“Distractions in Disguise: What Worship Leaders Battle Behind the Platform”
Not all distractions are loud. Some show up quietly in the form of late arrivals, disengaged tech teams, or musicians who leave after the music ends. Here are some of those unseen distractions.
If you've led worship for more than a month, you've probably experienced it: a moment during worship where something—or someone—pulls your heart and head out of focus. You’re trying to lead people into the presence of God, but instead you’re mentally unraveling the comment someone made, the absence of a team member, or the chaos happening in the tech booth. It’s real. It’s distracting. And it's more common than most people realize.
Here are a few distractions that can weigh down the heart of a worship leader:
1. The Complainer in the Countdown
The service hasn’t even started. You’re watching the five-minute countdown tick down, running lyrics in your head, and trying to focus your heart on leading. And that’s when it happens—a church member makes a beeline to you with a complaint about the volume, the song choice, or how cold the sanctuary feels.
Why it’s distracting: It throws your spirit into defense mode before you’ve sung a note.
2. The Choir or Orchestra Member Who Opts Out on Sunday
They come to rehearsals, they learn the music, and they’re technically “on the team.” But come Sunday morning, they’re seated in the congregation—choosing not to participate on the platform. Whether it’s discomfort, preference, or something else, the absence is felt.
Why it’s distracting: It sends a mixed message to the rest of the team—and to the congregation. You wonder why they’d prepare all week only to sit out when it’s time to lead. It quietly undermines the sense of shared mission and commitment you’re trying to cultivate.
3. Aloof A/V Teams
Don’t get me wrong—I love our tech teams. They are the unsung heroes of the worship experience. But when they’re not cued into what’s happening on the platform, when communication breaks down, or when there's no eye contact or responsiveness, it can leave a worship leader feeling isolated and vulnerable.
Why it’s distracting: You’re giving your all, and the team that controls what the congregation hears seems disconnected.
4. Chronic Tardiness and Lack of Communication
Worship ministry thrives on teamwork. When team members fail to communicate, arrive late, or come unprepared, it sends the message that their role is optional—not sacred.
Why it’s distracting: Instead of focusing on worship, you’re managing logistics and frustration in real time.
5. The Music-Only Members
Let’s talk about the folks who sing or play their part, then slip out after the last chord. They may have valid reasons—but the pattern sends a message that worship is something they do, not someone they are.
Why it’s distracting: It disconnects the music from the message, and fractures the unity of worship as a whole.
So What Do We Do?
We remember why we’re here.
We can’t control every person, every attitude, or every distraction. But we can cultivate our own heart. We can disciple our teams with grace. And we can lead with eyes fixed on Jesus—even when everything around us feels out of sync.
Worship leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. And staying present, even when distractions whisper, is an act of faith.
A Personal Note
I’ll never forget a Sunday years ago when everything seemed to go sideways. One of our tech volunteers overslept, a band member called out at the last minute, and just before the countdown ended, someone approached me to vent about how loud the drums were the week before.
I smiled, listened, and nodded—but inside, I was unraveling. I stood on the platform that morning feeling anything but ready to lead worship. But then I looked out and saw a young girl in the front row, hands lifted, eyes closed, completely unaware of all the chaos I had just experienced.
It was a reminder: I’m not here to lead a perfect service. I’m here to point people to Jesus.
Distractions will come. But the presence of God is always greater. And the privilege of leading people into worship will always be worth the effort.