Group Dynamics of a Worship Band

“The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” Exo. 15:2 ESV

Often a worship band will include some musicians or singers who do not have experience playing in small bands. Young players may have learned music in the grade school or high school concert band, where each member is simply expected to learn their part and follow the conductor. Other players may have taken up the guitar or drums on their own, learning with or without private lessons. These are valid and fun ways to learn an instrument, but playing in a worship band requires skills and attitudes not taught in those settings. Every member of a worship band is in a leadership role and must accept the responsibility that comes with leading the people’s praise to God. Here are nine skills and attitudes for the worship band member to work on. The joy of inhabiting God’s praise in song is worth the effort.

1. Learn your music before rehearsal. Group rehearsal time is precious; don’t waste it by making everyone else wait while you sightread the music for the first time. Naturally gifted musicians are often the worst offenders in this regard. Used to playing mostly the right notes the first time, natural musicians often don’t develop good practice habits. (I learned this lesson the hard way!) Rehearsal time is for working out arrangements and blending group dynamics, which can’t happen if players are still learning notes and motifs. Of course, this also requires the leader to distribute the music in advance.

2. Know your role in the band and own it. Don’t expect a small group leader to give you constant direction like a band conductor. Whether you are playing second keyboard, lead guitar, drums, or singing BGVs, know how your part fits into the group and think ahead about how you can contribute to the best overall musical presentation. If the group has a clear leader, make sure everyone shares common expectations of that leader’s responsibilities.

3. Connect with the worshippers in the moment. As noted above, every member of a worship band is leading the congregation in collective praise. Don’t perform for them. (Or in spite of them!) Don’t bury your head in your music or spend half the service adjusting your pedal settings. Minimize technical distractions once the music begins. Be present; join the worshippers in heart and song.  And please save those private stage whispers and jokes for after worship. 

4. Pay attention to stage presence. This is not acting the diva. Rather, acknowledge that you are leading and that visuals are part of the package. Your body language reinforces the message of the text being sung. There is no need to be terrified, but likewise don’t be careless. Whether standing or seated, take a posture that is strong and open, not turned sideways, closed inward, wavering, or wandering. Certain musical moments may require heightened personal focus, but then come back to open connection with the room. Bring the people with you – don’t block them out or ignore them. They want you to do well! And you are encouraging them through music. This is not a rap battle; it is worship. We are all humble before God. Embrace the moment and do your best.

5. Discuss a group style. You don’t all have to buy matching polo shirts, but everyone should look like they are on the same page. If one member likes torn jeans and a fisherman’s cap while another prefers Italian suits, you’d better talk. Find a compromise that fits the context in which you are playing. A cohesive look sends the message that you all take this opportunity seriously and put the group ahead of your individual tastes.

6. Graciously receive suggestions by other band members. They are not personal attacks! A small band functions much like a marriage; the members get to know each other well and care about each other. Ideas should be offered respectfully but openly, always putting priority on what is best for the whole worship experience. Open communication is critical; speak the truth in love. And if a guitarist is about to trip on a cord and take a header, stop them!

7. Help your bandmates. You are all in this together. When a singer repeatedly shows up last-minute, grabs a mic, and says, “Let’s go!”, it sends a message that the rest of the band is less important. If you don’t have much gear, offer to help pack up the drums or wrap cables for the sound engineer. And ask them how to do it right; they know best how to care for their equipment.

8. The sound engineer is your friend. Treat them with respect, even when you disagree. Help them accomplish their goal—it is the same as your goal: to build an uplifting worship context. (If they or you have other goals, see point nine.) Discuss, don’t argue. Figure out why something isn’t working and determine a common path forward toward a solution.

9. Remain humble. We are all sinners, thankful to Jesus. Everything we do reflects the love He gives us. Any band member or worship assistant who insists on their own way is going to disrupt the spirit of the group, the spirit of worship. No matter how talented they may be, they must be politely but firmly asked to find another area of ministry that can benefit from their gifts.

Concepts like stage presence or group style may seem less important if the band plays in the balcony or at the rear of the worship space. But we all know that people are curious and turn around to see the band. Professionalism is always appropriate and expected. Giving our best includes all aspects of group dynamics, not just playing the right notes on time. But the fellowship and personal bonds in a worship band are precious beyond measure, lifting God’s great gift of music to an even higher place!

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