Need advice

[blessedgal]

I've been apart of our praise and worship team maybe over 10 years now. I've been in the background for a long time. Every now and then I would lead worship when my praise and worship leader had to go out of town.
I am mainly a queit person. I don't have a gift for gab. So now my praise and worship leader moves away and I am taking her spot. Right now I'm having a hard time with this even though I've been on the team for along time I was very comfortable with being in the back and now I'm in the front. I dont have a great voice. Maybe good enough to hold a descent tune. Basically, I guess what im trying to say is, I am really not qualified to be doing this. Leading and being in the background are two different things to me. There are all these obstacles out there that bother me. Like the opinions of people, boldness & confidence while leading. My biggest problem right now is the talking part or exhorting the people. Sometimes we have a pause in between songs and I will just stand there and not say anything and also opening the service. I want to be more lively during our services so the people will be too. Please give me some advice to help me become better.

 

[tansy]

I've been apart of our praise and worship team maybe over 10 years now. I've been in the background for a long time. Every now and then I would lead worship when my praise and worship leader had to go out of town.
I am mainly a queit person. I don't have a gift for gab. So now my praise and worship leader moves away and I am taking her spot. Right now I'm having a hard time with this even though I've been on the team for along time I was very comfortable with being in the back and now I'm in the front. I dont have a great voice. Maybe good enough to hold a descent tune. Basically, I guess what im trying to say is, I am really not qualified to be doing this. Leading and being in the background are two different things to me. There are all these obstacles out there that bother me. Like the opinions of people, boldness & confidence while leading. My biggest problem right now is the talking part or exhorting the people. Sometimes we have a pause in between songs and I will just stand there and not say anything and also opening the service. I want to be more lively during our services so the people will be too. Please give me some advice to help me become better.

Well, I'd be the same...I was always happy in the background in our musc group.
Until you get a bit more confident, is there anyone else in the group who's good at filling ins ome of the gaps..maybe a couple of you could work together on this, so you're not kind of out on a limb.
Sorry, that;s prob not much help...but I do understand how you feel.

 

[blessedgal]

Thanks Tansy I appreciate your response. There is really no one on the team that can fill in any gaps that I've posted about. Don't get me wrong we all work together. I just feel that there is alot that is expected out of me, because of the position. Thanks for understanding!

 

[tansy]

Thanks Tansy I appreciate your response. There is really no one on the team that can fill in any gaps that I've posted about. Don't get me wrong we all work together. I just feel that there is alot that is expected out of me, because of the position. Thanks for understanding!

Well, I suppose an other thing is ask God to help, and rely on Him. And don't try to be someone else...just be who you are - no-one can expect more than that. You never know, you might surprise yourself!
Maybe you could get some advice and feedback from your pastor.
Maybe you're doing a better job than you think.

 

[blessedgal]

You are right on everything you said. I have definately been asking God for help. This is so big to me, mainly because I have to be in front of people. God and everyone else has told me what you said, "be yourself" you can be the previous praise and worship leader. I was thinking maybe that I need some kind of mentor to help me. I don't know.

thanks
blessedgal

 

[tansy]

You are right on everything you said. I have definately been asking God for help. This is so big to me, mainly because I have to be in front of people. God and everyone else has told me what you said, "be yourself" you can be the previous praise and worship leader. I was thinking maybe that I need some kind of mentor to help me. I don't know.

thanks
blessedgal

Well, there you are...it sounds like God Himself has got every confidence in you, and if everyone else has been saying the same things, and you've been chosen to lead, I'm sure you're doing fine.
As for getting a mentor, 'fraid I haven't got any advice on that, other than to maybe ask God to give you one, if indeed you need one.
I'm really, really nervous getting up in front of people and doing things. I remember the first time I wasasked to do a reading, I was shaking all over - I was clutching hold of the lectern for dear life! But everyone said I did fine, and they said it didn't look like iwas nervous.
And another time I went to a church service somewhere I'd never been before, and it was the custom there for people to go to the font and give a testimony or sing a song or whatever - inc, newcomers! I was terrified, but I asked God what I should do, and inthe end, I read out one of my (then) favourite scriptures and said what it meant to me. When I sat down, the woman sitting next to me said "Oh that's great. That's confirmation of "...whatever it was, can't remember now. I was so pleased and relieved.
So be encouraged....be of good cheer

 

[blessedgal]

I guess sometimes we are too hard on ourselves. I know I am anyway, but I just try to be honest with myself. Are you apart of your worship team? If so, how you doing in that area? By the way, thanks so much for your encouragment!

blessedgal

 

[tansy]

I guess sometimes we are too hard on ourselves. I know I am anyway, but I just try to be honest with myself. Are you apart of your worship team? If so, how you doing in that area? By the way, thanks so much for your encouragment!

blessedgal

I'm afraid at themoment I'm not even properly attending a church (for various reasons, amongst which that we moved a couple of times, and also I'm not always around enough), though am involved in a small way with a local church, though can't at present be totally committed.
So at the moment, am not part of a worship group, though would like to be again sometime, if that's the way things go (also there is no worship group at the church am presently semi-involved with).
Anyhow, am not a brill musician, as only had some basic lessons, so in previous group, only played minor role....and preferred to be firmly in the background! Even if I were a really good musician, I'm definitely not an up-front, leadership kind of person - I can't imagine being in a leadership role in any situation. I'm quite happy for others to lead.
Anyhow, I'd love to hear how you're getting on and if things start falling into place. Why don't you ask people in leadership how they felt the first times they were leading (in whatever capacity). I seem to remember a minister telling me once that every time they do a service they're still a bit nervous, even after several years of expereienc...yet they come over so confident and competent. I'm sure you'll get there!

 

[stephanieamber]

You know what else? There is nothing that says your words can't be premeditated. You obviously know the selection of the songs.. pray about them, read scripture that supports them.. and then think of something to say. At our church, we actually just have a different person read Scripture between every song. If you find a verse relevant to the song or think of something to say like "this song came on the radio and I rolled my windows down and blasted it to try and imagine the whole earth singing it" or something.. it might help you a little, and will at least fill the dead time.

 

[STLDad]

I'm a backup worship leader in a small church, so I'm not an expert, but here's my two cents. I sometimes get a little nervous too so I understand.

I have to agree with Stephanie, you can give yourself some lose bullet notes to go by.

What does a particular worship song mean to you? What was the writers inspiration for a song online

You are there to lead the congregation into His presence and if you're a worshipper at heart you're as qualified as anyone. Ask the Lord to lead you, you're in this position for a reason.

Something that also helps me is to connect with the congregation on a one-on-one basis before and after service. This always helps me. Just remember you are there doing your best to humbly serve and encourage that body of believers to the best of your ability.

If you can get over yourself this can be a fantastic growth experience.

 

[blessedgal]

You know what else? There is nothing that says your words can't be premeditated. You obviously know the selection of the songs.. pray about them, read scripture that supports them.. and then think of something to say. At our church, we actually just have a different person read Scripture between every song. If you find a verse relevant to the song or think of something to say like "this song came on the radio and I rolled my windows down and blasted it to try and imagine the whole earth singing it" or something.. it might help you a little, and will at least fill the dead time.

Thats a good ideal. thanks!

 

[blessedgal]

If you can get over yourself this can be a fantastic growth experience.

I totally agree with you!

 

[sunlover1]

Wow, some excellent ideas!
How's it going for you now BG?
Another thing that came to my mind while reading
through this thread, is that you might practice more
at home and then when at church, close your eyes
and worship as you did at home (that's what I do,
but sometimes I've missed the cues lol) Since you're
giving the cues that wouldnt be a problem.
I can understand what you mean because i know
that the day will come when I'll have to lead and
I've often thought of that.
Some of our Worship leaders will sing during the lulls.
Making a joyful noise (their own song) or singing
some of the song we just finished.
Also, Scripture to lead into the next song works great.

Nothing like worshipping!!
Be blessed !