How to tell someone no in the worship team audition process

[@richardtowne6771]

My favorite response of four auditions over thirty years was “you’re a very good player but do you think you could play with the younger players?” The question was so inappropriate I had no reply. That worship leader got fired a month later. I got called to fill in a number of times in later years.

[@justincase4925]

30 years is a long time. Do something else. Of course you can lead a workshop to play along with the young.

[@justincase4925]

I would not waste my time with that guy

[@justincase4925]

Dont be bitter be better

[@brittanylou1979]

This is super helpful thank you

[@WarrickMoore]

That flickering light behind you is rather annoying.

[@practicalworship]

Warrick Moore Yeah, that's the LED color bars we use that look great in the room but don't like video very much. Some colors are better than others. We do the best we can with what we've got.

[@justincase4925]

Dont say anything just dont call or let them forget

[@janicelarson57]

Do you also evaluate them by biblical leadership standards since they are out-front people, supposedly being role models and setting examples to the congregation? For instance, do you recommend setting forth standards of conduct and dress? What about evaluating doctrinal positions, or church membership? We have had people who are gifted musically, but their doctrine didn't completely line up with that of the church and there were concerns by elders as to whether or not congregation members would engage them more readily since they are now more visible, and the musician could lead someone astray. Should it be just about their ability, or should it be the "whole package?"

[@practicalworship]

That's a great question! Our purpose statement for the worship ministry says this: we exist to inspire people to pursue God through creativity and character. That "character" part acknowledges that how we live our lives off the stage is just as important (if not more important) than how we act on the stage. So, yes, more than their ability matters. But how much and to what degree is a subjective place. It's probably more a tension to manage than it is a problem to solve, if that makes sense.

[@Ngabaongta422]

God calls on the sinners. How about the 12 disciples, especially Peter?😇

[@musicmaker4him901]

What about people who have a lot of talent and experience leading praise and worship that aren’t even given the chance to audition?

[@williamcall1967]

Ok so what do you do when the guy or girl leaves your church because you said no to them. Volunteering there time and effort to worship God in a way they feel most comfortable with?

[@practicalworship]

But there's SO many other opportunities to serve within the church besides singing or playing on the team. Just because you're comfortable with it doesn't mean you're good at it. What if someone who came across really stern as grumpy wanted to be a front door greeter? What if someone who wasn't organized wanted to lead a team? This is an over-exaterrated example, but what if someone who was a registered sex offender wanted to serve in kidsmin? This sounds harsh, but if someone leaves a church over whether or not they can sing, I would have to question their motives a bit for singing in the first place.

[@williamcall1967]

Practical Worship well the way I was thinking is that what if your church did not meet to the expectation of what you want from the praise team but a smaller church down the road just wanted singers and they really didn't care how good they where it would more of a choir setting. I didn't mean it like if they didn't get on the praise team they would just leave.

[@practicalworship]

Assuming the person left on good terms, I would be happy that they found their place-even if it wasn't at our church. Every worship leader has to determine where the bar is, where the standard is for their ministry. And that bar is going to be different at different churches. There are people that play for me that couldn't play for Life.Church across the road. But there are people that can't play for me but are happy serving at the church down the street. Only you can determine where the bar is for your church, but once you set that bar, there's still always going to be people that don't meet the criteria. You're right, a choir is a great opportunity to include people that may not be the best singers but still want to be involved in the worship ministry. But I bet that church down the road with a choir still wouldn't give that singer a microphone for a solo-even if she wanted to volunteer her time and effort that way. William, this is a great question and something we as worship leaders need to wrestle with.

[@RollyPraise]

That let you know the person was no ready

[@derickdodson2465]

I don't believe Jesus spent his time with the best singers or "team leaders", he spent his time leading and helping the low, uplifted during trouble, healed the sick, and raised the dead. We're any of these worthy? What if He said, "well, if I restore your sight, you may look to other things"? What if you church is not worthy or doesn't measure up? Just a thought. All should make a joyful noise until the Lord, not only those that man grants permission to.

[@sewing1243]

How do you deal with potential Technical Ministry volunteers?

[@practicalworship]

Our tech ministry is led by a different staff member, so I don't have as much experience there. But I think the same principle applies. In ministry, we have a hard time saying "no," because we don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. But sometimes it's the best call in the long run, and there's a gracious way to say "no." Or at least maybe rearrange people in the seats of the bus. If you can't run a camera, maybe you can run ProPresenter.

[@justincase4925]

Aim them to audition to the comedy club