Today I have the honor of writing a  guest post  for my friend David Santistevan’s blog. He’s a great young worship pastor. His blog was selected as one of Worship Leader Magazines Best of the Best for 2011. I hope you’ll check it out and leave a comment on his site.

In that post I share  7 Tips For Engaging Youth In Worship.

This post takes it a step further. In any worship ministry, youth or adult,  we need to develop a culture of worship and a culture of leadership.

A simple, 3 step organic approach to developing worship leaders

Wax on, Wax off

1. Observe: What’s going on?

More is caught than taught. Good leaders begin as good followers. In the old days musicians called this “paying your dues”. So go “all-in” as a member of the team. Play guitar. Sing. Participate. Catch what’s going on.

If you’re an aspiring leader, what do you see is working? What would you do differently? Dialogue about these things.

2. Assist: We lead together

Let’s do this together. You help pick the songs. You step out and help the lead service by leading a song, prayer or reading.

I use two stages of leading together. First time, I’m the primary leader and you’re the secondary leader. The next time we reverse: you’re the primary leader, I support you as the secondary leader.

Throughout the process, we communicate and debrief. What’s working? What could be better? How would you solve the problems that arise? What are your suggestions?

3. Lead: You lead the whole thing

You have the keys to the car. You pick the songs. You do all the planning and run the rehearsal. I offer input along the way and help in any way that will make you successful. You lead the gathering. I’m off the platform, observing, praying and cheering you on.

We debrief. What was good? What was not good? What was confusing? What was missing?

Repetition is the mother of learning

Once someone understands the basics and is committed to improving, the best teacher is experience.

Lots of reps. Evaluate. Get better.

Every time I lead, I’m still learning. How about you?

Question: What tips would you suggest for mentoring leaders? Would love to see your thoughts in the comments.