I love that my kids are multi-instrumentalists. Most mornings, we have family worship from 7:30 to 8:00. We take turns choosing the songs and rotate on the instruments from piano, bass, drums, acoustic or electric guitar, violin, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, percussion, and of course, voice.

I was reviewing a worship video recording for a local church. I was struck by the singular thing they could do to improve their music quickly and increase congregational engagement exponentially.

Every week, our team sets about the task of creating music to worship with. We create spaces where our congregation can meet with God. And we do it primarily through the tool of music.

Do you struggle to learn new songs? Before you say you don’t, let me clarify what I mean.

But what if no one is ministering to the Lord?

When we start something, we’re never amazing at it. This Fertilizer is dedicated to worship leaders, teams, and techs in their first five years of serving.

Next week, I fly to Columbus, Ohio, to encourage a worship and creative team. I’ll be rehearsing them and leading the Sunday services as part of the training weekend. In preparation, I’m sending them notes on one of the songs we’ll lead.

I was speaking with a church that has been without a staff worship leader for nearly a year.

I love Costa Rican “dichos” - idioms or sayings that get thrown into almost every conversation.

Do you love rehearsals as much as I do? I admit sometimes they are more fun than the actual service.

I’m working with a worship team that has been trained well.

My dear friend, George Yellak, allowed me to eavesdrop on a conversation with one of his team members.

I remember asking my Dad, “Do I have to?” when asked to clean my room or do my homework.

How many times have you heard, “It’s just rehearsal. They can miss or be late…”?

It’s always good to give 100%. Unless you’re donating blood. (groan)

I was rehearsing the team and we were deciding how to arrange a song.

Today, we highlight the strengths each Fader brings to preparing for great rehearsals.

What is it like to be at one of your rehearsals?

“Well, I’m standing up here, so I’d better be playing something.”

The worship leader put a message out to the team. It said: