Leading Worship at Journey

Why It’s Not Just About Singing a Song

At Journey Church, leading worship is about spiritual leadership, not just vocal ability.

We are a team committed to making Jesus accessible to anyone, and that starts with those who represent Him on the platform. Our leaders don’t just sing songs—they carry the culture of this house and lead with integrity.

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” – John Maxwell

The Weight of the Platform

Leading a song on Sunday isn’t a right—it’s a responsibility.

At Journey, platform ministry is defined as any public role of spiritual influence, including worship, teaching, hosting, or prayer. Because it’s a high-trust role, it comes with high expectations. This isn’t about exclusivity—it’s about stewardship.

“To whom much is given, much is required.” – Luke 12:48

So how do we determine who is ready?

Leading Worship at Journey

The Readiness Checklist

Before considering leading a song, we ask ourselves:

  • Are you active in developing your vocal skills at prayer services and have invited a coordinator to walk alongside you to give you feedback according to our Vocal Lead Skill Rubric?

  • Are you connected in a small group?

  • Are you faithful in tithing?

  • Are you living a life consistent with our Honor Code?

  • Do you show up prepared and on time every time?

  • Do you fully meet the expectations in our Leadership Profile?

  • Have you completed the worship lead application?

If not, this doesn’t mean you’re disqualified. It means there’s room to grow and close the gap—and we’re here to walk with you through that growth.

Let’s be clear:

No Seniority in Song Leadership

Tenure ≠ Leadership Opportunity.

Just because you’ve been on the team longer doesn’t mean you’re entitled to lead a song.

We love and honor everyone who serves—but opportunity is based on readiness, not seniority. That includes spiritual maturity, vocal development, and heart posture.

Biggest red flag?

If you’re comparing who got the opportunity with who didn’t—you most likely are not ready.

“Comparison is the thief of joy and the enemy of growth.”
“When you compete with others, you become bitter. When you compete with yourself, you become better.” – John Maxwell

Instead of comparison, we’re looking for:

  • Humility to celebrate others

  • Faithfulness when unseen

  • Hunger to grow, not gripe

The 6 Leadership Traits We Look For

1. Jesus-Centered

You focus on Jesus—not drama, not preference, not performance.

Why it builds trust: People can follow you confidently when it’s clear you’re following Jesus.

Looks like:

  • Consistent prayer & Bible reading

  • Passionate worship offstage

  • Lifestyle of evangelism & holiness

2. Teachable

You embrace coaching and correction with humility.

Why it builds trust: Teachability is the fast-track to growth. Defensiveness is a dead end.

Looks like:

  • Asking for feedback

  • Listening to vocal direction

  • Owning areas of growth

3. Extreme Ownership

You take responsibility for preparation, presence, and results—no excuses.

Why it builds trust: Leaders who own their role lift the whole team.

Looks like:

  • Showing up early

  • Learning your parts

  • Owning your misses with maturity

4. Honor Up, Down, and All Around

You speak life to and about leaders, teammates, and the people you lead.

Why it builds trust: Honor preserves unity. Gossip destroys it.

Looks like:

  • Resolving conflict directly

  • Supporting leadership decisions publicly

  • Speaking life, not murmuring

5. Heart for the House

You love Journey Church—and you show it.

Why it builds trust: A heart for the house leads from passion, not platform-chasing.

Looks like:

  • Attending midweek events

  • Leading or joining a small group

  • Tithing faithfully

  • Protecting our values in conversations and conduct

6. Trustworthy

You live with integrity—online and offline.

Why it builds trust: Your private life and public platform are aligned. No surprises.

Looks like:

  • Emotional and spiritual maturity

  • Personal holiness and discipline

  • Appropriate, Christ-honoring social media presence

That’s okay. We’re not here to disqualify you. We’re here to develop you.

Here’s how to move forward:

  1. Talk to a team leader about where you’d like to grow

  2. Join a small group and stay connected in community

  3. Serve consistently and with joy

  4. Fill out the Worship Lead Application and ask for feedback

  5. Focus on faithfulness

What If I'm Not There Yet?

Final Word: You Matter More Than Your Role.

You don’t have to lead a song to lead people to Jesus.

Your voice matters. Your heart matters more.

And when your character is stronger than your talent, the right opportunities will come.