I have the privilege of training worship leaders. This means I have the task of preparing musicians to lead their congregations in something that they will continue to do in eternity. Done well, this act should help teach people how to live in faith and to one day die with hope.

Leading a task that engages a holy God with such eternal implications should not be handled lightly. It takes a substantive person to plan, prepare, and lead what should be a substantive act.

Here are seven things I believe a worship leader must demonstrate in order to be effective for this significant task:

  1. Musical talent

This is the only characteristic on the list that must be present at birth. Some people have a gift for music and others do not. For those that do, that talent must be developed and refined. This takes time and work, but the combination of these two demonstrates the presence of talent. Effective worship leaders practice and get better.

“Sing to him a new song; play skillfully” (Ps. 33:3).

  1. Teachability

Regardless of how talented a worship leader is, teachability is always required. Good worship leaders are continually learning and seeking instruction. A worship leader who resists instruction will be a poor teacher himself. Effective worship leaders strive to be teachable.

“Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored” (Prov. 13:18).

  1. Biblical knowledge

This is a characteristic that everyone begins life with a total absence of. It is necessary to create a lifelong appetite for God’s Word. Every week worship leaders point people to God while also representing the character and works of God in song and speech. Too many do so out of theological and biblical ignorance.

Effective worship leaders develop a reservoir of biblical truth within them so they can speak and lead intelligently.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16).

  1. Character

The hypocrisy of a duplicitous life on any platform will eventually be revealed. Standing on a platform to lead worship is essentially saying “Follow me while I follow Christ.” Perfection is unattainable for anyone, but sanctification is honest about sin and progressive in growth because it comes from following Christ intentionally. Unfortunately, talent has a way of taking musicians farther than their character can sustain them. Effective worship leaders grow in godliness.

“For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Sam. 16:17b).

  1. Passion

Worship should have an appropriate and authentic emotional component. I am not referring to pep rally emotionalism, but neither should there be the appearance of apathy or disinterest. Worship should reflect deep-seated joy, true brokenness over sin, and authentic (even euphoric) gratefulness for the Savior. Effective worship leaders cultivate the capacity to be appropriately affected emotionally because worship is an unparalleled journey of enjoying ultimate fulfillment at Christ’s expense.

“My heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God” (Ps. 84:2b).

  1. Humility

This may be the most elusive characteristic on the list. Performing music can tend to make musicians arrogant. A musical skill can become a motive for boasting in an otherwise reserved individual. The types of thoughts that can come to mind while leading worship can be startling if evaluated honestly. Effective worship leaders pursue God’s glory over their own glory.

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

  1. Love for the church

This can often be the most forgotten item on the list. If allowed, love for music can eclipse love for the people. The true allegiance of our affections will be on display in numerous decisions that we make every week. Effective worship leaders examine their motives and advance strategies that make music a servant, not a master.

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Rom. 12:10).

Being a worship leader is a journey. Proper orientation in these things reflects one’s capability and fitness for being used in a role that none of us truly deserves to hold. We serve at God’s pleasure. Enter humbly, grow intentionally!

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Scott Connell is Assistant Professor of Music and Worship Leadership; Program Coordinator, Worship and Music Studies at Boyce College.