Worship Team Handbook
Wow, what a privilege we have leading a congregation in the worship of our Great God! Thank you for sharing your time, creativity, knowledge, and gifts with the church week in and week out. As members of the worship team, we represent Christ and the church. We hope that this handbook will help you grow in your faith and your understanding of our purpose at Appleton Gospel. We are here to share good news! Every Worship Team member must read, sign (below), and abide by this document. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Christina Lawrence (920-404-5559 or christina@appletongospel.org).
Worship Team Purpose Statement:
To see the gospel of Jesus Christ transform people through creating a culture of passionate worship characterized by theologically rich songs, musical excellence, and genuine love for Jesus Christ, ultimately to the glory of God.
What Does the Bible Say About Worship?
Worship is the whole-life response to the glory of God (Psalm 96).
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:1-2, ESV)
This passage contains all the elements of true worship. First, there is the motivation to worship: âthe mercies of God.â Godâs mercies are everything He has given us that we donât deserve: eternal love, eternal grace, the Holy Spirit, everlasting peace, eternal joy, saving faith, comfort, strength, wisdom, hope, patience, kindness, honor, glory, righteousness, security, eternal life, forgiveness, reconciliation, justification, sanctification, freedom, intercession and much more. The knowledge and understanding of these incredible gifts motivate us to pour forth praise and thanksgivingâin other words, worship!
Also in the passage is a description of the manner of our worship: âpresent your bodies a living and holy sacrifice.â Presenting our bodies means giving to God all of ourselves. The reference to our bodies here means all our human faculties, all of our humannessâour hearts, minds, hands, thoughts, attitudesâare to be presented to God. In other words, we are to give up control of these things and turn them over to Him, just as a literal sacrifice was given totally to God on the altar. But how? Again, the passage is clear: âby the renewing of your mind.â We renew our minds daily by cleansing them of the worldâs âwisdomâ and replacing it with true wisdom that comes from God. We worship Him with our renewed and cleansed minds, not with our emotions.
There is only one way to renew our minds, and that is by the Word of God. It is the truth, the knowledge of the Word of God, which is to say the knowledge of the mercies of God, and weâre back where we began. To know the truth, to believe the truth, to hold convictions about the truth, and to love the truth will naturally result in true spiritual worship. It is conviction followed by affection, affection that is a response to truth, not to any external stimuli, including music. Music as such has nothing to do with worship. Music canât produce worship, although it certainly can produce emotion. Music is not the origin of worship, but it can be the expression of it. Do not look to music to induce your worship; look to music as simply an expression of that which is induced by a heart that is rapt by the mercies of God, obedient to His commands.
True worship is God-centered. People tend to get caught up in where they should worship, what music they should sing in worship, and how their worship looks to other people. Focusing on these things misses the point. Jesus tells us that true worshipers will worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). This means we worship from the heart and in the way God has designed. Worship can include praying, reading Godâs Word with an open heart, singing, participating in communion, and serving others. It is not limited to one act, but is done properly when the heart and attitude of the person are in the right place.
Itâs also important to know that worship is reserved only for God. Only He is worthy and not any of His servants (Revelation 19:10). We are not to worship saints, prophets, statues, angels, any false gods, or Mary, the mother of Jesus. We also should not be worshiping for the expectation of something in return, such as a miraculous healing. Worship is done for Godâbecause He deserves itâand for His pleasure alone. Worship can be public praise to God (Psalm 22:22; 35:18) in a congregational setting, where we can proclaim through prayer and praise our adoration and thankfulness to Him and what He has done for us. True worship is felt inwardly and then is expressed through our actions. "Worshiping" out of obligation is displeasing to God and is completely in vain. He can see through all the hypocrisy, and He hates it. He demonstrates this in Amos 5:21-24 as He talks about coming judgment. Another example is the story of Cain and Abel, the first sons of Adam and Eve. They both brought gift offerings to the Lord, but God was only pleased with Abelâs. Cain brought the gift out of obligation; Abel brought his finest lambs from his flock. He brought out of faith and admiration for God.
True worship is not confined to what we do in church or open praise (although these things are both good, and we are told in the Bible to do them). True worship is the acknowledgment of God and all His power and glory in everything we do. The highest form of praise and worship is obedience to Him and His Word. To do this, we must know God; we cannot be ignorant of Him (Acts 17:23). Worship is to glorify and exalt Godâto show our loyalty and admiration to our Father.
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:1-2, ESV)
This passage contains all the elements of true worship. First, there is the motivation to worship: âthe mercies of God.â Godâs mercies are everything He has given us that we donât deserve: eternal love, eternal grace, the Holy Spirit, everlasting peace, eternal joy, saving faith, comfort, strength, wisdom, hope, patience, kindness, honor, glory, righteousness, security, eternal life, forgiveness, reconciliation, justification, sanctification, freedom, intercession and much more. The knowledge and understanding of these incredible gifts motivate us to pour forth praise and thanksgivingâin other words, worship!
Also in the passage is a description of the manner of our worship: âpresent your bodies a living and holy sacrifice.â Presenting our bodies means giving to God all of ourselves. The reference to our bodies here means all our human faculties, all of our humannessâour hearts, minds, hands, thoughts, attitudesâare to be presented to God. In other words, we are to give up control of these things and turn them over to Him, just as a literal sacrifice was given totally to God on the altar. But how? Again, the passage is clear: âby the renewing of your mind.â We renew our minds daily by cleansing them of the worldâs âwisdomâ and replacing it with true wisdom that comes from God. We worship Him with our renewed and cleansed minds, not with our emotions.
There is only one way to renew our minds, and that is by the Word of God. It is the truth, the knowledge of the Word of God, which is to say the knowledge of the mercies of God, and weâre back where we began. To know the truth, to believe the truth, to hold convictions about the truth, and to love the truth will naturally result in true spiritual worship. It is conviction followed by affection, affection that is a response to truth, not to any external stimuli, including music. Music as such has nothing to do with worship. Music canât produce worship, although it certainly can produce emotion. Music is not the origin of worship, but it can be the expression of it. Do not look to music to induce your worship; look to music as simply an expression of that which is induced by a heart that is rapt by the mercies of God, obedient to His commands.
True worship is God-centered. People tend to get caught up in where they should worship, what music they should sing in worship, and how their worship looks to other people. Focusing on these things misses the point. Jesus tells us that true worshipers will worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). This means we worship from the heart and in the way God has designed. Worship can include praying, reading Godâs Word with an open heart, singing, participating in communion, and serving others. It is not limited to one act, but is done properly when the heart and attitude of the person are in the right place.
Itâs also important to know that worship is reserved only for God. Only He is worthy and not any of His servants (Revelation 19:10). We are not to worship saints, prophets, statues, angels, any false gods, or Mary, the mother of Jesus. We also should not be worshiping for the expectation of something in return, such as a miraculous healing. Worship is done for Godâbecause He deserves itâand for His pleasure alone. Worship can be public praise to God (Psalm 22:22; 35:18) in a congregational setting, where we can proclaim through prayer and praise our adoration and thankfulness to Him and what He has done for us. True worship is felt inwardly and then is expressed through our actions. "Worshiping" out of obligation is displeasing to God and is completely in vain. He can see through all the hypocrisy, and He hates it. He demonstrates this in Amos 5:21-24 as He talks about coming judgment. Another example is the story of Cain and Abel, the first sons of Adam and Eve. They both brought gift offerings to the Lord, but God was only pleased with Abelâs. Cain brought the gift out of obligation; Abel brought his finest lambs from his flock. He brought out of faith and admiration for God.
True worship is not confined to what we do in church or open praise (although these things are both good, and we are told in the Bible to do them). True worship is the acknowledgment of God and all His power and glory in everything we do. The highest form of praise and worship is obedience to Him and His Word. To do this, we must know God; we cannot be ignorant of Him (Acts 17:23). Worship is to glorify and exalt Godâto show our loyalty and admiration to our Father.
Team Member Expectations:
- Growing relationship with Christ: The Appleton Gospel Church Worship Ministry expects that its volunteers actively pursue a growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ through reading Scripture, regularly attending AGC (when youâre not scheduled), and guiding our thoughts and actions to reflect that of Jesus Christ.
- Glorify God with your gifts: The Appleton Gospel Church Worship Ministry expects that its volunteers seek to glorify God through their attitudes and actions while being good stewards of their God-given gifts. We do not participate in the worship ministry for personal praise or acknowledgement; rather we, in humility, desire to help facilitate joyful, God-centered worship.
- Be a team player: The Appleton Gospel Church Worship Ministry expects that its volunteers strive to be team players. This requires all volunteers to communicate effectively with leadership and with each other (through email. phone calls, text messages, Church Center, and Planning Center Online), come prepared and be punctual for rehearsals, and be supportive of the decisions and direction of the worship ministry.
Time Commitment:
For musicians, rehearsals are from 7pm-8pm Thursday nights. Be prepared to begin rehearsal promptly at 7pm.
For musicians and tech, meet from 8am-8:30am Sunday mornings to do a run-through and sound check. The same team serves both the 9:00 and 10:30 services.
For musicians and tech, meet from 8am-8:30am Sunday mornings to do a run-through and sound check. The same team serves both the 9:00 and 10:30 services.
Audition:
Musicians should attend 1 rehearsal and have an audition with Christina involving playing/singing 1 song they already know and sight reading/singing a new-to-them chart from our set list.
Worship tech team members should have one tech training and shadow one of our sound/ProPresenter/livestream people one weekend for both services.
Individual Expectations: Vocalist, Drummer, Guitars, Piano/Keyboard, Audio, Visual
Below you will find all of the available serving opportunities for Appleton Gospelâs Worship Team. If you are unsure about any of the listed skills, ask us about the training available to help you hone your skills!
Vocalist:
Worship tech team members should have one tech training and shadow one of our sound/ProPresenter/livestream people one weekend for both services.
Individual Expectations: Vocalist, Drummer, Guitars, Piano/Keyboard, Audio, Visual
Below you will find all of the available serving opportunities for Appleton Gospelâs Worship Team. If you are unsure about any of the listed skills, ask us about the training available to help you hone your skills!
Vocalist:
- Ability to sing on pitch
- Ability to listen to and blend with other vocalists
- Willingness to learn harmonies
- Ability to help congregation engage by using genuine and appropriate stage presence
- Ability to keep good time
- Practice and prepare the songs for the week you sing (melodies and harmonies)
- Practice and refine parts after rehearsal in preparation for service
- If leading songs, you must be an active church member in good standing
Drummer:
- Ability to count off the band
- Ability to play in a variety of time signatures
- Ability to play a variety of beats
- Ability to keep good time
- Practice and prepare the songs for the week you play
- Practice and refine parts after rehearsal in preparation for service
- Have a working knowledge of basic music theory: keys, scales, chords, rhythms, etc.
Guitar (Acoustic, Electric, Bass):
- Ability to keep good time
- Ability to play well and in time with the drummer
- Ability to drive the song with excellent rhythm playing when needed
- Ability to add color and texture when needed
- Ability to learn lead parts and start songs (electric)
- Practice and prepare the songs for the week you play
- Practice and refine parts after rehearsal in preparation for service
- Have a working knowledge of basic music theory: keys, scales, chords, rhythms, etc.
- Read a chord chart in any key and be able to play it back
Piano:
- Ability to keep good time
- Ability to drive the song or add color and texture
- Ability to learn lead parts and start songs
- Willingness to learn to operate the keyboard(s) provided by Appleton Gospel Church
- Practice and prepare the songs for the week you play
- Practice and refine parts after rehearsal in preparation for service
- Have a working knowledge of basic music theory: keys, scales, chords, rhythms, etc.
- Read a chord chart and be able to play it back
Audio:
- Ability to respond and communicate to the worship team
- Have a working knowledge of how to operate and troubleshoot all soundboards and sound systems within the ministry: batteries, microphones, monitors, cables, etc.
- Ability to hear and mix sound well: EQ, compression, effects, reverb, delay, etc.
- Ability to promptly move between service elements
- Be prepared and engaged in the service flow: pre-service music, worship team, announcements, sermon, communion or prayer music, etc.
- Attend tech roundtable every 6 months
Livestream:
- Working knowledge of our livestream equipment: cameras, switcher, and sound equipment
- Ability to mix livestream sound and switch cameras at the same time
- Ability to hear and mix sound well: EQ, compression, effects, reverb, delay, etc.
- Ability to promptly move between service elements
- Be prepared and engaged in the service flow: pre-service music, worship team, announcements, sermon, communion or prayer music, etc.
- Attend tech roundtable every 6 months
ProPresenter:
- Have a working knowledge of ProPresenter
- Ability to stay focused and click to next slide on time
- Ability to promptly move between service elements
- Be prepared and engaged in the service flow: pre-service music, worship team, announcements, sermon, communion or prayer music, etc.
- Attend tech roundtable every 6 months