DEVELOPE YOURSELF AS A SOLOIST

Lead singer or soloist

Hi, peace house!

What is the difference between a lead singer in church and a worship leader? If you want to be effective in worship ministry, you MUST be very clear about the difference between the two. Because they are two entirely different ways of doing things, many people get confused when they try to act like a lead singer but expect the results of a worship leader, and vice versa. The rules, practices and priority of one does not necessarily apply to the other.

On the surface, worship leaders and lead singers look the same. They stand in front of a group of people, they sing, often with the backing of a band of musicians, but the similarity ends here. The difference between a lead singer and a worship leader is this: a lead singer does what he or she does for the sake of the singing. A worship leader does everything for the sake of the worship experience of the people of God.

What are the specific differences between a lead singer and a worship leader?

1) How they choose songs.

A lead singer chooses songs largely based on what would suit his or her voice, personal preferences in music, and maybe what the congregation would like to hear. A worship leader chooses songs that would make it easy for the congregation to sing their praises to God. This means a good mix of songs familiar to the people, as well as consistently introducing new and appropriate worship songs, and at a pace comfortable for the congregation.

2) What key they pitch the songs in.

A lead singer would pitch the songs in keys that would best feature his or her voice. A worship leader will pitch the worship songs in keys that are comfortable for the congregation, so that they are not croaking uncomfortably or screeching painfully during most of the songs.

This is very important. The usual singing range of a congregation varies based on its size and whether the group is predominantly male or female. To lead worship effectively you MUST be aware of such factors and take them into account as you plan the worship set. And any lead singer who is unable to sing worship songs in keys that are appropriate for the congregation is unable to lead worship well, no matter how skilled or sincere this person is.

3) How they structure the songs.

A lead singer structures a song based on creating entertainment value, what would make the audience go "wow!" A worship leader arranges a song to create momentum and to allow the people of God to sing a song long enough to let the lyrics go from their heads to their hearts. When it comes to song structures, a worship leader will NOT try anything distracting, such as abrupt key changes in the middle of the song. The effective worship leader knows that such antics catch the congregation off-guard, distract them, and it will take time for them to refocus on singing their praises to God.

4) How they lead the congregation.

A lead singer is more interested in creating a smooth show. He or she will at best direct the musicians with hand signals; directing and leading the congregation is not a priority. A worship leader will direct the congregation as well as the musicians. He or she is not that concerned about whether the singing sounds like what people hear from the worship CDs or albums. The emphasis is on whether the people of God have been unified in their praises.

Conclusion:

There is nothing wrong with being either a lead singer or a worship leader. The Body of Christ has different kinds of service, but the same Lord (1 Cor 12:5). Problems and misunderstandings arise, however, when people mistake one for another, or think that a skilled lead singer will automatically know how to lead worship, or a worship leader has to be as technically competent as a lead singer in order to serve powerfully in worship ministry.

So whatever you do, do not try to perform both roles at the same time. That will guarantee you will be effective in neither! Be clear about what role is needed from you, what role you are able to perform, then fulfil that role to the best of your ability and to the glory of God!

Be blessed, peace house!

PEACE HOUSE MASS CHOIR
MD