Question:
Hey
I'm 13 years old and I play guitar and sing in the youth band at my church. In the band, we have a bass player, a drummer, two other singers, and another guitar player/singer. The problem:
The dude who plays guitar and sings thinks he's the
"leader" of the band when our pastor specifically said that as of now there's no leader. He plays and sings louder than anyone else, and he's the only one who chooses the songs. I had worked on O Praise Him by David Crowder Band for us to do sometime and I was hoping to get to sing lead on it. Well, we ran through it once and it sounded good, so we left it at that. This past weekend, I was at space camp. The dude was the only one playing on Sunday night, and he did the song by himself. I know it's wrong, but I'm REALLY mad at him. I know we need to talk some things over, but I'm new to the band and I don't want to sound like the "bad guy", if you know what I mean. Any suggestions or comments would be most welcome.
God Bless,
Erin
Answer:
Space Camp? Cool!
Truth is, Erin, somebody has to "lead" despite what the pastor said. Talk to your pastor (or youth pastor if you have one) about options. Maybe you can rotate leadership until a natural fit takes place. Or maybe the "dude" will end up being the leader, and you'll have to learn to work with him.
Let the anger go. It'll be okay.
As for the song, there's nothing that says you can't do it again. Maybe you didn't get to introduce it, but it's certainly worth repeating a few times.
Answer:
Yeah, as tony says, there's just no way for there to be "no leader" for this band. Someone has to lead, and that someone is your pastor. I suggest talking him and explain whats going on, give him suggestions rather than complain of the problem.

Considering your pastor hasn't appointed a band leader, then the pastor needs to take lead of the youth band and decide who leads on the day and he needs to choose the songs for the team till he does appoint a band leader.
Answer:
I only echo what's been said: there has to be a leader.
That said, the leader needs to exercise great humility and lead with a servant's heart and not one of a tyrant and rock-n-roll-ish "front man" demeanor...if you didn't know.
It's a "last will be first and first will be last" mentality...Jesus washing the disciple's feet...get it?
Regarding the song you didn't get to do: let it go. It wasn't your song in the first place, it was more-than-likely written to God's glory...not yours. That's something that can be learned by some of the bigger "stars" in worship and contemporary Christian music; the folks I've met and worked with are VERY humble people and they do what they do because of a calling on their life and from a place of servitude and worship.
I know that you were probably fired-up to be the one to perform/sing that tune and, sure, it hurts that you didn't get to 'bring it in' first (so to speak) but I encourage you to lay this concern at Jesus' feet, ask forgiveness, let go of the anger towards your brother, maybe even apologize to him for being angry, and I promise you that you'll be blessed for it and God will use you to be the one to bring even BETTER songs in...and you will NOT look like the "bad guy".
Answer:
It sounds like your pastor simply needs to get more involved with the band.
Answer:
Space Camp! Sweet!
I will add my agreement to those who say the band needs a leader. I'm not sure that means the pastor needs to be more involved - if your pastor is anything like mine, he has a million other things to do and not much musical experience. What he needs to do is delegate by picking someone to lead. And don't take this the wrong way, but at 13 years old, that person probably isn't you. Learn how to be a follower first, study Crowder like a freaking textbook, and in a couple years you'll be ready to lead.
Answer:
Originally Posted by gtrdave I only echo what's been said: there has to be a leader.
That said, the leader needs to exercise great humility and lead with a servant's heart and not one of a tyrant and rock-n-roll-ish "front man" demeanor...if you didn't know.
It's a "last will be first and first will be last" mentality...Jesus washing the disciple's feet...get it?
Regarding the song you didn't get to do: let it go. It wasn't your song in the first place, it was more-than-likely written to God's glory...not yours. That's something that can be learned by some of the bigger "stars" in worship and contemporary Christian music; the folks I've met and worked with are VERY humble people and they do what they do because of a calling on their life and from a place of servitude and worship.
I know that you were probably fired-up to be the one to perform/sing that tune and, sure, it hurts that you didn't get to 'bring it in' first (so to speak) but I encourage you to lay this concern at Jesus' feet, ask forgiveness, let go of the anger towards your brother, maybe even apologize to him for being angry, and I promise you that you'll be blessed for it and God will use you to be the one to bring even BETTER songs in...and you will NOT look like the "bad guy".
In addition to a leader, the band needs unity, otherwise it impedes its function to bring people into God's throne room. One person should not be heard above the rest.
Answer:
I would suggest you introduce your pastor to this forum. For him/her to read for themselves your comments and of those posted here.