Two "essentials" that I think are hugely important in the lives of those who lead worship at The Orchard:
AUTHENTICITY & DEPTH.
Authenticity. Being real and willing to lead out of their own, personal journey. Not afraid to be honest and transparent about their struggles, pain, and brokenness. The same on stage as they are in every day life and conversation (have you ever heard a worship leader who stands up and talks to an audience in a totally different voice than they normally talk in?) Someone who others can look to and say to themselves, "I get that person...they're not all that different from me."
Depth. If the worship leader has an empty soul.....then the only thing they'll really have to offer is authenticity and talent....and neither of those are enough as far as I'm concerned. I want worship leaders who have taken the time to LISTEN...and get quiet. Who make it a priority to wrestle through the scriptures and songs they'll be leading people through. Leaders whose hearts are freshly inspired by the beauty and goodness of God....and who understand that a huge part of what they do in leading worship is sharing that beauty and goodness with others.
I suppose those are pretty important essentials for all of us as followers of Jesus. But they're especially important to me when it comes to those who are standing on stage leading our community into worship each weekend.
Worship Leaders & Pastors - I'd love to hear from you. What "essentials" are at the top of your list?