45 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Leading Worship: Part 3 - The Practical Part
Real talk for worship leaders who are ready to lead smarter, not just louder.
Let’s get down to business—because not talking about the practical side of worship leadership is how a lot of us end up learning the hard (and hilariously painful) way.
From broken guitar straps to forgetting the second verse again—trust me, I’ve been there.
Here’s a list of practical, sometimes painfully obvious (but often ignored) things I wish someone had sat me down and said on day one.
🎸 THE PRACTICAL PART
1. Always tune your guitar (and get a good guitar strap!)
Because nothing ruins “Here I Am to Worship” like “Here I Am Out of Tune.” Also - strap locks may save your bacon - or at least prevent you from bouncing a guitar off the stage mid prayer like I did!
2. Learn a bunch of oldies and hymns
There’s so much power in nostalgia. The hymns that have stood the test of time have done just that - there’s a reason why we still sing How Great Thou Art! Oldies pull in not just the older crowd, but reach a younger generation with their rich theological depth and singability. I’d also encourage you to learn the stories behind the hymns and their writers.
3. Record and release that song you wrote
It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just be faithful. I waited 17 years to release my first song because I was convinced I wasn’t good enough - it was a lie. It was never about how good I was - it was always about being a good steward of what God was entrusting me with.
4. Say thank you. A lot.
To the team. The sound guy. Your pastor. The coffee volunteer. Gratitude builds culture.
My pastor always says “Every door of life swings on the hinges of gratitude.”
5. Sing the Bible
Scripture doesn’t return void—neither do songs rooted in it. The Psalms were the worship songs of their time and remain timeless in their substance and content.
6. Ask the sound guy what you can do better
You might be shocked what small fix could make a huge difference in the mix. They’re hearing the end result - you’re only hearing your in-ears mix. Build a foundation of trust and feedback (the conversation kind not the ringing in the speakers kind).
7. Take a 3-minute walk when you're frustrated
Mental resets are more spiritual than you think. It’s easier to excuse yourself for a few moments than it is to clean up the mess your mouth can make when you’re upset.
8. Sing songs that people can sing along with
You’re not performing—you’re leading. Give them something to latch onto in a range they can actually sing.
This website really helps me:
https://www.renewingworshipnc.org/song-keys-for-maximum-participation/
So does this one:
The vocal range key finder function of PraiseCharts has really helped me find the right key for songs.
9. Remember the lyrics to the second verse
Why is it always the first line of the 2nd verse that trips me up - I don’t know, but one time I completely blanked and just turned the entire 2nd verse into a spontaneous instrumental!
10. Learn how to use Planning Center
It’s not just a scheduling tool—it’s a leadership tool. This one resource has improved our team’s ability to be on the same page (and respond to the moment with excellence) more than any other tool I’ve used.
11. Stretch and spend the extra money on better gear
The cheap option usually ends up costing more. Ask me how I know. Most times I’ve tried the DIY method ended up costing me more in time and money. I’d challenge you to think about your time as much as your wallet. After all - you can always get more money, but time keeps on ticking…ticking…
12. Don’t hide in the greenroom—make yourself available before and after service
It took me a long time to realize that leading people is a 24/7 thing. It’s not just the 20-30 minutes on stage on Sunday. Also, people want to follow someone who they know cares, not just someone who can sing.
13. Prepare like worship will go all night…
…and be flexible when it doesn’t.
Over-prepare and remain submitted when your Pastor transitions right before it was “about to get to the good part.” So many times I’ve been leading worship services that were supposed to be short, but ended up being powerful sustained moments of God’s presence. Equip yourself and your team with enough content to facilitate these moments, but also stay humble even if your Pastor comes up after you strummed only the opening chord to the first song (this 100% happened to me!)
14. Sometimes you gotta scrap the plan and just go for it
Sensitivity > structure. Always. The key here is having a deep “back pocket” of memorized songs that you can sing at a moment’s notice in whatever key you’re in.
15. Check the transpose button
Before rehearsal. Before service. Before your band hates you. Ask me about the time our church team played “The Blessing” in 3 different keys at the same time…..at a funeral….for our Pastor’s wife’s sister.
16. Learn how to stretch every dollar
Every pedal, cable, mic stand—maximize it. Faithful stewardship with what God trusts you with will open the door to blessing. I saved up every dollar I could to buy my first guitar and treated it like it was made of solid gold. Since then I’ve been blessed with 8 guitars (and counting!)
17. Take better care of your health
Your calling doesn’t matter if you’re too burned out/out of shape/overweight/exhausted/sick to walk in it.
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 JOHN: 2
🚨 CALL TO ACTION:
🎯 Worship leaders—stop waiting to learn everything the hard way.
Start leading like (and from) someone who's been through it and came out wiser on the other side.
👉 Pick ONE of these practical tips and act on it THIS WEEK.
Maybe it’s finally releasing that song. Or thanking your AVL team. Or walking away from the frustration instead of feeding it.
💬 Drop a comment or message me:
Which one of these hit you hardest—and why?
Or better yet, share your funniest “hard lesson” story in the comments. Let’s laugh (and grow) together.