You aren’t a worship leader… you’re just singing.

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[@christianboddum8783]

Stop singing for a moment and see if you've got the whole assembly singing in praise, that's how you know! The best Sundays for me are when there is no drummer and you can hear the whole congregation singing.

[@tomsanders5584]

I just recently "retired" from church worship. I played electric guitar for about 15 years in worship and played for 30 years in bar bands prior to that. I like most of what you said here and would just like to embellish that with my wisdom learned over the years. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1) First and foremost, why do we worship God? Because He is worthy of praise and worship and there is great power in vocally praising and worshiping Him. 2) You didn't "just replace the battery". Put a new battery in your acoustic guitar before you go live. 3) I like what you said about picking keys and centering around C. Here's another helpful tool: Look at the men during worship. Are they singing? If not, drop that song a half or full step the next time you play it. 4) Speaking of singing: Your congregation can't sing in 6 octaves, so why are you? And just stop it with the "oohs", "aahs" and "millennial whoops". Just stop. 5) Picking songs. I've played for some worship leaders that were outstanding at this, but I've played for some that just didn't get it. For example, one worship leader picked songs from the current K-Love hit list with the help of her daughter. Consequently, the worship set was very feminine. Remember, half the congregation is male. Another liked a music style that I can only describe as "Russian Synth Pop". He claimed that he was aiming for the youngsters in the congregation (don't they always say that?) when the congregation had an average age of ~40 and was rural (wore cowboy boots and hats). 6) For the instrumentalists: At a rehearsal, one of the vocalists turned around, pointed her finger at me and declared: "He's not playing the song like the mp3!!" The worship leader, not missing a beat, said "...the mp3 is merely a suggestion." Learn to improvise. Yes, there are those parts of the song that need to be played note-4-note, but learn when and when not to improv. These are the places that Holy Spirit shines through. 7) For the guitarists: You don't need to sound like the guitarist on the mp3 that you're trying to emulate. You don't need a myriad of patches on your pedal board that keeps you tap dancing through worship. Rather, build YOUR sound. If you're using a multi-effects unit (which most of us are) start with an amplifier/cabinet set that YOU like. Spend a minute dialing in the tone. Add reverb, again dial it in to YOUR taste. That's your basic template. Then add an overdrive that YOU like, then some delay. That should be all you need for 95% of your worship gigs. Also, you don't need to play fast; you need to play tastefully. Let the Spirit lead you on that (just ask Him and He'll help). Just tell yourself this: Lincoln Brewster should be copying ME, not the other way around! 8) Tracks: When I first started in worship it was roaring amps and wedge monitors on the stage and an unshackled drum set. Lots of stage wash. Then the "silent stage" crept in and we went to in-ear monitors, multi-effects, and put the drums inside sneeze screens. There were immediate benefits like the click and cue tracks and it made it easier for the soundman to control the sound. Then backing tracks started to pop up. It started with maybe a keyboard pad to help Pam on Piano, or a touch of the London Symphony Orchestra to give the song that extra something, but recently tracks are being used to replace musicians such that the musician is merely a prop on stage. This needs to stop, period. The idea that the Holy Spirit is working through the stage musician is being killed with this practice. If you look on some KZbin musician pages you'll see that this is happening out in the secular music world, too. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I think that's enough out of me for now. Take what you can use and leave the rest, God bless!

[@JohnBrown-ig5nc]

Those are all great points. Especially the part about dropping down a key in order for people to sing along if they so choose. I think of this in regards to the fact that a lot of the worship singers are women and some of them sing in high octaves. Sure it sounds good but when it comes to people in the congregation being able to follow along, it's almost impossible for them to do so. I don't understand why a lot of the worship music I hear is in such a high octave. Just once, I want to hear a worship leader sing in a baritone voice. I know it would throw people off

[@themercerguy]

All of these are right on. Number 2 is why I won't do active electronics again. 3 is closer to how I select keys as opposed to Spencer's idea of a certain range, but I can tell you that most songs end up getting dropped at least one whole step, sometimes 2. 5 my pastor has asked that we do at least one hymn per Sunday and I think that works well and still allows me to do a variety. 6 always kills me when I guest-musician for another church. Sometimes people are listening to a 4 guitar part and other than obvious lead hooks, you have to kinda pick one part and/or improv. 7 yeah I have a Firehawk and it can do some fun crazy stuff, but I find myself returning to 3 or 4 stomps and a good amp. And after this video I might be dialing it back to acoustic 🤣 8 I like the idea of loops more than tracks, but yeah either should be used sparingly, not replace a musician.

[@gravytrain84]

I always allow the Holy Spirit room for improv moments. Each week He'll put a simple old song on my heart while I'm leading that everyone knows - like "I Love You Lord," "Nothing But The Blood," "I Exalt Thee" etc. No slides, no lyrics to stare at on screen; everyone can just close their eyes, or do whatever, and focus solely on singing to Him together. Those are some powerful moments. Keep speaking the truth in your videos Spencer. As Paul said to Timothy...Preach The Word!

[@LeadingWorshipWell]

Glad you're here Eric! Keep leading well! 👊

[@brenttamatea7578]

yes i agree i like some of those songs simple melodys and simple words its important to have that time so people connect to the lord

[@Tsmith2014]

Where are Christians getting the idea from that they "allow the Holy Spirit" to do anything? With or without us, the Holy Spirit can do whatever it wants. Whatever limits may be on the Holy Spirit aren't limits that any human can establish. If they exist, it's because he chose to limit himself.

[@DouglasFrinkle]

I play bass and glad to be in the back of the stage hidden but still play my bass for God.

[@mielmigueltimtiman6123]

I agree. A worshipful heart must come first. In Luke 4:8 Jesus placed worshipping God before serving Him. Sme with Psalms 150.

[@rickschneider3887]

Good insight. As a member of my church’s worship team I understand the challenges of trying to get the whole congregation to enter in “together as one body” into Gods presence. When you are a true worship leader you will have a burden for the corporate expression of unified praise toward God our Father. I believe that many churches have bought into the idea that Praise teams need to be the spiritual form of “ American Idol” needing to showcase their musical prowess competing with other worship teams or even trying to copy each other without seeking how God wants them to be within their local church body. Christians have started to idolize the singers and praise the worship artist rather than the One who is supposed to be praised… Jesus Christ. Thank you for posting this message and trying to keep worship leaders grounded in humility and reverence towards God and not be pleasers of men.

[@buddyrye9190]

I totally agree. I have stepped aside from leading and am just an electric guitar player at my church (because the leadership wanted that). I still see my talents being used for God, but the emphasis isn't on title or position or credit. I'd much prefer a curtain be put in front of me, but I can still lead worship in my own way.

[@warrenclemente6653]

This is Preaching, Already , Worship is everything to God, in doing His will. But God LOOKS at the HEART❤❤

[@jeannelynngray]

Wow! This was exactly what I needed to hear today. It’s so close to a conversation I had today after church. Not only does it hit a little hard in the ego but you helped me to see what I’m doing right too which helps so much with self confidence. Thank you. I know what I need to work on this week!

[@dannykent6190]

I agree with portions of this. You definitely want your heart to be in the right place... but you're adding a lot of qualifications to define that which I don't necessarily think are biblical. Worship leaders can be very effective, for instance, without ever saying a word to the congregation. Being a good communicator is an entirely different skill and it's great if they have that and can incorporate it, but by no means is it indicative of whether they're "just singing songs."

[@teamleadjosh]

Really good information! Thank you for your insightful thoughts!

[@Omolaravictoriamusic]

I love this

[@freemandiaz5123]

This is so good!

[@louisescott5836]

Excellent information!!!😊 Thank you!

[@elvirainglesmartinez9595]

what a nice teaching .

[@freemandiaz5123]

Great topic. Great title. Well done.

[@marcusrejino6902]

Good stuff!!

[@joerojas5448]

One thing I've learn as Music Director as that a Worship Leader is a pastor without the title "Pastor" If you can't lead you team to worship, what make you think that you can lead a Congregation? I learn that at a worship convention.

[@ximenalindsey5075]

Good word. It's always fitting to examine our own hearts, especially when we're commissioned to lead God's people. Thanks for the iron sharpening in this message. P.S. I love the C to C concept. It's so helpful when it comes to choosing a key.

[@romienomie]

I am guilty of the gear thing. But I believe its important to the modern ear to have that too. But you are spot on.

[@hereitis3679]

I just submitted to possibly becoming part of my church’s worship team - this is an eye opener

[@musicmatt4927]

Hey Spenser! Thank you for all of your service! I am new to worship, leading, and thank you for giving me permission to prepare transitions, or speaking ahead of time… I always felt like if it didn’t just flow naturally out of me in the moment, then something was wrong with me…🙏🏻

[@trudibils]

Good information and reminders. I am discovering that I do need to speak a kernel of truth into our time of worship... not just stand there with my guitar and sing...

[@ardbegthequestion]

Well, thank KZbin for putting this up front for me this morning. As a former guitar player for the “alternative adult ministry” (more modern service) of a prominent megachurch, I can certainly relate and know the tension between wanting to be a rock star and wanting to worship Jesus and his church. But here’s the catch 22 on this whole thing… the ONE reason why no one is a “worship leader” just might be that there is no god to worship. I judge this is the actual underlying tension people don’t deal with, they just suppress it (ironically).

[@sheilasmith7779]

There is a difference between the intent of the musician and the affect of the music on the audience. The musician in church should not be there to entertain, that's true. But who decides the affect of the music on the listener? We have much bigger fish to fry in the current church than the music. If it is not against the gospel or Satanic, let's move on to real threats within the church. Frankly many of the old hymns put me to sleep, and some of the current bands bust my ear drums.

[@nomadicrecovery1586]

Agree

[@WorshipMinistryTraining]

Dang... 8:58 🔥 PREACH IT!

[@LeadingWorshipWell]

If I remember correctly, what I said was very close to what you talked about at the Worship Innovators conference this year. Keep leading well Alex! 👊

[@WorshipMinistryTraining]

@@LeadingWorshipWell 🙌

[@dorimiller5663]

What about learning what your pastor’s vision is for the worship ?

[@nomadicrecovery1586]

Exactly who are you to define this????? I have gone to churches with JUST musicians, and it was a very life changing pull to God that Ive never experienced. Based on accurate doctrine I d say as well. Its about the music, not the guy leading it

[@jhaggard]

Dang...I just got the Strymon cloudburst ambient reverb pedal...feeling a little guilty now 😂...jk, jk. I understand what you're saying. It is my first and only pedal in my set up. Thanks, Spencer.

[@LeadingWorshipWell]

😂 You're allowed to have a Cloudburst... Just don't love it more than you love the people you're leading.

[@jhaggard]

Right on!

[@cyndibramer9082]

How do you deal with a worship leader that talks after every song for long periods of time? Sometimes 10 min😳

[@philayers7175]

How can I contact you by email, to discuss with you our church worship situation?

[@jmcmike1]

Speaking as a worshipper, not a worship leader, I’d say the most on point thing you’ve addressed is key choice. However, you missed two very big things IMO. First, the lead singer should not be improvising the vocal or changing over to harmony. The congregation needs to be led in the way that they are to sing the part, not be confused by the sudden change of the leader’s voice. Second, it’s not a rock concert. You shouldn’t need to wear earplugs just to be able to track your own voice. How can we sing along if we can’t hear our own voice, literally at all?

[@christianboddum8783]

Totally agree. Most church goers doesn't have the register of the leadsinger and are left behind not being able to follow the singing.

[@dannykent6190]

I can only speak for myself, but I have to disagree. First, I would find that extremely boring as a member of the congregation. But more importantly, if God gave you a gift of musical ability, use it. Don't "water down" your gifts to fit some earthly constraint. That's almost like squandering your talents (pun intended).

[@joshuaertlemusic]

@@dannykent6190 totally agree

[@gregm55mullen62]

Here’s something worship leaders and the Worship Leading “Ministry” for want of a better word.. (which it isn’t a ministry in the first place… Like flag waving and worship dancing isn’t either..) doesn’t seem to understand at all. The word says when you come together let each have a song a hymn a word of knowledge a tongue etc. But the modern phenomenon of worship doesn’t allow for that. It’s band/singers songs then the other bits. Notices,baby dedication, collection, updates on ministries, then sermon then go home. Church meetings are so far from the biblical model it’s unreal. And as for mega churches don’t even get me started. They should all break up. They look like 18-30s social clubs half of them.

[@Tsmith2014]

"A worship leader is someone who points people to the worthiness of God and provides them with an opportunity to respond." The NT uses a few Greek words that roughly translate to some kind of "worship" or "service" (proskyneō, sebō, latreuō, theosebēs, eusebeō, latreia). All translations don't translate the same, but these words essentially mean "to honor". They all have nuanced meanings, but they all have "honor" in common. 1.) None of these words, nor scriptures they appear in align with your definition of a "worship leader". 2.) Where does the Scriptures ever say we've been tasked with the responsibility to "[provide] them with the opportunity to respond"? The opportunity was provided when God decided to create us and continue his involvement after the Fall. The opportunity was provided with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. The opportunity was provided by the Holy Spirit in Acts 2. There's no such thing as a "worship leader". That's an Evangelical, Charismatic invention. There's such things as a "true worshiper" like Jesus talks about in John 4, and there's such thing as "worshiper of God" like it talks about in John 9:31.

[@armaanarnav2284]

The spirit in them in the worship leader,I rebuke your first comment

[@KerstinJ_0291]

I absolutely love the content of this video and believe that it’s worth sharing. However I truly can’t share it with anyone because of the title. It’s so incredibly insensitive! Please consider changing it so that we can share this with those who really need to hear it.

[@John20Won]

The need for true worship is exponential, lots of praise leaders do not allow Holy Spirit to lead! Worship in spirit and in truth is not available in many churches. I know because our family was in a congregation where the leaders would invite Holy Spirit and we would go deeper and higher as the Lord’s presence arrived and touched lives.

[@catpocalypsenow8090]

We need to stop singing songs written by cults.

[@keithplaskonos3078]

PLEASE change the the accusatory and condemning title of this video.

[@teamleadjosh]

Why? It’s more for clickbait anyway.

[@keithplaskonos3078]

@@teamleadjosh And representing Christ very poorly.

[@GetMeOutside]

​@@keithplaskonos3078 How do you feel the title poorly represents Christ? I found it very on point with the message of the video and even a bit convicting for myself, but neither accusatory nor condemning.

[@keithplaskonos3078]

@@GetMeOutside To me, it smacks of sensationalism and clickbaiting, which I believe is deceitful. Christ followers need to strive to be above reproach.

[@keithplaskonos3078]

@GetMeOutside The title flat out tells every worship leader that they are NOT worship leaders. Even he does not appear to believe this (from the actual video content), so why does he say it? We are to speak the truth in love.