Vision

• A good worship leader must be in agreement with the church's vision. The senior pastor, priest or church elders are typically responsible for defining the church's worship vision. This includes what sort of atmosphere they desire for the worship services and whom the church is hoping to attract. Church leaders must define the church's style and target audience and recruit a worship leader who matches that vision.
  
  

Culture

• A strong worship leader is able to discern and adapt to the church's culture. Depending upon its denominational or non-denominational background, a church will lean toward either a more liturgical style of worship or a more spontaneous style. In liturgical churches the worship modes are derived more directly from church traditions and established forms and rituals. Churches that value spontaneity often identify themselves as "Spirit-filled," "Pentecostal" or "Charismatic." Those churches will want to "flow in the Spirit," as they might say, and will desire a worship leader who is more "sensitive to the Spirit." A worship leader's style and manner need to fit the church culture or form a bridge over to a new culture the church elders may wish to cultivate.
  
  

Discernment

• Great worship leaders are able to discern the mood and response of the congregation as well as the Holy Spirit's leading. By observing the congregation's response to certain songs and styles, a worship leader can ensure his ministry connects with the people. By remaining prayerful and humble, he may sense the Holy Spirit's guidance to continue a song, move to another or call for a time of quiet reflection. These qualities will make his ministry more dynamic.
  
  

Selfless

• A great worship leader must be able to set aside his personal preferences in favor of the church's vision and the needs of the congregation and community. His personal music tastes may not connect with those to whom he ministers. As a result, he needs the maturity to serve and not to push his own preferences. He will view himself as a facilitator and not as a performer. He is called to lead the people to God, not to impress them with his talents.
  
  

Musical Abilities

• The good worship leader needs to be a better than average musician and vocalist. He will be responsible for directing other musicians and singers and will become the "lid" for the ministry. No one knows everything, but great leaders are able to work with those more talented. However, if his musical talent and ability are too elemental, gifted musicians and singers on the team will become frustrated by feeling boxed in.
  
  

Leadership

• A successful worship leader is not only a singer and musician but a director of people. He will coordinate practices and set policies for how music is selected. He will need the ability to deal with a variety of personality types. As noted, music and worship are two of the most personal elements of human experience, creating a variety of opinions and suggestions. He must be mature, self-confident, patient, able to direct others and to the set the tone for acceptable behavior. He must be mature enough to stand the heat that accompanies leading this type of ministry.