Had a fun morning yesterday sharing the worship leadership with the students in the Jr. Praise Band. Comprised of 5th – 8th graders, this group did a great job leading the congregation. The students took care of keyboard, vocals, violin and drums and a couple members of the adult worship band filled in a little with them. Members of the Jr. Band also shared in the leadership of engaging the congregation – inviting them to worship, introducing the song, etc.
It’s important to involve students in worship ministry. It’s a place that they not only can build their gifts, but it helps energize the congregation too! Troy UMC has had a long history of dynamic worship and music ministry. And in recent years, student worship teams have emerged. As with any youth ministry, schedules change nearly every semester, but here’s what is working right now:
High School Worship Band – This team practices at 4:30 on Wednesday afternoons and helps lead two times per month during the 6:30 Family Life Center Worship.
Jr. Praise Band – Comprised of 5th – 8th grade students who practice at 6:00 pm on Wednesdays and lead worship two or three times each semester for one of the Sunday morning worship services. They have also at times led a time or two for the Wednesday evening Family Life Center Worship at 6:30.
Student Ministry Band – This group is comprised of the Student Ministry Worship Leader and late high school / college students and adults who serve as the primary band for the student ministry worship at 6:30 on Wednesday evenings. We are currently rebuilding this group after the core team of leaders who served in the group from 7th grade through college has begun to phase out.
Guitar Lessons – Free guitar lessons for any age happens on Wednesday at 6:00 pm. This began about 12 years ago and has been a huge part of connecting students and adults in worship ministry around the church.
Children’s Choir – The children have an opportunity to practice each Wednesday and then share in worship about once a month.
Youth Choir – This group meeting at 5:30 on Wednesdays and welcomes anyone who is ins 6-12 grades.
What are some of the ways that you are inviting students to participate in worship leadership?
