TWLL #55: Tell Your Singers They Sound Great

read time: under 5 minutes

____________

I think sometimes we forget how vulnerable singing is, and the step of faith our singers take each week by showing up to sing.

The singers on our worship teams need our encouragement more than we realize, and I want to share a handful of ways we as worship leaders can do that.

Validating The Vulnerability 

I think our ability to encourage our singers starts with our awareness of the vulnerability that singing requires. 

When you sing you are literally putting yourself out there for everyone to hear, and are opening yourself up to their perception, or what they think about your voice.  

It requires courage and confidence to sing, and we need to be aware of the fact that our singers are giving a lot by simply showing up for the practices and services each week.

Each Singer Has A Vocal Story

Our ability to encourage our singers is also dependent on being mindful of their vocal history.  When a singer joins your team, you probably don't know much about their vocal journey.

You don't necessarily know how they feel about their voice- if they've embraced and truly enjoy the voice God's given them, or if it's been a real struggle.

You don't know the experiences they've had singing at other churches, and whether those experiences have been more positive or more negative.  

You may have a singer that came from a previous worship team where the worship leader or other team members were a bit critical of their voice at times (whether overt or covert), and that singer may carry some wounds and insecurities as a result.

As you work with your singers, keep in mind that each one has a story with their voice and singing- and when the opportunities present themselves, aim to learn and understand more of their vocal stories.

Notice And Say Something

Yes, when your singers need constructive criticism and honest feedback give it, but remember that for each comment you make related to their growth, you need to make twice as many (or more) comments that highlight what they're already doing well.

Practically this means be intentional about listening to your singers, and when you notice how great a singer sounds, don't let the moment pass by- stop and say something.  Tell that singer they sound great.

And be as specific as you can- was it the tone, was it the emotion, was it the style, the feel?  When you articulate the details it shows that you're really listening and that you care.  

Give Them Opportunity 

Another great way to encourage your singers is to give them opportunity. 

If you see that a singer has the ability and capacity to lead out a song, go ahead and build it into your next worship set list.  Designate a song in the list for them to sing, run it in practice, and have them lead it out on Sunday morning.

Or have a singer arrange the vocal parts for one of the songs in the set list, that they can teach the rest of the singers in rehearsal.

Simple things like these, where they're getting the opportunity to stretch their wings a bit and help lead, lets them know they're valued and that their presence on the team matters.

Conclusion

The Lord has given you the singers you have on your team, and regardless of where they're at in their vocal journey they each have something to add and contribute to the team.

Part of your role in leading them is to see the value they bring, and call it forth.  Remember to be aware of the vulnerability of singing, remember that each singer has a vocal story, and be intentional about encouraging them wherever they're at.  Doing this will strengthen them, and your team.

__________________________

Whenever you're ready, there are 2 ways I can help you: 

1. The Connection-Based Spontaneous Worship Course.  If spontaneous worship has been a struggle, you might want to check out Connection-Based Spontaneous Worship.  It's a self-guided, self-paced course that empowers you to lead spontaneous worship with confidence, enables your musicians to flow with you, and helps your room engage.  

2- Join A Zoom Group.  Every 3 months I host small zoom groups- one focused on worship leading and one on songwriting.  Each group meets once a week for an hour on Zoom over a 12-week period, as we walk through the process of learning to leading worship/write songs out of connection with Jesus.  For more details about the next upcoming zoom group, including schedule & cost, email me at [email protected]