Worship Team Auditions
Your worship ministry is one of the most visible ministries a church offers and is probably the most talked about and valued (or scrutinized) next to the preaching ministry. Your style and approach to worship is often a representation of the philosophy of the rest of the church. First time attenders make an impression of your church within the first few minutes in reaction to what happens on the platform: the leadership, the music style, the presentation and ability of the band and singers, and the overall quality of the service. If a church service were a pep rally, the worship team members are the cheerleaders - praise prompters, if you will.
There aren’t too many things more embarrassing than an uncoordinated, corpulent cheerleader trying to keep up with the rest of the squad. In fact, she’s doing more harm than good when she claps a fraction off the beat, falls to the ground after a simple lunge, performs a cartwheel like my three-year-old daughter, and moves her appendages like wet, limp noodles. That may fly in seventh grade but I guarantee you won’t see that on the Dallas Cowboys cheerleading squad. After all, the Cowboys want their fans motivated, not nauseated.
What can you do to make sure your praise prompters are giving honor to God and pointing others to Him? Populate your worship team with believers who are pursuers of Christ and are qualified musicians by using an effective audition process.
The Process
- Collect names and applications
When someone expresses interest in being involved in your worship ministry, have them fill out an application as if they were applying for a job. Just like applicants need to demonstrate to the prospective employer they are qualified to perform certain tasks, the worship team prospect needs to demonstrate on paper they are qualified to perform music, through singing or playing an instrument, based on experience and/or training. The applications need to address aspects of their spiritual life as well as their musical abilities and background. After all, this ministry is as much about character as it is competency. Accept applications year-round and keep them on file for when you hold auditions. - Set up auditions based on your need
Determine how often you will take people through the audition process. You may choose to do it at certain times of the year or just when you have a vacancy. Here are some options: - Open auditions - conduct auditions any time of the year. We’re always looking for people.
- Need-based auditions - audition people when there is a vacancy. We need some vocalists and a drummer.
- Frequent auditions - conduct auditions at certain times of the year. We’re going to audition worship team members in February, June, and October.
- Call them in for a one-on-one audition
Assuming they look good on paper, bring them in to demonstrate their playing or singing ability. If someone claims they can play an instrument or sing, don’t take their word for it. Let you be the judge; that’s what this one-on-one audition is for. In my experience, “I can play…” represents the entire spectrum of musical ability from “I can almost keep a beat” to “I studied with renown drummer, Bernard Purdie.” Use the one-on-one audition as an opportunity for the accomplished musician to truly demonstrate their abilities or the disillusioned wannabe to quietly crash and burn with an audience of one.
Have them bring something prepared from their own repertoire and a song or two you use frequently in your church. Having them bring a song they’re already comfortable with gives them confidence and lets them showcase their abilities. Giving them a couple of your own songs tests if they can play or sing the music you need them to perform. Talent and ability doesn’t assume a good fit for your worship team. An accomplished opera singer who sings everything as if he were performing Pagliacci wouldn’t mesh with the latest Chris Tomlin recording you’re using on Sunday morning. A honky-tonk country pianist might not provide the right mood to your rendition of Sing to the King, unless, of course, that’s your thing.
Since this ministry is about character as well, ask them questions about their spiritual journey and relationship with Christ. You need people on the platform who have a good testimony in the community so don’t be afraid to ask them about how they conduct themselves in public. - Communicate expecations and standards
Being involved in a ministry such as this requires responsibility and accountability. Share your expectations with them about rehearsal schedules, conduct, at home practice, and other important details. Let them know up front the unique demands and requirements of this ministry and have them agree to them. Have them sign a document if you feel the need.
Before hiring a new worship pastor, I served as interim worship coordinator at my church for a few months. Sunday morning rehearsal started promptly at 7:15 and the gentleman leading worship for that day showed up about thirty minutes late. I tactfully reminded him of the actual rehearsal time, to which he responded, “Uh, yeah, that’s a little early for me.” - Sign them up for a six month trial period
If they’ve made it this far by demonstrating their competency as a musician, character that is Christlike, and have agreed to your standards and expectations, commit to a six month trial period. At the end of six months, each of you has an opportunity to say, “This isn’t working,” and pull the plug. Have them attend rehearsals, learn the music, and get used to playing/singing with the rest of the group. Put them on the schedule and utilize them in the worship services if things are going smoothly. If they are a valuable asset to your team, make them a full-fledged member. Otherwise, use the end of the six months trial period as an opportunity to encourage them to find another ministry or to continue developing their skills and audition at a future date.
Being a member of a worship team requires a lot of skill, natural talent, and commitment. Use an audition process to ensure those you put on the platform are qualified individuals who have character that exemplifies and represents Christ and your church. The next article will discuss specifics you should look for in musicians and vocalists to help you weed out those who should join the ranks among your praise prompters from those who should only sing in the shower.
Do you have suggestions for auditioning for the worship team or is there another process that works for you? Share them in the comments below.
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