As worship leaders, we love compliments. We love to be validated for what we do.

While we don’t lead for the validation, it’s always nice when others confirm God’s call and say we’re going in the right direction. A few weeks ago was one of those moments.

Following the service, an older man approached me. No offense to older people, but it does make me nervous at times what they’re going to say. I’ve heard quite a few “it’s too loud,” “I don’t like the songs,” “I can’t even be in the room during worship” comments.

But even that negative feedback over the years has helped me. It’s helped me be a better leader. It’s helped me bend not just toward the next generation but the older generation as well. It’s helped me realize that worship isn’t just about being cool it’s about being compassionate to all generations and helping give voice to the people, not just myself.

So…back to the approaching older man.

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There’s not a worship team on earth that hasn’t had to address this question. The tension is alive. What is the lifecycle of a worship leader or a musician?

How old is too old? How young is too young? Does a multi generational worship team work? What are the best practices?

I’m sure you’ve been there. You’ve had conversations with your older team members and how they feel pushed out.

You might be an older singer, musician, or worship leader struggling with insecurity later in life.

• “Are my jeans skinny enough?”
• “Is my voice cool enough?”
• “Am I trendy enough?”
• “Do I have a place anymore?”

If you’ve thought this, let’s talk.

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You want to know what the best worship teams do? They worship.

Too often worship teams have a zealous leader, chasing God with all their heart and a band…a band that seems bored out of their minds at worst. At best, they like to play music.

But I believe God is after more in our churches, teams, and leaders. God is raising up people to shepherd the next generation. God is raising up a worshiping army in local churches – teams that are more interested in a glorious God than just great tone.

Their hearts are transfixed on the Master. They will never be the same again.

Before you start shouting amen, there’s something you need to be aware of:

If there’s one thing the enemy wants to discourage in your life, it’s worship.

If there’s one thing the enemy wants to take out in your team, it’s worship.

If there’s one thing the enemy wants to distract your church from, it’s true worship.

Why? Because worshipers cannot be stopped. True worshipers are the most resilient people.

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How fun is it to work on a staff? To be mentored, to have fun, to be a part of a dynamic culture. To dream, to accomplish, to laugh, to cry, to have your best friends there to hold up your arms. Isn’t it the greatest?

It truly is. Until, of course, it isn’t. At all.

We all have our horror stories of being on a church staff. Sometimes it’s the greatest place in the world and sometimes you’d rather just stay in bed. Forever.

As I visit churches all across America, I encounter some staff members who love their work (and who they work with) and others who just want to get out.

Where are you? Do you love what you do? Do you love who get to work with?

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If I were to poll worship leaders across the world, I’d imagine most would say they don’t love to talk.

Most would prefer to sing, close their eyes, and worship their hearts out…in front of people. The problem with that is it’s not leadership. There needs to be a heart to love, lead, and connect with people in the room. That is why you are a leader. That is why you are on stage.

But the answer isn’t just talking a lot. We all know the difference. Too much can oftentimes be a distraction.

In my recent interview with Christy Nockels she called it the difference between leading aggressively and leading with authority. Aggressive leadership is being bold and based on personality. Leading with authority is, as Peter calls it in I Peter 4:11, “leading in the strength that God provides.”

That’s what we’re talking about.

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