Transitioning – Part 7 – Identify Vocalists

As East City Church transitions its worship service to a unified style of worship (see story), they will need to identify people to serve on the vocal team in worship. ECC already has vocalists that sing in their contemporary service, but in the effort to transition the traditional service to a unified style of worship, it would be best to add additional vocalists that the traditional service would recognize as “their own.” This is a continuation of the effort to prevent an “us” and “them” mentality in worship.

Look for people in your church that have a pleasant singing voice and a good stage presence. By no means are you looking for a performer, but you want people who will evoke worship, not stifle it through their body language or singing. Realize that contemporary forms of singing are different from traditional, classically-trained sounds. Vocalists can be used on a rotational basis. Keep the group small – just a lead and an alto or tenor is fine. I would use no more than three or four singers. Provide vocal coaching on more contemporary styles of singing for those that need assistance.

A natural place to start the search would be in the existing choir at ECC, but it is important to search the congregation for potential singers as well.

Consider the potential singer’s walk with the Lord and the example they set; do not underestimate how important this factor is in selecting worship leadership.

What are some additional guidelines you would use in selecting vocalists?

Next week, I will look at the need for ECC to cast vision for the new role of the choir. Take a look.