GUITAR
STAFF GUITARIST: DO’S AND DON’TS | Jeffrey B. Scott
We don't all have the luxury of living out our provide a great environment, it elevates every been guilty of being the constant noodler!)
days practicing for Sunday's service as our only player and singer to want to do their best, and Especially when using in-ear monitors, it's a
job. As a matter of fact, I wonder if that might that will always translate from the stage to the more professional environment to keep playing
only apply to guys like Hillsong's Nigel Hendroff congregation. It doesn't have to look like a to a minimum until everyone is ready, then start
or Jesus Culture's Jeffrey Kunde! However, balloon factory exploded in your rehearsal, but the first song together to make any necessary
even in the smallest church on earth, if there's it's amazing what a clean stage will do for the adjustments.
a worship team, there is very likely someone morale of your team. considered by the worship leader to be the go- DON’T OVER-STEP
to guy or girl. It might even be you! Whether It can be tempting in a more secure position to
or not you are technically "on staff" there is an
opportunity for us all to raise our game and
become that on-call player and leader we are
meant to be.
DO COME PREPARED
When you serve the church in any capacity of
leadership, you immediately become subject
to a higher standard. It might seem obvious
if you start serving in an on-staff role, but you
become the one everyone else looks to for
guidance,to help in honing a part or even issues
in soundcheck. So, you must be personally
prepared with everything else musically so
that you can be helpful to those you lead.
Imagine how it would feel to be inundated with
questions as you try to remember the chorus?
Plan to do the work to prepare ahead of time
so that you can serve your team well when they
need you the most.
DO PROVIDE A GREAT ENVIRONMENT
The reality of unproductive soundchecks and
frustrating environments leads to burnout
and low enjoyment for anyone on a worship
...be the Aaron see the shortcomings of the leadership around
to their Moses: is, you can see and do things that they can't,
you and try to compensate for them. The truth
you have a different perspective and it's even
possible you are gifted to lead in ways they
ask how you
are not. But instead of outpacing them, be the
Aaron to their Moses: ask how you can assist
can assist them them in what God's called them to do. The
in what God’s become. And your team will be better because
more you can support, the more invaluable you
of it.
called them to Over the course of my experience, I've been
do. The more the church as a worship pastor and as an
you can support, side, I know the effort and work involved in
both the lead role and the support role, serving
associate worship pastor. From the support
being that person; it's not always easy! But
from the lead side, I also know the value of
the more
having that person I know I can trust, who
becomes a valued partner in ministry. Ideas
invaluable you
can become actions, visions of the future can
become reality. It can make the whole worship
team experience better for everyone when we
become.
can lock arms and move forward together.
team. But it starts with leadership. Setting the
environment means everyone involved sees the
potential for a great day, rehearsal or service SPEAKING OF SOUNDCHECK...
and that begins with you as the leader. We Don't noodle. I've seen both sides, one where
musicians are an odd bunch: we want to be everyone plays the whole time soundcheck
involved in things that are great, but few have is happening and one where no one plays
the capacity to see something good and step until they're asked. The latter is a much more
in to help it become great. But if we as leaders pleasant experience, I promise. (And I've
November 2018
Jeffrey B. Scott
Jeffrey lives in Nashville, TN, with his amazing
wife and 3 awesome kids (and 1 dog child). He
is the guitarist/keyboardist and sings BGVs for
American Idol winner David Cook.
WorshipMusician.com
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