The WORST Part of the Audition Process: Saying No

How do you say no to someone who has auditioned for your team? That’s the question I’m asked most often when discussing auditions. It’s by far the worst part of the audition process. It’s probably the worst part of the worship leader’s job. It’s also why so many leaders still have no audition process: They’re afraid of hurting someone’s feelings. They’re afraid of the conflict. Believe me, I get it. It can feel like crushing dreams. No one wants to do that. 

 So how do you do it?

I start by letting people know early on that no is a possibility.

 When I first discuss an audition with a musician I explain WHY our team holds auditions and what we’re looking for. Because there are specific things we’re looking for, I have to say no to those who don’t have those traits. People usually understand that. 

 The traits we look for come out of Psalm 78:72,“and David shepherded them with integrity of heart. With skillful hands he led them.”

 Did you catch those traits? – integrity of heart, or character. And skillful hands, or competency. Both character and competency are essential to leadership. The audition process allows us to look for both! 

 By starting off this way, I give the musician clarity on 1) what is expected and 2) what the possible outcomes are. 

Knowing it’s a possibility is one thing, how about when they actually don’t make it? 

 When someone doesn’t make the team, I always want to encourage both their musical and ministerial endeavors. Here’s how:

1. I start by thanking them

I always thank musicians for stepping out of their comfort zone, for their desire to serve the church, and for taking the time to go through the audition process. I truly appreciate the people that step up to serve, whether they make the team or not. I want them to know that I recognize how difficult it can be. 

2. I tell them what to work on

 After thanking them, I give three or four things to work on. Essentially, I’m telling them why they didn’t make the team. For a musician it may be that she couldn’t play to a click track. For a vocalist, it may be that he couldn’t sing harmonies. Whatever it is, I tell them. 

3. I invite them to audition again

Once I’ve thanked the musician and given advice on what to work on, I ALWAYS invite them audition again. Often, I’ll give them a time period of 3 or 6 months and tell them if they work on the items I listed until then, they will likely make it. 

How should I have that conversation? In person? By phone? Email?

I’ve used all three methods and I think they’re all fine. Whatever you decide though, I would communicate it early on. “This is how you can expect to hear from me…” I’ve typically used email, simply because it’s easiest for me. 

Your wording might look something like this

***this was an email sent to a vocalist who struggled with confidence in her ability, couldn’t sing harmonies, and had little stage presence. 

 Dear Vocalist, 

I want to thank you again for your interest in joining the worship team!  I appreciate you coming out to auditions and sharing your heart for worship. 

Unfortunately, at this time, I don’t feel that you are ready for the stage. I do; however, want to encourage you to keep growing in your skill as a vocalist and as a leader. 

We will hold auditions again roughly 3 months from now. If you work at it until then, you may be ready. Please do not let this detour you from trying again! If God is calling you into worship leadership, we want you to lead! Your job in response to God’s call is to hone your craft. 

The Psalms say that David led with skill of hand AND integrity of heart (Psalm 78:72). My job is to ensure that you are able to efficiently lead in both. Let this be an encouragement to keep growing in both areas! 

What to work on for next time:

-Confidence – Confidence is key. If you are not confident in your skill or call, you will not be able to lead well. Believe in yourself! 

-Stage Presence – Much of leading worship is modeling how to worship. In our role it’s important to be comfortable on stage in order to model this well!

-Harmony – Strong harmonies are important to this role on the team! Keep practicing them as much as you can! 

You have the ability! If you continue to hone your skill you will be on the team in no time! 

Please let me know if you have any questions! Thank you so much for your time!

Saying no is never easy, but hopefully this will help! Feel free to use the above email as a template!