Expectations for Worship Leaders

Introduction

The purpose of this document is to outline the expectations that we as a worship ministry have for our corporate worship leaders. This list is not meant to be exclusionary, but rather a guiding tool by which we strive to achieve excellence in our collective worship experiences.

Character

The person must be a believer, and a follower (disciple). God’s work of regeneration must be evident in their life.

• Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

The person is a good example as a follower of Christ; not at all expecting a person to be perfect, but a genuine desire to be an example to other believers in these areas of life is essential, and is clearly outlined in scripture for those in leadership.

• 1 Timothy 4:11–12 - “Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.”

• 1 Timothy 4:15 – “Be diligent in these matters: give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.”

The person should have a good testimony both inside and outside the church congregation.

• 1 Timothy 3:7 – “He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.”

The person is a worshiper.

• A lifestyle of putting God first, and living life to reflect God’s greatness and glory to all.
• Time and place – a consistent and demonstrated rhythm of worshiping God in the congregational setting.

The person is teachable

• The person must have a demonstrated capacity to receive from other leaders, to work as a team member in accomplishing the desired goals of the worship ministry.

Commitment

• Person is committed and submitted to Christ’s leadership in their life. This decision supercedes all other commitments, and constructs a God-centered foundation on which a lifestyle of worship firmly sets.
• James 4:7 – “Submit yourselves then to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:15 – “And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.”

• Person demonstrates a “heart commitment” to the church family.
• Commitment of the heart evidences itself in;
• Deep and lasting relational commitments within the church family
• Desired accountability within the church family
• Resourcing the needs of the church financially
• Using one’s abilities to serve in a ministry opportunity
• Praying for leaders and members of the church family regularly
• Believing the best for others
• Being at church functions and events
• Guarding relational integrity with other family members
• 1 Peter 4:10 – “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”

• Person is committed to personal and spiritual growth in his or her own life. Prayer, time in God’s word, a small group community, mentoring relationships, spiritual gifts…All these should be a demonstrated rhythm in this person’s life.
• Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

• Person is committed to the vision of Abbott Loop Community Church, and submitted to the leadership of the church that is charged with the responsibility of carrying out that vision.

Gifting

• Person has a demonstrated ability to lead people into God’s presence. More than an ability to lead musically. Has a capacity to help people unlock their own love for God.

• Person has an awareness of what is going on in the hearts of people in the congregation, and the sensitivity to listen to God’s voice.

• Person has invested time into their instrument/vocal ability so there is an adequate level of confidence and competence available for him/her.

• Person has demonstrated some level of leadership grace. Has the ability to direct people and mobilize people toward a common goal.