9 Tips for Worship and Motion Leaders

Here are nine tips I've used coaching worship motion leaders over the years.   Check them out and see which ones your leaders might need to hear.

1. You don't have to be perfect.  You just have to be prepared.
Practice doesn't make perfect.  Practice makes awesome!  Listen to the songs a million times.  Practice your motions in front of a mirror.  Practice with a friend.  Always rehearse on stage the day you're going to lead.  If you're leading Saturday and Sunday, rehearse before the kids get there BOTH days.

2. Make a big entrance.  
Don't stroll onto stage.  Bound out on the stage like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh.  Run out to your spot and the bring the party with you! On a scale from 1-10, your energy level needs to be at least 3 levels higher than where you want to the kids to be.   If your energy level is a 7, the kids will only be a 4.  If you want them be a 7, you have to go 10.  If you want them to go to 10, you have to break the scale!

3. Go big or go home.  
Make sure you do each motion all out.  Every move should be clean and crisp.  If the motion calls for you to raise your hands, fully extend your arms.  Whatever your motion, go all the way.

4. Use your face as well as your hands.
Smile!  Be expressive.  Even if you've done the song a million times, your face should sparkle with God's joy.  Don't forget to tell your face that this is supposed to be fun!

5. Lead with confidence.
Act like you own the stage even if you mess up.  If you act like you know what you're doing, the kids will follow.  If you make a mistake, don't look at your friends and laugh.  Pretend like it didn't happen.  Just keep going and keep the focus on God.

6. Don't lose kids by talking too much.
Don't talk between songs unless you have to in order to fill some dead space.   When you talk, keep it simple.  Talk about God and the words of the next song, not on things that distract.  Never say things like, "This is my favorite song," or "This is a brand new song."  It doesn't matter.  It takes the focus off of God and distracts the kids from worship.  And whatever you do, never ask, "Who wants to a sing another song?"  The oldest boys in the room will heckle you off the stage.

7. Worship.  Really worship.
Know the words of the songs and sing them.  Think about what you're singing.  Mean it.  You're not just dancing.  You're praying with your hands and feet!

8. Be teachable.
If your large group producer corrects your motions or has you go back and try it again, don't take it personally.  Keep a good attitude and redo it as many times as it takes.  Remember this is about helping kids engage with God.  It's not about you.

9. Keep the Spotlight on God.
Don't brag about being on stage.  Don't let it go to your head.  Praise others who played a part in the service (onstage and backstage).  Keep asking people the question, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

What other tips do you use when coaching motion leaders?