Both spiritual and practical preparation are essential prior to any service. Whether the MD, the worship leader, or a member of the production team, these are vital. Prayerful planning, clear communication, and practical strategies help ensure smooth execution during services.

Begin the preparation process with prayer, seeking God's guidance. For example, a song about trust might lead to a meaningful connection with a congregation member who had experienced loss. Consider what God has to say about the upcoming service, not just the logistical aspects. Maintain a focus on spiritual readiness amidst weekly pressures and distractions.

Schedule dedicated time for prayer and reflection to ensure it remains a priority. Avoid letting urgent tasks overshadow the critical spiritual preparation.

Communicate song choices and set lists early in the week to allow team members ample time to prepare. Check in with volunteers to offer resources such as chord charts and reference tracks.

Ensure all team members know their roles and parts before rehearsal. Differentiate parts for instruments (e.g., guitar one vs. guitar two) to create distinct sounds. Build relationships within the team to foster a supportive environment. Provide necessary resources and guidance to help team members feel confident and prepared.

Maintain a list of around 30 core songs that new team members learn as part of their onboarding process. Regularly update the list by adding new songs and retiring old ones as needed. Introduce new songs early in the week, providing demos and reference tracks for the entire team, including production positions like front of house and lighting.

Avoid line checking during soundcheck and rehearsing during the first service by ensuring all team members are prepared beforehand. Use soundcheck for sound adjustments and rehearsal for refining the performance. Aim for the first service to match the quality of subsequent services by maintaining a high standard of preparation and execution. Don’t let the first service be your last rehearsal.