When a song leader does not know how to properly pitch a song (it's too low or too high), has not been taught how to properly direct, and has not prepared (does not know the song well enough to lead it), it then becomes a distraction. You are focusing on the director instead of worshipping God.

It is also very distracting when someone reading scripture, leading a prayer, etc. has not properly prepared. I know nerves play a big part, but being prepared helps tremendously. We suddenly expect men to be able to serve and lead when they do not receive proper training. This is not the way it is in the work force, you are given the proper training in order to be able to do your job and lead others. Why should we expect them to excel in leading if they are not trained?

Great point, Melissa! Pitching the songs way too high are too low is exactly the first thing that came to my mind with this question too. It's odd, because I believe the fix is relatively easy - yet I have the most difficult time convincing volunteer leaders to use a pitch pipe. Sometimes, I think pride is the barrier, or failing to see the importance. Many times, song leaders cause a "train wreck," instead of fostering an environment for worship.

I could talk all day about the need for training too.

- KL

How about a song leader who directs a 4/4 song in 3/4 or just stares down at the song book the whole time he is leading instead of engaging the congregation. Or someone who has a scowl on his face while leading "Sing & Be Happy"????? Maybe filming song leaders would let them see themselves as they really are instead of how they think they are leading. How do you kindly broach the subject with a song leader who is oblivious or in denial regarding their lack of leadership and skills? We are not about creating hurt feelings but we are certainly not about creating a "train wreck" for the entire congregation during worship......

A leader who lacks ability will certainly hinder anyone trying to follow. The distraction that comes with poor leadership can often lead to sin. Yes, sin on the part of many worshipers who spend their time after worship talking about the poor leadership. It matters not if it is the singing, praying, preaching or any other aspect or service to God, when done poorly it will attract the negative influences of the devil. Sadly, it is often too easy to complain, grumble and tear down leaders who continue to lead without preparation.

I remember as a very young preacher that a lady came to me and said that I adjusted my glasses 62 times during the sermon. I was shocked that anyone would spend their time counting the distractions when I was preaching a masterpiece homily. 8{)

Same thing happens with any distracting action, poor use of grammar, etc., all good is soon lost to the distraction. This can also lead to discouragement of the leader and follower. Simple solution, proper preparation makes polished performance.

Love all leaders enough to encourage them to seek training when they need it.

Joe Chase

A second thought comes to mind. As a trainer of song leaders, I have stopped emphasizing the use of beating time with the hand. First because seldom do I ever see a song leader who does it with out it being a distraction.

Second, when all the energy, mind power and effort that went into trying to beat the time is put into body language, facial expressions and vocal inflection the song leader instantaneously improves a hundred fold. I'm not just talking about beginners either. Men who have lead for years improve tremendously.

Third, in most congregations people are not watching for the downbeat anyway and would be challenged to find it in the weird hand patters most leaders use.

Fourth, leaders become bigger, more powerful, and bring more excitement when they use their entire body to lead the song. Almost all distraction is removed when the mind is freed from trying to beat time. (I'm not saying the leader shouldn't tap his foot, toe, pat his leg or something to keep the beat in his own body).

All the hours we used to spend teaching "down, in, out, up" produced many confused, sloppy hand patterns that brought more frustration than leadership. Now as a teacher I can spend time on how to chose songs that fit the occasion, how to emphasize phrasing in each song, how to blend prayer, singing and sermons together for the most powerful worship.

Nuff said,

Joe Chase

Those are all good thoughts, Joe. One thing I've tried to take away from Keith is the idea of using the whole body to lead and not worrying so much about the proper hand patterns. Even professional orchestra conductors do more than just beat the basic patterns.

By the way, I'm one of the few who watches for the downbeat - comes from my high school marching band days, where you have to march (from memory), play (from memory), and keep an eye on the drum major as much as possible to make sure the whole band is playing together while spread out over 40+ yards on an outdoor field.

I sympathize with Keith about teaching men to use a pitch pipe. I've tried and tried, and most of them still don't catch on. I think in some cases, they just can't match the note blown on the pitch pipe, so they give up. Or they think it's more complicated than it really is. I wish I knew how to convince them to use one.

Worship in a service is one of the most important events. As we read in Isa 66:23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith Jehovah. So, worship in a service is so important that we are gonna do exactly that in heaven, we're gonna WORSHIP God ! ! And that is why I think worship should be the closest to perfect in a service.

Personally, after receiving instruction and studying this ministry area, displaying distracting techniques makes it very difficult to worship properly. Others become aware of the difference, but for whatever reason, do not realize the difference is in the training.
I am "jumping" into the area of Involvement Ministry. My vision is that All members serving in ANY Ministry should be given instruction / training. This most definitely includes Reading Scripture, Leading Prayer, Lord Supper participation, AND most definitly Leading the Worship in song. However, without direction, encouragement and authority given by the Elders, this will not occur.
I would be intersted in anyone else who has an Involvement / Assimilation ministry ongoing in their Church and what training in any Ministry is occuring.
This to me is the big picture. We need to train / EQUIP all the saints in whatever ministry for which they have a gift or passion.
Mine just happens to be WORSHIP LEADING.
I SMILE!
Gary