City On A Hill

Last week I was sent a question from a friend who goes to Sojourn Church, it went like this: How have you experienced burnout as a worship leader? What did you do about it?

Here are some of my thoughts:

It seems like the phrase “burnout” and worship leader go hand in hand. As a worship leader and an observer of worship leaders, I have watched and partaken in the cycle of “burnout” take place in churches and ministries that range in size from groups of 10 to as many as 14,000.

If I don’t over-spiritualize the responsibilities of a worship leader – yes, I had my “quiet-time” - the task at hand has many contributing components that lead to physical, emotional and spiritual fatigue. Here is a list of what I believe are common struggles among most worship leaders that attribute to this specific type of tiredness: Insecurities of skill level; fear; stated and unstated expectations; pressure; good and bad music/worship sets; demands from your boss; demands from your family; the constant fight and drive for creativity and perfection; scheduling musicians; rehearsals; the actual performance; teams of personalities; the use of old and new songs; the right amount of repetition for old and new songs; unending comments and criticism of styles and genre preferences; music for funerals, weddings, staff devotions and every other church function; the relentless routine of mid-week and weekend services and since being a worship leader isn’t a “real” job, constantly justifying what we do for a living. I hope the list does not sound like complaints and immature whining. Rather, I hope the list provides a realistic glimpse at what it means to be a worship leader. The wild turnings of these struggles and triumphs will quickly wear down both the inner and outer man unless boundaries and clear communication with your superiors are set and understood.

I have found what produces longevity and lasting vitality in a worship leader is having a superior who can empathize with the rigorous demands of leading worship. A senior leader who understands this particular susceptibility can help protect the worship leaders physical, emotional, creative and spiritual well-being by supplying a number of safe guards. Here are few items that have been helpful past and present:

1. Having multiple worship leaders who share and rotate leading responsibility
2. Opportunities to step away from the stage and participate in the seats
3. The freedom to play at other churches/events
4. The all-important vacation.
5. One day out of the week devoted to prayer, reading and meditation

This proactive approach will substantially decrease the chances of burning-out.

This is a very short and incomplete answer to a great question. I must add, as many times that I have experienced the weariness and lethargy of leading worship; I have also experienced the faithful restoration of God. I have experienced His grace and strength through my humanity and weakness.