The Worship Leader Interview 2.0

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Matthew 6:33 "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

​Let's be honest, interviews help us see the big picture on both sides of an interview and they can also help us see potential red flags. Interveiws don't always reveal everything we want to know about the candidate or about the church we are applying for. Trust me, I have had my share of experiences. As I look back, there has been good that has come out of it all, but there has also been times I wish I would of stepped back for a minute and asked more questions or taken more time to pray before taking on the job. In this article, I want to give us some space to help us see a perspective and help us understand interviews.

So, you finally get that call back regarding the worship leading position you applied for, you say hello, and the person on the other end of the phone says, hi, this is pastor Dave, “I’m pleased to tell you that after prayerfully reviewing your resume, you are one of those selected to be interviewed.”

How many interviews have you been in?  What were they like? How confident were you in yourself, in your relationship with God or in your experience as a worship leader going into your interview?  Did you leave that interview feeling like you nailed it? or did you leave the interview feeling not as confident? Whether you are a worship leader seeking a position or you are a church looking for your next worship leader, let's take some time here to learn a bit more about what an interview involves and how we can be as best prepared for it.
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​The purpose of an interview is two-fold: [ 1 ] It gives the lead pastor and search committee a chance to take a good look at you and ask you questions about your work experience and what future career goals you may have. [ 2 ] You are there to show why you would be the best candidate for this position and to see if this church would be a good fit for you and your family.

The Interview wants to determine...
    •    Does the candidate have the experience and skills necessary to perform the job?
    •    Will the candidate fit in?
    •    Is this the best candidate for this position?

The Interviewee wants to determine...
    •    Can I do this job?
    •    Is this a church where I can be used to the fullest of my potential?
    •    Do I want this job?

There are two types of interviews...

1. A one-on-one interview: means you are being interviewed by one other person. This could be the lead or associate pastor.
   
2. A panel interview: means that you will be interviewed by more than one person (search committee) at the same time. It could be three or it could be seven people. Each person asks you a question. The other individuals are told to observe you and listen carefully to your response.

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart...in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Ways a worship leader can prepare for an Interview
    •    Pray for God's leading throughout this interview.
    •    Visit the church website to learn more.
    •    Make a visit to the church to see what it's like.
    •    Be ready to share what your strengths and weaknesses are.

Things that pastors and search committees can do to help on their search
    •    Ask the candidate, are their any concerns they should know about?
    •    Ask, what their last church experience was like?
    •    Invite them to lead worship on a Sunday.
    •    Ask if they currently lead worship somewhere, you could visit to see them lead worship.

Some Take Aways For Us
    •    Stay encouraged, God will remain faithful and will provide.
    •    What is the Holy Spirit saying to me or to our search committee throughout this interview
          process?
    •    Is this the right candidate for our church? Is this the right church for me and my family?
         Saying yes or no means putting your trust in God. And when we feel that not all the details were
        covered, Lord, I put them in your hands and trust in your lead as we move forward.

Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding."

Can I Pray For You
May the Lord lead and guide your heart and ministry as you search for a new church community and may the Lord guide the church as they search for a new worship leader/worship pastor. I pray that God would break down walls of insecurity and walls of opposition from enemy. May He give you confidence, courage, and peace as you enter your interview. All this in Jesus name I pray, Amen!

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Author

Martin is a husband, worship leader, and a career, ministry, and life coach from the Pacific Northwest who is passionate about helping everyday worship leaders fulfill their calling with confidence.