I wish someone had told me.
When I was the new worship team member, I made every mistake in the book. I’ve been publicly called out, shown up having learned the wrong set, and more than once… been that guy.
If it could go wrong, I’ve probably done it.
That’s why I’m writing this—to help you avoid the same headaches, and to highlight a few things that even experienced worship team members often miss. Whether you’re brand new to the team or leading one yourself, this is the post I wish someone gave me on day one.
And if you’re a worship leader, think of this as your unofficial translator—because I’m about to say all the things you’ve wanted to tell your team, but maybe haven’t been able to.
Let’s jump in.
1. Show Up Early (Yes, Early)
Not just on time—early. There’s a massive difference.
When you show up early, you’re setting yourself (and your whole team) up for a calm, focused, and productive rehearsal. When you show up late, it creates stress for everyone else, eats up valuable time, and quietly communicates that your time matters more than theirs.
Life happens—flat tires, broken strings, mystery tech problems—but showing up early builds in space for the unexpected. And trust me, the unexpected is coming.
Early arrival isn’t just about being prepared—it’s about excellence and honor.
2. Be Professional (Not “That Musician”)
Here’s the deal: play when it’s time to play—don’t when it’s not.
Don’t rehearse solos during transitions. Don’t noodle around while people are trying to talk. Don’t turn rehearsal into your personal soundcheck concert. It’s distracting, it slows everything down, and eventually—someone’s going to call you out. And if you’re new, that moment will sting.
Use downtime to listen, learn, and engage—not to flex. The best musicians on a worship team know that what they don’t play matters just as much as what they do.
3. Prepare, prepare, prepare!
Know the songs inside and out before you show up to rehearsal. Know every part perfectly by heart. Practice them over and over! And know that there is a huge difference between practice and rehearsal. There’s no better way to make sure you and your team show up knowing your parts perfectly and in perfect sync than with WorshipOnline.com. Seriously, start a free trial if you haven’t already. You won’t regret it.
4. Stay humble!
This leads me to the second tip. Always humble yourself. If you really want to play the leads or some other part, set your ego aside and let the other guitar player pick the parts he wants to play first. Or if you’re not assigned to lead a song, that’s ok, you’ll get your opportunity. Staying humble is going to take you much farther than showing off how good you are. I PROMISE!
It’s easy to think you are more important than others because you are on the worship team, but that’s a huge mistake. We’re all there to serve and worship Jesus. As a new worship team member, you’re making a first impression. Nothing makes a better impression than humility.
5. Practice, practice, practice.
Separate from preparing for a service, make sure you are practicing. Never stop improving, no matter how good you are. You owe it to yourself and your fellow team members to continually grow in skill and raise the bar of what your best is each week. No one wants to be stuck at the same skill level forever. Take a lesson, find a mentor, find inspiration. If you feel stuck, I wrote a post here about why you may not be getting better.
6. Play/Sing to your skill level
Don’t force a harder part. What I mean is if there is a lead or lick that you are struggling with, or something that you can’t play perfectly, don’t play it! Play/sing something simpler. Trust me, it sounds way better to nail some chords or a simpler lead line than to struggle or mess up something a little more difficult.
7. Know who’s in charge.
Know that your worship and band leader are in charge. If they ask you to do or play something different, do it. Above your band/worship leader is the pastor. Above your pastor is God.
8. Be that person who says “yes!”
It’s very easy to get stuck in our ways and not want to change or incorporate new things, especially if you’ve been playing/singing on your worship team for a while. Your attitude should always be “Yes, we can do that!” No matter what the challenge is.
If your worship leader comes in and says Today, we’re all going to hang from a trapeze, it’s your job to get behind the idea and move it forward. Leaders are always looking for those who can adapt and easily accept new ideas. Why? Because those are the type of people who make the best leaders themselves.
9. Lead when you’re not on stage.
When you’re in the congregation, engage in worship just like you’d expect the congregation to do if you were on stage. It’s very easy to sit back and judge what’s happening on stage (especially if you’re a musician), but it’s your job to lead worship from your seat. Others are watching you now!
10. Remember why you’re there.
Lead worship from your instrument. It’s easy to get lost in playing or singing and forget that people are watching you. You are on stage to be a leader in worship. Encourage others to worship by expressing your worship, however that is for you; singing, jumping, raising your hands, etc. …and don’t forget to SMILE! There’s nothing worse than watching a bunch of people on stage who look unhappy and bored.
Playing and leading on the worship team is a huge honor and privilege. As long as you remember that, you will do great!
What tips for new worship team members would you add? Let us know below in the comments!
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