]

thank you so much for havig this kind of youtube channel. It's a blessing! and i'm learning... by God's grace may i be able to apply the things that i have learned and learning... thank u worship tutorial... continue on... God Bless!

[@karikloss7179]

This was powerful. Thank you for your time and energy and heart behind these videos!

[@Shotives_LA]

Man I always love your videos. So encouraging. I always look forward to your videos. Just what I needed to hear.

[@wbfields]

Hey Brian. I shut down my facebook account for some time... just taking a break. So I miss the online fellowship with you guys but I wanted to say thank you for this. You just said a few things that I needed to hear, be reminded of... so thank you man. Appreciate you. Blessings. Wayne

[@jmsguzto8259]

Thanks a lot for sharing this... God bless you! Greetings from Bolivia

[@danieldominick5602]

Thank you so much for that encouragement. God bless.

[@amazingseniors5770]

Thank you! I learned something from the Holy Spirit!

[@jerran_duty]

Thank you so much, this hits home for me as the worship pastor of a small church in a small town that no one has ever heard of. I see other teams in other churches with more resources and it has caused some discouragement and even frustration. So thank you for this. I have been meaning to send a video testimonial, because we recently bought a set of pads, and the bumper tracks, and they have been INSTRUMENTAL in our worship.... get it? instrumental? Sorry i had to, but really, what you do is amazing and you are a true blessing and i can't imagine how many others are being blessed by your ministry! God Bless You!

[@levishalom4199]

Thank you 😊 for such an encouragement .... I'm so blessed by it bryan

[@left0verture]

Thanks man - appreciate the encouragement. So easy to get distracted sometimes...

[@davidbrock4104]

Great video. Appreciate the words of advice & encouragement

[@emirvilla3700]

Bro thanks for the encouragement. Really needed this. May God continue blessing you greatly

[@worshipproduction9858]

God blees you abundantly bro.

[@SaschaWulf]

Thank you for the encouragement! You are such an inspiration!

[@MikeJones-jf7lx]

Great word. Thank you.....

[@LincevchandyLince]

That was a really blessing Bryan. God bless you

[@BladeZClan2012]

Wooooooow!!!! Very amazing!!!

[@rickytes]

Thank you for that encouraging word!

[@wilmajohansson2144]

Sooo touched, thank you!

[@pinknotebook]

amen! thanks for this!

[@juliamlwilo2002]

Great advice! Thanks!

[@christindas.official5101]

Thanks for sharing this. Bless u in Jesus's name.

[@matthewleviapplegate8694]

Thank you man, appreciate the encouragement!

[@danplays1403]

Thanks for the encouragement Bryan! God bless you :)

[@abhishekthapa3462]

This was great! I'm leading this Sunday for a youth meeting so this really helps me. Thank you God bless

[@natesandback5816]

Dude thank you that was really encouraging ❤️

[@matthewsteele4580]

Cheers my brother

[@savedmefromthedepths]

Thank you for this video. I really needed to hear this at this time

[@rachelchiasson1767]

I don't lead worship at the moment but I am on our worship team and am thinking about stepping up as worship leader as our pastor has mentioned that he would like someone to take that role but I'm intimidated as I only sing, and play no instruments and although I have been on many worship teams, I've never lead. I would welcome any suggestions or direction from anyone at this point. 😂

[@johnowens5207]

Great video Brian. You mentioned there are better ways to talk between songs or transition. Could you make a video? I leaf worship sometimes 4 nights a week. It’s not hard being authentic but I want to avoid sounding repetitive

[@LiveToRapRapToLive93]

Try less than 20... Please pray for me as the fear of failure is prevalent time after time

[@jesusjohnlopez3]

Fantastic video

[@marais888]

Thank you

[@dageachikkeysnote7911]

Thanks for the encouragement

[@JustinZak7]

This is great stuff. Thanks for all you do to equip worship leaders. When are we going to see the VLOGs make a comeback?

[@JonnyVldz]

brooo.. i thought you were Matthew West for a moment lol. thanks for the words! God bless!

[@Debjohnny]

Thank you for this.

[@francosantiago565]

thank you. I just clicked subscribe. Godbless you

[@danielbell4007]

This came up on my feed today, 3/25/2018 and I was really thrown by the 3/27 date on the video until I realized it was 2017. Haha classic,

[@shaneoliver6839]

How many hours a week do you spend preparing for worship? @worship tutorials

[@carlpop2324]

How did Brian know I was watching this on a Monday???

[@calebduerr2681]

Also it doesn't matter how good you are. It just matters that you are worshiping the Lord

[@royalautomationtechnologys1075]

i want to join this worship i am waiting to join us

[@drinno8900]

Amen

[@rickgrabneck347]

I'm against mega churches, but seems you are genuine

[@jordanlinehan7478]

Do God I Look To You by Bethel pls

[@yehusefazenod7779]

i am a pastor of a pioneering and small church in mindanao, philippines.. I am the one only to play an instruments, and a worship and song leader, before that i am a sunday school teacher and a preacher.. how can we deliver a good service in a worship? thats why I am so exhausted physically every sunday.. only a guitar acoustic we play.. no keyboards and drums.. we have 10 families attending regularly in our small church.

[@TothepraiseofHisglory]

love all the videos, question though, on a previous video you guys were hatin on ovation guitars. Just wondering why you guys dislike them so much. I have one and it works great. what is the issue u guys have with them? just curious... (small church worship leader) with an ovation haha 😁.

[@XALTMinistries]

Love my Ovation!

[@royalautomationtechnologys1075]

how i participate the worship i know music intruments tabella , keyboard, electric pad,and classic musics i am interested to join with us

[@shaneoliver6839]

How many hours a week do you spend preparing for Sunday worship?

[@sam45354]

If your in a small church and have no musicians or very few musicians what resources are available that are free so that you can have a worship time in the service?

[@Dexter.001]

Can a worship leader be a female? Also is a worship leader or worship Pastor biblical? Where is scripture on this topic?

[@dead2rights564]

How about 21 people?

[@reggiebenson9172]

We don't need a worship team in our church. We have a guy that leads the congregational singing, a few people play instruments. We don't need the Grammy wanna-bees taking our focus off of Christ - not to mention the self serving light show. Every so often in our church the jobs change to avoid permanent fixtures in any ministry.

[@jaykemper]

Who downvotes this?

[@jmanxoom]

I just quit worship, my pastor pretends to be Peyton Manning with last minute audible plays, completely ignoring all the preparation that went into that weeks set.

[@bluzzjazz]

I have experienced this as well. It is frustrating but you have to ask yourself why am I doing this? Try explaining your frustration to your pastor if you haven't already. If he is someone that just doesn't get it...after all pastors are not perfect either.....then maybe try and find somewhere else that you can use your musical gifts but don't quit!

[@jmanxoom]

bluzzjazz I tried communicating this, He just doesn't get it. Unfortunately, it seems to be all about numbers and the production versus being about people. I will never quit playing electric guitar, it is my passion and favorite hobby. Playing on that team helped me expand my guitar vocabulary and for that I am grateful. I thought I would grow spiritually and as a leader, however that church does creates leaders and never releases them, they usually burn out and go somewhere else (another local Church).

[@jordanlinehan7478]

Do God I Look To You by Bethel pls