By Josh Estrada
Praise Coordinator
I've been part of praise teams for awhile now, and throughout the years I've picked up on a couple of things that make leading both easier and creative.
Praise Coordinator
I've been part of praise teams for awhile now, and throughout the years I've picked up on a couple of things that make leading both easier and creative.
1. The need for Artistry.
We honor God by bringing uniqueness to the songs we sing. Often, in the past I have found myself trying to sound more like “that” band or “this” church when in reality the best of a praise moment comes from the artistry that our life experience, skill, and talent can contribute. I want to note that I still caution myself when leading a team through arrangements. I don’t want to leave or make the song unrecognizable from its original form. Each song carries with it a unique fingerprint (Ex. That one guitar part or pause etc.) that can be preserved while still taking on your teams interpretation.
I love the thought that Erwin McManus progresses, “to do our greatest work, we must overcome the temptation to be afraid or become discouraged.” Discouraged because we don't sound like "them" or are even afraid of our own voice and style. McManus goes on to add that we can engage “the creative process with strength and courage” –The Artisan Soul. So press onward with your team's personal creativity in songs of worship.
2. Having a heart for First Service.
Our efficiency as worship leaders is built on our commitment to serve God’s people. We have a unique opportunity as leaders and contributors to this faith community. The more we begin to see First Service as our home church and family. The more sensitive we can become to how best we honor God in set list and arrangement. Here's what I've found, worship works best when along with God we care for every person that walks through our doors.
3. Praising in a worship service is a moment of gracing.
Praising and engaging together through our worship service is a powerful moment. One in which everyone has the opportunity to be reminded or to learn for the first time of Gods gracing. That they are accepted, valued, and called to belong with us. God’s love knows no end and we want to do our best to create moments through praise that will have this truth resonate with everyone.
4. The person of Jesus.
The encounter in worship is had with Jesus as a person. The lights, the melodies, the team, the setting, all contribute to this encounter yet they are not the encounter in itself. It’s through Jesus that we can be present to the depths of every moment. Inside and out of the praise team setting we must learn to live, see and speak of Jesus as God with us. It is the encounter with Jesus in worship that brings life change.
Endeavour courageously,
-Josh
We honor God by bringing uniqueness to the songs we sing. Often, in the past I have found myself trying to sound more like “that” band or “this” church when in reality the best of a praise moment comes from the artistry that our life experience, skill, and talent can contribute. I want to note that I still caution myself when leading a team through arrangements. I don’t want to leave or make the song unrecognizable from its original form. Each song carries with it a unique fingerprint (Ex. That one guitar part or pause etc.) that can be preserved while still taking on your teams interpretation.
I love the thought that Erwin McManus progresses, “to do our greatest work, we must overcome the temptation to be afraid or become discouraged.” Discouraged because we don't sound like "them" or are even afraid of our own voice and style. McManus goes on to add that we can engage “the creative process with strength and courage” –The Artisan Soul. So press onward with your team's personal creativity in songs of worship.
2. Having a heart for First Service.
Our efficiency as worship leaders is built on our commitment to serve God’s people. We have a unique opportunity as leaders and contributors to this faith community. The more we begin to see First Service as our home church and family. The more sensitive we can become to how best we honor God in set list and arrangement. Here's what I've found, worship works best when along with God we care for every person that walks through our doors.
3. Praising in a worship service is a moment of gracing.
Praising and engaging together through our worship service is a powerful moment. One in which everyone has the opportunity to be reminded or to learn for the first time of Gods gracing. That they are accepted, valued, and called to belong with us. God’s love knows no end and we want to do our best to create moments through praise that will have this truth resonate with everyone.
4. The person of Jesus.
The encounter in worship is had with Jesus as a person. The lights, the melodies, the team, the setting, all contribute to this encounter yet they are not the encounter in itself. It’s through Jesus that we can be present to the depths of every moment. Inside and out of the praise team setting we must learn to live, see and speak of Jesus as God with us. It is the encounter with Jesus in worship that brings life change.
Endeavour courageously,
-Josh
