Question:
I've been leading at Jr. High for almost 2 years now I believe. We usually have 3 of us leaders in front playing the music. Over time, a jr. higher has come on board to play guitar. He is mature for his age, can understand the meaning of worship/leading worship. Just recently another has come on board to switch off on bass with one of us leaders (Jon). His story is the same as the guitarist.
Last week another kid came up to me and asked if he could play guitar. This kid does not even understand his faith much less what it means to worship God. I told him he could show up to practice and we would talk about it. I guess Jon has also told another kid he can switch off on bass too. And now word has spread around school and a bunch of kids believe they are going to be helping with worship soon. I really do not want that happening. These kids are at a point where they need to be focusing on the personal aspects of worship... most of them are not ready to be leading by example. I get frustrated when a Jr. Higher is doing the powerpoint instead of a leader, because they are usually not worshipping when that is happening.
The two kids that are already on board have come to me and told me they understand if we take the worship team back to leaders only. I think this is my best option. What do you guys think?
I really want ways for these kids that are ready to lead to be able to put their abilities in motion, but I don't know how. Any suggestions?
Also, to anyone else who leads worship in a Jr. High setting - you know as well as I when they are just not getting it. I've spoken various times on the purpose of worship and why we do it... but for some it's just not clicking. I know they are at that grey area where they are just crossing that threshold to understanding faith and Christian belief. What can I do in the meantime to encourage that understanding? I have a deep longing to see these kids worshipping God.
Thanks for reading,
Josh.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Josh I've been leading at Jr. High for almost 2 years now I believe. We usually have 3 of us leaders in front playing the music. Over time, a jr. higher has come on board to play guitar. He is mature for his age, can understand the meaning of worship/leading worship. Just recently another has come on board to switch off on bass with one of us leaders (Jon). His story is the same as the guitarist.
Last week another kid came up to me and asked if he could play guitar. This kid does not even understand his faith much less what it means to worship God. I told him he could show up to practice and we would talk about it. A simple, "no," probably would've been... well... simpler.
I guess Jon has also told another kid he can switch off on bass too. Sounds like you need to have a leader meeting and figure out the policy for allowing people to play.
And now word has spread around school and a bunch of kids believe they are going to be helping with worship soon. Again, a straightfoward explanation may be in order. You can just tell them, "I'm sorry, but our band/team/leadership is not chosen on a volunteer basis. If we need/want you, we will come to you."
I really do not want that happening. These kids are at a point where they need to be focusing on the personal aspects of worship... most of them are not ready to be leading by example. Which is why you should definitely not let them join in order to make them happy. Though, I don't expect that you would anyway.
I get frustrated when a Jr. Higher is doing the powerpoint instead of a leader, because they are usually not worshipping when that is happening. WARNING: OFF-TOPIC TANGENT
I believe that running powerpoint can be, in and of itself, an act of worship. If worship is indeed a lifestyle, then anything done to serve God can be considered worship. Running the powerpoint for a worship service can be an act of service to God, and even if the person is not singing or paying any attention to the music, I believe they can be worshiping.
However, I should point out that this kind of worship also requires a certain maturity in understanding that, "whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." (Colossians 3:23)
The two kids that are already on board have come to me and told me they understand if we take the worship team back to leaders only. I think this is my best option. What do you guys think? It would be a shame to take that away from them after them demonstrating that they're mature enough to do it by understanding that you may need to take it back. However, I too think it may be the best option.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Josh I've been leading at Jr. High for almost 2 years now I believe. We usually have 3 of us leaders in front playing the music. Over time, a jr. higher has come on board to play guitar. He is mature for his age, can understand the meaning of worship/leading worship. Just recently another has come on board to switch off on bass with one of us leaders (Jon). His story is the same as the guitarist.
Last week another kid came up to me and asked if he could play guitar. This kid does not even understand his faith much less what it means to worship God. I told him he could show up to practice and we would talk about it. I guess Jon has also told another kid he can switch off on bass too. And now word has spread around school and a bunch of kids believe they are going to be helping with worship soon. I really do not want that happening. These kids are at a point where they need to be focusing on the personal aspects of worship... most of them are not ready to be leading by example. I get frustrated when a Jr. Higher is doing the powerpoint instead of a leader, because they are usually not worshipping when that is happening.
The two kids that are already on board have come to me and told me they understand if we take the worship team back to leaders only. I think this is my best option. What do you guys think?
I really want ways for these kids that are ready to lead to be able to put their abilities in motion, but I don't know how. Any suggestions?
Also, to anyone else who leads worship in a Jr. High setting - you know as well as I when they are just not getting it. I've spoken various times on the purpose of worship and why we do it... but for some it's just not clicking. I know they are at that grey area where they are just crossing that threshold to understanding faith and Christian belief. What can I do in the meantime to encourage that understanding? I have a deep longing to see these kids worshipping God.
Thanks for reading,
Josh. One thing that is vitally important to keep in mind when dealing with Jr. High students is the deciding factor in almost all of their decisions, feelings, thoughts, and actions: peer pressure.
It might be a good idea to suggest to your co-leaders that you take some time aside to think about peer pressure. I mean seriously...take some time alone, and think about it and how it affects your group. Then, in your next leadership meeting (or have one for this purpose), discuss it.
Peer pressure is the axis around which Jr. High students revolve, and the axis from which they are, at this point in their lives, beginning to struggle to escape from.
I personally do not think that you should remove those kids from the leadership positions they have clearly demonstrated enough responsibility and maturity to hold. I think it would probably be better to keep them there, to serve as examples for the rest of the youth. The less-mature ones will learn from them.
Leadership positions, although they require a certain amount of maturity, provide more incentive for them to be more mature and more responsible. They will tend to take this to heart, and will work harder to be better leaders, and better examples. Whereas if you remove them, it takes away a lot of their motivation to be mature and responsible, and takes away virtually all opportunities for them to be leaders and examples.
In this sense, I believe that by allowing those kids to be leaders, you are greatly assisting them in becoming more mature and responsible, and are giving them the opportunity to be examples; the sort of examples that the rest of the group will tend to follow. And we all know that young people tend to follow leaders from their own peer group more than adult leaders.
That's my take on what you've written...
Answer:
So...essentially, what you're saying is that they aren't getting the "emotional high" that is expected when worshiping? I don't see why having the kids help out would be a bad thing. As a leader, you're there not only to serve the kids, but bring them up to serve others.
If you think that having an immature Christian leading worship with you is a problem, wait until you face the issue of having a non-Christian up on stage with you!
Pat D
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If you are the leader in charge of dictating who plays, first reign your leaders in and have them filter ALL potential candidates through you. Tell the very specifically that you do not want them suggesting to students that it is ok for them to play on the worship team.
Also, consider carefully what you are looking for in these kids. Do you know any 15 year old kids that truly get it when it comes to worship? I don't, and I know I sure didn't at that age. But I knew my faither, I got to play anyway, and that's how I learned.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Josh I've been leading at Jr. High for almost 2 years now I believe. We usually have 3 of us leaders in front playing the music. Over time, a jr. higher has come on board to play guitar. He is mature for his age, can understand the meaning of worship/leading worship. Just recently another has come on board to switch off on bass with one of us leaders (Jon). His story is the same as the guitarist. That's great that you're bringing up younger kids into worship. Remember that since they are younger, they will probably need to be discipled. This is one thing i need to work on with the worship team at my church.
Last week another kid came up to me and asked if he could play guitar. This kid does not even understand his faith much less what it means to worship God. I told him he could show up to practice and we would talk about it. That was a good move. I don't know how old you are, but the best move would have been to tell him to go talk to the senior pastor or youth pastor about how he can serve on the worship team.
I guess Jon has also told another kid he can switch off on bass too. And now word has spread around school and a bunch of kids believe they are going to be helping with worship soon. I really do not want that happening. Jon should not have told anyone that they could switch off with him. I can understand though why he would have said that. Being on the worship team or any leadership/highly looked upon position at church gives someone a sense of "power." Pride is not something that has a place in worship.
These kids are at a point where they need to be focusing on the personal aspects of worship... most of them are not ready to be leading by example. I get frustrated when a Jr. Higher is doing the powerpoint instead of a leader, because they are usually not worshipping when that is happening. I agree with you, but i also agree with bob. Serving can be worship.
The two kids that are already on board have come to me and told me they understand if we take the worship team back to leaders only. I think this is my best option. What do you guys think? Pray about it, and talk to you pastor first.
I really want ways for these kids that are ready to lead to be able to put their abilities in motion, but I don't know how. Any suggestions? If you are going to make the worship team just leadership again, still let those who are one the worship team right now practice with you. Get to know all who want to serve on the worship team so you can know if they are mature enough in thier knowledge of worship and if they have musical talent. Talk to your pastor and ask if they (the ones who you think know what worship is and have musical talent) can practice with you.
Also, to anyone else who leads worship in a Jr. High setting - you know as well as I when they are just not getting it. I've spoken various times on the purpose of worship and why we do it... but for some it's just not clicking. I know they are at that grey area where they are just crossing that threshold to understanding faith and Christian belief. What can I do in the meantime to encourage that understanding? I have a deep longing to see these kids worshipping God. All lead worshippers want to see the congregation worship. I think we just expect to see everyone lifting up their hands and closing their eyes. I know it's kind of discouraging, but don't let satan get a hold of you. Pray that the kids will draw closer to God, and then those who draw closer will open up to worshipping. Jr high and high school is a hard time in everyone's life. Peer pressure is the main thing, i think, that keeps kids from worshipping. Just keep on praying for them.
Thanks for reading,
Josh.
Answer:
Originally Posted by paat So...essentially, what you're saying is that they aren't getting the "emotional high" that is expected when worshiping? I don't see why having the kids help out would be a bad thing. As a leader, you're there not only to serve the kids, but bring them up to serve others.

If you think that having an immature Christian leading worship with you is a problem, wait until you face the issue of having a non-Christian up on stage with you!
Er. I never said anything about an emotional high. I don't think having the kids help with worship is a bad thing. I do think that a person who doesn't understand their faith and/or worship has no place leading others in worship.
Final Decision
I am going to come up with a sign up form/agreement of some sort... with questions about how they came to Christ, what they think worship is, why they feel qualified, etc. We'll also let them know that we expect them to be mature outside of the 20 minutes we worship through music on Tuesday nights. We'll sift through those, pray over them. We'll spend time with those kids who we don't believe are ready, and figure out how we can help them mature and be ready to lead eventually. If we believe a kid is not in line with the form/agreement they signed to, we will take them off the team for the time being, and work/pray with them so they can eventually join again. We will probably also have the kids switch off monthly. They play a month straight and then take a month break, while another person fills in their spot. If no one fills it for that month, the adult leaders will lead worship by themselves.

So let me know what you guys think. I'm stressing out because this is a lot more work, but these kids need to be discipled and taught to lead because someday myself and the other adult leaders will be gone.

Josh.
Answer:
I would love to see a copy of what you come up with after you're done. I think that's a wonderful solution.
Answer:
it sounds like a good solution, and i think that it's important to have a written agreement and questionaire with the people wanting to audition for a church's praise team, but i'm going to backtrack a little.
1) lead worshipping is more than just the way you look on stage, it's an overall lifestyle.
2) an active Christian lifestyle is worship. generally your sound guy, your powerpoint guy, etc. aren't going to be 100% immersed in the singing aspect of worship...and i don't think that's a bad thing, because when the microphone slips your sound guy needs to be pay close enough attention to you to turn that thing down before it feeds back...and your powerpoint guy needs to be paying attention to youin case you want to do that chorus one last time and it's not already on the screen.
3) if you're waiting for only people who really understand what it means to worship God 100% of the time, then you might as well disband the team, because it's not going to happen.
4) for some of these kids, being involved in leadership is what is going to make them mature...which is why the contractual audition is a good idea...because it gives you a written gauge of where they are at...but also, as a leader in the youth group, you should know your kids well enough to be able to tell when a student is just writing the answers they think you want to see and the answers that are truly their own.
Answer:
As a leader of Junior High kids every summer, I take GREAT offense to anyone who says that a 15 year old "doesn't get it." I would say they "get" worship more than any adult I know.
Pat D
Answer:
Originally Posted by paat As a leader of Junior High kids every summer, I take GREAT offense to anyone who says that a 15 year old "doesn't get it." I would say they "get" worship more than any adult I know.
And I'd argue you down a little farther to 10 years of age (before the hormones kick in), but the principle might be the same.
But I'd also encourage you to get to know a few more adults, seriously. You're selling a lot of them short.
Nate
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You are kidding me, right? I'm not saying I hang out with Jnr. High's all the time, and that's all I ever see. I have led worship all across Ontario, and I can tell you that I have seen more reaction from Youth than I ever have from Adults.
I have also seen 7 year olds who have been so captivated by God that they worship with such passion it astounds me. They may not understand some of the big words that are used in some of the songs, but they understand what Jesus did for them on the cross, and that God is holy and deserves our praise.
Pat D
Answer:
Originally Posted by paat You are kidding me, right? I'm not saying I hang out with Jnr. High's all the time, and that's all I ever see. I have led worship all across Ontario, and I can tell you that I have seen more reaction from Youth than I ever have from Adults.
Pat D
more reaction does not necessarily mean more passion, or that they truly understand a life of worship.
lets look at it this way...a young teen goes and see's his favorite band, Jars of Clay, and gets in a totally great "worshipful" mood during all of their songs, especially his favorite, "Love Song For a Savior"...also at the concert is the boy's father, who likes Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn and doesn't really get these Jars of Clay guys, but wants to hang out with his kid. The father, not being familiar with the songs, or liking the music very much doesn't form the same posture as his son, he just stands and watches.
the next day the son goes out and returns to his regular life...he's not the most attentive student, sure he's still really stoked about the Jars of Clay concert, but he's still doing the same things he did before the concert...he's not taking his faith seriously, except when the environment provides it.
on the other hand the father, the "non-worshipful" one at the concert, returns to his day job, and just like before the concert takes every chance he has to share the gospel of Jesus with his co-workers. his faith is strong. when his secretary gives him the "come hither" stare he does even acknowledge it because he's already thinking about going back home to his loving wife and kids.
so tell me, who understands worship better? the kid rocking out at the concert, or the father who never rocks out, but daily fights the good fight?
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No offence, but it's starting to look to me like worship is too broad and too deep of a thing for it to be debated so specifically on a message board.
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well the problem is that i don't think that there's an agreed definition of "worship"