How can I get our worship team to grow in number (especially when the basic musical instruments are taken)? 

(Guillermo Ares – Washington University, MO)

SOLUTION
First try and figure out who you need on the team.  Are you looking for more sopranos so that you can have a fuller choir?  Are you looking for a lead vocalist because singing isn’t really your thing?  Are you searching for a new worship leader to help lighten your load?  Once you’ve figured out what you really need then it is much easier to invite people on to the team because you know what you are looking for.  I suggest that you create some sort of audition in order to both weed out people who aren’t serious about committing to your team and to get gifted people to actually show up to help.  Make an announcement at one of your services and provide a handout that has on it the time and place of auditions.

It’s okay to have multiple bass, guitar, drum etc… instrument parts on your team; in fact it is often healthy to do so.  This is because you can give some people on your team a break once in a while and have a backup in case someone falls ill.  Additionally, multiple lead vocals, bass, etc…  can be helpful for a team as it allows you the opportunity as a leader to minister to your teammates when they may struggle with envy, intimidation etc… by simply being on the same team as another person who is gifted similarly to them. 

Above all remember to pray.  Pray that God would lead you to the right people for your team and pray for wisdom and discernment over who to have on your team.  Knowing who to invite and who not to invite onto your team is one of the most important factors in the long term future sucess of your ministry.  1 Chronicles 25 illustrates this as we see that David, King of all Israel, personally saw to the assembly of one of the first worship teams in the Bible - ensuring that "all of them [were] trained and skilled in music for the Lord."

A few very practical tips:

1. Don't be afraid to work with those that are more skilled or experienced than you
2. Be gentle and encouraging with your team but DO be honest; let people know what you need as leader
3. Always be on the look out for those who can do your job - shower them with encouragement, guidence and opportunities (in that order)

Answer provided by Jon Wang
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