Mentoring A Worship Leader

Here is a short list of "do's" when you're mentoring a worship leader. Little steps can mean a lot in the long run of someone's calling.

Raising up worship leaders is both a relational and functional task. The following are a few tips on how to facilitate the growth of a new worship leader:

Co-Lead With Them. This gives them credibility before the congregation and enables you to prepare, lead and de-brief together. Give them familiar songs to lead for six months to a year, so the congregation learns to trust them.

Spend Time With Them. If the leader is of the same sex, spend time with them doing spiritually important activities like watching a movie, eating food, laughing hard and listening well. If they are of the opposite sex, involve others.

Take Your Time With Them. There is no rush. Give them a little bit of leading room over a long period of time. The issues of pride and identity are dealt with as you take the slow and steady route with a new worship leader.

Share Input With Them. When you lead together, help them choose songs and show them how you organize the set. Assume that you actually know something about worship leading and give confident guidance to their unique style.

Share Friends With Them. Expose them to your mentors via seminars, CDs or other media. Set up times for others, like the pastor, to comment on their heart, style and skill growth.

Give Gifts to Them. Take a year, and put generosity into your budget. When you have it in your power, buy them gear or music items that remind them of their personal importance to you and the investment you're willing to make.

Give Hope to Them. Celebrate the hard process of growth and maturation with the new worship leader. Honestly, but lovingly, point them toward faithfulness above "success."