By Nick Coetzee (songwriter, producer, worship leader and founder/CEO of The Rain Music Studio in Florida)
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When it comes to mentoring and training worship leaders, there is no single formula to apply, no manual to follow. Every person you mentor will be different. The methods you use and the techniques you apply may likely vary greatly from person to person. Having said that, there are some things that will likely apply across the board:
- Be affirming. Musicians should never feel that they are accepted because of what they do, but rather, because of who they are and to Whom they belong. Their ministries should flow out of their identities in Him. We, as mentors, should help that to develop more fully.
- Critiques are usually better received in private than in a group setting. It is generally less confrontational – at least, it feels that way – in a one-on-one setting, as opposed to a group setting.
- Give some small victory possibilities along the way. Before they lead an entire service, allow them to lead a song or two during some services. This helps build confidence, and gives you opportunity to provide follow-up feedback.
- Don’t force mentees to turn out just like you. Allow them space to find themselves. They’re not you, so let them be who God created them to be.
- When you’re nearing the finish line in mentoring a worship leader, become the person’s cheerleader. They no longer need the coach as much as they do the affirmation of the parent. When the worship leader becomes successful in his own right, share in those triumphs. Be ready to encourage. When the student is ready to fly on her own, don’t stand on the sidelines with a net. Rather, be on the front row with hands lifted high. What an encouragement that is to a young worship leader!
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This blog is excerpted from Mentoring Worship Leaders: Training the Next Generation, compiled and edited by Tom Kraeuter. This collection--along with many other excellent worship leader books, DVD's and consulting materials--are available online at www.training-resources.org.