The Value of Preparation

I have been in a lot of church services. Some services have been incredible. Most of them have been average and a few were completely awful. I have experienced services that are well put together but lacked depth while others seem to have been thrown together and were extremely successful. I have heard worship leaders say “It’s alright, God will show up.” As if this “showing up” is some sort of magic that replaces excellent work. The worst services ever are when the leader isn’t prepared and God doesn’t magically pick up the slack. Have you ever been in one of those? They are excruciating!

The vast majority of unsuccessful worship services take place due to a lack of preparation. Some worship leaders think that if they just had a better bass player or sound man that their services would instantly become successful. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. Successful worship services exist primarily because the worship leader is well prepared. The unprepared leader is lucky to be successful and should not ever take that for granted. All worship leaders need to know that preparation is KEY for a successful worship service.

In my experience, I have observed a few situations where being well prepared is vital. They include but are not limited to:

1. When we are lacking rehearsal time…

- Now that we are a “box church” I certainly value all of our rehearsal time like never before. It is so easy to eat away at rehearsal time with set up, problem solving and sound checking that it becomes critical to have an effective and efficient rehearsal. (click here for tips on how to build an efficient rehearsal)

2. When technology is more like tchnelaoudafhghdyg…

- Recently we have begun using an IPad via VNC that allows me to view the screen of our PowerPoint computer in order that I can see the words. Sounds cool, right!? It is! When it works. LOL! What happens when it freezes, there is a delay or an alert pops up in the middle of the screen? Almost all of those happened this weekend for our worship leader. So what do we do? We must know the words. Our singers must know that words. We cannot rely solely on technology, we must actually use our brains. LOL IMAGINE THAT!

3. When we are teaching a new song…

- Very few things are more frustrating than a worship leader who doesn’t know what they want to do with a new song. Time is wasting trying new things, new ideas, changing this chord or that. When we are strapped for time, none of it can be wasted. Worship leaders must show up knowing what they want to do so that the rehearsal can be effective and efficient.

4. When we are in a new environment…

- When things are never the same, something has to be our due north. A leader’s preparation can be that calming agent that we are going the right way. If things are abnormal and the leader isn’t prepared, it can create a perfect storm of worry, concern and ineffectiveness. Preparation helps calm the storm and teaches the team that the worship leader is trustworthy to follow.

Preparation is so valuable to a worship leader. Preparation helps a worship leader to be efficient, effective, adaptable, easy to follow and trustworthy. Please do not undervalue the preparation. Believe that God can lead you in your preparation and bless your readiness. When worship leaders prepare well they are better equipped to follow the Holy Spirit as He desires. So spiritualize your preparation and know that God is with you and for you!

I’d love to hear your thoughts…

- PN