Worship Ministry
Worship Director
Urban Hope Church
Worship Director Expectations & Responsibilities
The Worship Leader role is a high calling and responsibility. This leader sets the tone for our worship ministry, both spiritually and practically. Below is a comprehensive guide for what is expected in leading, preparing, and stewarding the worship team and ministry.
I. Preparation & Growth
• Personal Preparation
• Practice and rehearse songs before scheduled team rehearsals.
• Invest in learning basic music theory to grow as a musician and leader.
• Develop skill in using a click track/metronome and plan to implement it in the future.
• Maintain consistent growth
• Song Selection & Set Planning
• Introduce one-two new songs every three months.
• First song should always be energetic.
• Plan & practice transitions carefully between songs, stage movements, and screen changes.
• Ensure singers know their keys, cues and parts for each song before practice.
• Scheduling & Communication
• Use Planning Center (& staff app) for scheduling and distributing set lists.
• Personally check with scheduled team members to ensure availability.
• Onboard and integrate new team members with a clear plan and give the new team members an assigned mentor or coach.
II. Leading Practices & Services
• Running Practices
• Start on a positive and encouraging note.
• Be professional: dress sharp, look sharp, and act sharp.
• Be organized, start and end on time.
• Communicate clearly with the team.
• Know all songs, parts of each team member and arrangements fully before leading rehearsal.
• Keep practicing a song if it needs work; don’t just move on if there is improvement to be had
• Team Culture
• Shut down negativity or criticism quickly—create a culture of encouragement.
• Maintain an atmosphere of joy, passion, and unity.
• Be the hardest worker in the room: on time, prepared, full of energy.
• Model excellence in attitude, body language, and effort.
• During Services
• Lead with strong crowd engagement.
• Learn to confidently give the Call to Worship (opening and post-fellowship).
• Always bring energy, passion, and focus.
• Honor altar moments—never rush or cut off the pastor.
• Lead smooth transitions between songs, speakers, and elements.
• Ensure worship spaces (stage and worship room) are cleaned and left spotless after services & practices!
III. Ongoing Responsibilities
• Team Development
• Provide consistent communication through staff apps and group channels.
• Regularly check in with team members for encouragement and accountability.
• Use and maintain the system we have for onboarding and developing new team members.
• Always be recruiting, building and adding to the team
• Be attentive to newcomers and those wanting to join the team ; stick to onboarding structure provided by Urban Hope Policy
• Train other coaches to help onboard new team members
• Be sure new team members are up to speed on Planning Center, Music Stand, Monitor system, Worship Online, Song Select, etc
• Encourage the team to engage on Sunday morning with notetaking, bringing Bibles and engaging in a service
• Encourage team members to engage in other ministries throughout the week such as uGroups, YA, Men’s, Women’s, etc.
• Song Leaders & Roles
• Continue building depth in the team while recognizing strengths and limitations.
• Lead and carry any worship need within the church; develop teams to eventually lead other ministry worship needs
IV. Worship Leader Attributes
A worship leader must embody and model these core attributes:
• Drive & Energy – bring passion and excitement every time.
• Punctuality – always on time and ready.
• Work Ethic – go the extra mile, put in the effort.
• Preparation – never show up unprepared.
• Attitude – stay positive, joyful, and coachable.
• Excellence – look sharp, lead sharp, act sharp. Hold the culture at all times
• Servanthood – always willing to do the extra, clean up, and help others.
• Leadership – set the culture, carry the room, and model what it means to worship Jesus with all your heart.