The Worship Leader Interview 1.0

10/12/2015

Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be give to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

Why is Preparing Questions for your Interview Important?

In any job interview, the more well informed we are about the position we are applying for, the more confident decision we can make about whether this church is a good fit for me or if I am a good fit for this church.

So, you heard that the church down the street is looking for a new worship leader and is taking applications. And your excited because you've been praying for a part-time and a full-time job on staff as a worship leader. You feel that you are qualified for this position. You are experienced, you've had training, and you believe that you would be a perfect fit for this church. If this is you, know that I am rooting for you my friend and I hope you get the job. But, in any job interview, there are several things that need to happen before being offered the position. You have the one-on-one interview, you have before the board interview; then you get an opportunity to lead them and the worship team in a time of worship. And after much prayer, if they feel you are the right person for the church and the right person to lead their worship team, you could get that call and be invited to join the staff as their new worship leader or worship pastor.

Throughout my twenty years of serving the local church as a worship leader or worship pastor, I have had the honor of serving on staff part-time, full-time or as a volunteer in different kinds of church settings whether in English, in Spanish, in American or in Latin America. But there have also been times, when I was offered a worship leading position with very good pay and I have had to say, "Thank you for the invitation, but I don't believe that this is the church community that God is calling us to." There also have been times, when my wife has said, "This is not the church community God is calling us to" and not only was she right on, God also confirmed that truth to me as well. There will be times when it is very clear that God is not calling you to this church. There will be other times when it is very clear, that God is calling you to this church community. So what are some ways, that can help us know and discern these things throughout the interview process?

Here is a practical tool, that can help us discern as we continue trusting in God's leading. It's a practice that can be easily overlooked when preparing for such an interview like this. I say this because it has happened to me several times now. Once the pastor and the board have finished asking their questions, they usually will give you an opportunity to ask some questions yourself. The pastor will give the invitation this way, "Do you have any questions for us?" If you are like me, in the past I would not have questions ready on hand. But I am here to tell you, not being prepared with questions doesn't always have to be the case for you and I in interviews. I believe asking questions can help continue the discerning process of asking God, is this is the church community You are calling me and my family to?

So with that said, and if it's ok with you, I want to help you come prepared with some questions on hand for your next upcoming interview. We asked several worship leaders on Facebook, "What kinds of questions did you ask during your interview? or what kinds of questions you wish you could of asked before taking on the job?" Out of all of the questions we collected, we wanted to share with you the top eleven questions we felt covered enough ground to help you discern throughout this interview. You can also have access to the rest of the thirty questions or so we've collected at LeadingWorshipTogether.com.

We hope that these questions can be of help to you, as you prayerfully consider on taking your next job as the new worship leader or pastor of a new church family.

Can you share with me a little bit about this church and how this worship leader fits into your goals and vision for the future?
What is the worship leader's full description? (pay, hours, rehearsals) and what else falls under their umbrella? (meetings, media, lighting, sound, production)
Can you please describe the current culture of this worship ministry?
What direction does the church want to go in relation to music? (hymns, gospel, contemporary, mixed of styles)
How is conflict handled in this church and on this leadership team?
What has the relationship between the lead pastor & worship pastor looked like in the past?
What musicians and vocalists are or are not available to me?
Are there any worship wars, challenges or concerns I should be aware of in the worship department?
Do you have a protocol or guideline for recruiting musicians and vocalists?
How involved is the lead pastor when creating the song setlist?
If I am hired, are you wanting me to maintain the program you already have in place or will I be able to make changes and will the pastor and leadership team support me?
What resources or ministry is available to my leadership, my marriage, and my family?
What priority does this leadership put on rest and sabbaticals.
How does this church or this denomination help their leaders grow in and outside of church?

When You Have Questions Ready?

It shows that you are interested in the church.
It shows that you’re in this conversation, too.
It shows that your enthusiastic
It shows that your knowledgable.
It helps us see the bigger picture.
It help us gain more clarity about the role of this position.
It gives us an opportunity to voice some concerns.
and it shows you come prepared.

Some Take Aways For Us

What is God and the Holy Spirit saying to me throughout this interview process?
What kind of church community are you seeking? Suburban, Multi-Cultural, Traditional, Latin...
Who else can come alongside you to help you discern? spouse, friend, family, pastor...
Is this the church community that God is calling me and my family to serve?
If God closes this door, do not be discouraged or loose heart. Know, that as you continue seeking him, placing your trust in him, God will open doors and bless your faithfulness.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Can I Pray For You
Lord, it is an honor to serve you and to serve the body of Christ. Thank you for the ways you have gifted us, have called us and provided for us. As my brother and sister seek for direction, ask for clarity, and knock for opportunities, may our God reassure you once again, that He is with you and he is for you. May He lead you every step of the way, provide for your every need, and open doors that will lead you to walking in your purpose and calling. May you know his peace and joy as you step out in faith in obedience to his will. All this we pray in your mighty Name, Jesus, Amen and Amen!

More of What You Need to Grow and Lead
If you want to see more questions, haven't prepare a resume or a cover letter ready, and need some help or direction, we encourage you to visit LeadingWorshipTogether.com there you can have access to articles, websites, sample resumes and sample cover letters that can help you prepare for your next interview. You can find all of these helpful resources in the School of Worship page under Worship Leaders Wanted.

We also want to shout out to Stan Friedman a writer for the Covenant Companion (CovMag) for publishing eleven of these questions on their blog.

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.