Why I like being on stage. And why you should too!

There are a handful of tools we use as worship leaders. Some we use on purpose, like instruments, but others we don’t think about as much. Today, I want to talk about a tool in the latter category: the stage.

Depending on your setting, you may or may not have a literal stage. At my current church I lead on an actual elevated platform. But at my last church I led in a movie theater, so it was actually the congregation who was elevated. So, let me be clear – the stage is anywhere that puts you in front of people to lead. 

Here’s why the stage is great tool: It allows people to see you! It’s as simple as that. And really, the stage doesn’t just allow it; it kind of ensures it. It places you in the spotlight. That’s a great thing for a leader! It’s much easier to lead when you’re seen. 

Before the launch of the church plant I currently serve in, I visited a number of churches. In one church I went to I was a little caught off guard when worship began because I didn’t know where the music was coming from. I could tell it was live and the leader told us to stand up and all of that, but he was nowhere to be seen. After some looking around and probably distracting the folks around me, I realized the worship team was on the floor in the corner, beside the stage. Not on it, just kind of near it.

Now don’t get me wrong. I love their intent, which was to make sure worship is about God and not about a worship leader. I’m all for that. But I’m not sure that’s the most effective way to go about it. You miss out on a lot of opportunity to lead when you’re not in front of people. 

The stage allows you to demonstrate what worship looks like. As worshipers ourselves, sometimes we forget that there are people walking in that don’t know how to worship! The stage allows us to model worship for our congregations. (I talk more about modeling worship in THIS POST)

The stage allows you to see the congregation. Seeing the congregation will help you lead them well. From the stage you can see what people are doing, how they’re engaging, reacting, and connecting to songs being sung and words being spoken. (Find out more about what to look for HERE!)

The stage isn’t there to showcase your talent. Not at all. The stage is there to help you lead. Be intentional with how you use it! Stepping onto a stage should be a reminder that you are modeling worship and leading people.