Average Tenure of a WL

[twc_admin]

Hey Everybody -

I saw this question posted on another email-based worship discussion a couple of days and thought it would be great to ask here. The question comes from Greg Jones of gregjonesmusic.com. I asked Greg if we could "copy" his question here for discussion, so here we go ... let's here from you, TWC:

I'm curious as to what the "average lifespan" of a contemporary worship
leading position might be.

It seems from my casual observations that churches don't seem to keep
your average contemporary worship leader more than 2-5 years.

Is this impression correct and if so why?

We have one of the most controversial ministries within the church so I
wonder how much attrition has to do with worship ministries being
attacked, or worship leaders failing to react accordingly.

And how does the average lifespan of a worship leader compare to those
of senior, associate, or youth pastors?

Greg

[russhutto]

I would be curious to know what the "average" worship leader position looks like.

In my case, I was double duty. Worship Leader/Youth Pastor. Talk about burnout. I loved both areas but overall I was overworked, underpaid, and underappreciated.

Also, I think most of the worship leaders that I know are also some sort of "Media" director as well. Meaning, that they coordinator more than just the music part of the service. They may also be in charge of several areas in the creative arena.

That's where I'm at now. Media/Music Coordinator. I take care of everything print, web, marketing, first impressions, AND leading worship.

How "average" is that scenario for you all?

This situation is better than my previous double duty, because it all falls in the same category: Creative Arts. If I could title myself I'd be the Creative Art Coordinator. Occasionally, when people ask, I tell them I'm the media and music coordinator.

In fact, I rarely "lead" the entire music time anyways. I plan it, rehearse it, and "direct" it live. That may or may not include me ever singing a note.

[stephen_can_man]

I think most worship leaders are under pressure that most can't understand. It is difficult to please people in such a potentially divisive position. Music can split and unite people all in the same week! I also think that people don't understand the amount of work that goes into it all, and consequently most worship leaders are not compensated well. I can't tell you how many times people say,"You get paid to play music?" If they only knew what it takes to do most of what we do.

The other side is that when a worship leader is appreciated and loved, it can quickly go to their head. Pride makes people do stupid things. It is just a sticky job many times.

[worshiptrench]

The reason NorthWood has been able to do what it has globally (25 most innovative churches lists, etc. etc. ad nauseum..pointless human awards) is largely tied to God's activity (of course) and the staff longevity. Founding pastor 21 years, discipleship pastor 17 years (btw he is only 39), Worship and Communications 10 years, Assimilation pastor 10 years. youth pastor 7 years, etc. etc.

Bobb Biehl once told us it takes 30 years of heading in the same direction to really make an impact (hmmm. funny correlation to Jesus' life huh?). It used to be the politicians who moved and the pastors who staid. Now the politicians stay and the pastors move. SHAME on us.

[twc_admin]

Dude, that's quite a testimony to your church and it's leadership.

[tlhartsfield]

Is it possible that worship leaders lose focus and think that a new ministry setting will fix it?

Or, since most church musicians are either part-time or volunteer, it's simply too much to sustain for a long period of time. I know that I've experienced this.

[twc_admin]

I think part of this depends on the size of the church, too. In larger churches, it's not at all uncommon for a worship leader to get enough exposure that after a couple of years, they've made a "name for themselves" and go out with their band on tour, make records, etc.

Not saying that's necessarily good or bad - but it definitely happens in the larger churches.

[Joe Ritter]

This is just a personal view/comment of my own experience.

When the group/church has an opportunity to re-invent itself the role lasts longer (10 yrs. for me) but looking back I can see the crossover point and it was dead on the 6 year mark. And I believe that the first year was a lot of testing and learning for me and the church. This was followed by five solid years, not without trials but with no thoughts of stopping.

But then, I remember wanting to walk away four years ago and a huge change took place within the group and the church at that time. And I believe that I made a conscious choice to start again so perhaps that's the reason for the additional 4 years. I recently stepped away from that role.

I helped out with two other churches during the last 10 yrs. One I dropped after 1½ years due to a change of direction from the leadership. The other is 3 years and is the one that I'm still continuing.

But, I wonder if the lifespan isn't just God accomplishing a task and then us finally "catching on" that the task is done...

And, I wouldn't be surprised, if most of us "Worship Leaders" are actually being used by God in another way. And the WL role is just his way of getting the work done. Personally, I'm going to just continue...

[SaintLewis]

I know that Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, Paul Baloche, Matt Redman, and Tim Hughes (those links are well worth following) are all currently serving as worship leaders/pastors at various churches, on top of being 'touring recording artists'. I wonder how long each have served at their individual churches. I'm pretty sure Crowder's helped plant his - originally as the youth or college worship leader, and now the main Sunday A.M. guy - since his first demo was released. Tomlin has at least been part of his church since '02, probably earlier. Anyway, I like the fact that these men are all still serving at local congregations.

[Carol123]

I've been a worship leader in my church for 14 years. I am now the worship Pastor, for 2 years. I have two teams under me. I have outlasted 3 Pastors and a few worship leaders. I am also the only founding member left!

I have never been challanged with my style or leadership. I know the calling God has on this church, so although I've wanted to leave a couple of times, I think of the calling.

Not to brag, but I've been prophetically told that it was the worship that held this church together in the rough times. We now have a great Pastor and the church is forging ahead and I'm reaping the fruit of the hanging on!