“Start Somewhere: 5 Steps to Becoming a Great Worship Leader”

Before you lead from a platform, lead with purpose. What I learned from surrendering my plans, serving under a great pastor, and discovering that leadership starts with love, not a title.

Want to Become a Great Leader? Start Here.

We all admire great leaders—the ones who lead with clarity, humility, and influence that leaves a legacy. But here’s the truth: great leadership doesn’t start with a title—it starts with intentional steps.

Whether you’re a worship pastor, a choir director, or someone just stepping into a volunteer role, you can grow into a great leader. Here’s how:

1. Lead Somewhere—Anywhere

You don’t become a great leader by reading leadership books alone. You have to lead.

Start where you are. Lead a vocal team, organize rehearsals, mentor a student musician. Don’t wait for a perfect position—get some reps. Leadership is developed in motion, not in theory.

I’ll never forget when I surrendered to God’s call on my life. I had plans to go into hospital administration—everything was lined up. But at the last minute, I knew God was leading me in a different direction. I said “yes” to a role as Music and Youth Minister under a wise and godly pastor. That decision changed everything.

It was there I learned what real leadership looked like. I didn’t have a big title, but I had a front-row seat to how ministry really works:

• I learned that volunteers respond to love, not pressure

• I learned that serving matters more than demanding

• And I learned that time is a volunteer’s most valuable resource, and we must treat it with care

Those early reps shaped me more than any classroom could.

2. Use the Right Resources

There’s no shortage of training available today. But not all resources are created equal.
Seek out tools, training, books, podcasts, and communities that strengthen your specific leadership context.

As a worship and music leader, you need resources that develop both your spiritual depth and musical excellence. Find those and dig deep.

3. Know What’s Driving You

Ask yourself: Why do I want to lead?

If it’s about recognition, influence, or impressing others—it won’t last. But if it’s to serve, grow, and glorify God, your leadership will have staying power.
Motivation matters. Don’t just do the right things—do them for the right reason.

4. Get Honest Feedback (and a Coach if You Can)

We all have blind spots. One of the fastest ways to grow is to invite feedback from someone you trust.

Better yet—get a coach. Someone who can help you see where you are, where you’re going, and how to get there with confidence and clarity.

5. Don’t Look for Big Breakthroughs—Look for Small Wins

Great leaders aren’t built in giant leaps—they’re built in incremental wins over time.

• Did your team gel better in rehearsal this week?

• Did you respond to criticism with grace instead of defensiveness?

• Did someone say, “Thank you, that helped me worship”?

Those are wins. Stack them. Celebrate them. Build from them.

Final Thought

You don’t become a great leader by accident—you become one by showing up, growing intentionally, and staying humble.

Wherever you’re starting from, you can grow.
Start leading. Use the right tools. Know your why. Get feedback. Look for small wins.
You’re on your way.

Want help growing as a leader? I’d love to walk with you. Let’s talk about coaching, resources, or your next step. Contact me HERE