How to Hire a Worship Leader

Find a leader suitable to guide the families in your church.

The position of worship leader in a church comes with great responsibility. A church leader's primary role is to guide the spiritual lives of congregation members. For many churches the worship leader is the one who directs all of the church's music. If you are primarily responsible for the hiring of this leader, you must take care to appoint a person who has the moral integrity and skills to serve in this capacity.

Instructions

1. Advertise your search for a worship leader. Place ads within and near your local community as well as in demonimational publications and other ministry periodicals. Include the basic requirements for which you are looking in terms of background and experience. Specify if you want a seminary graduate or other formal education or if you are willing to accept someone without this credential. Also, include the duties you expect the person to fulfill, such as leading music during the worship service or directing choirs.

2. Set up interviews with potential candidates. Prepare a list of questions you want to ask each applicant -- covering such topics as work history, community involvement and family commitments -- to get an idea of the person's character and passion for people. Ask the candidates to bring a resume with references to the interview. Give the applicant a chance to demonstrate music and singing talent. Be ready to explain what the job entails and to share information about your church.

3. Vet each applicant in which you are interested following his interview. Look at both the applicant's passion and drive and his music and leadership talent. Check the provided references and call former employers to gain information about the person. Require the applicant to submit to a background check and drug screening. Discuss your interviews and other information about the applicants with church leaders to gather their opinions.

4. Ask applicants in which you are interested to come for a second interview where you will further assess the applicants in terms of how well they would fit with the position. Listen to his singing skills as well as his plans for leading the music worship. Also, use this time to get to know the individual on a more personal basis and ask for a personal testimony. Suggest that the person attend your church while you are still considering whom to hire. This allows the applicant to judge for himself whether he is a good fit for the position.

5. Offer the position to the candidate you believe is best qualified and will add the most to your music worship program. Encourage the new leader to briefly speak in front of the congregation so everyone can get acquainted with him.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch each applicant's body language. Look for confidence and passion but also humility and reverence.

References

• The Worship Community: Church's Got Talent-Hiring a Worship Leader