I have recently come from Canada to the Abundant Life Church’s Leadership Academy, where I'm experiencing new people, new songs, new leadership, and I'm still in the process of developing new friends. The most significant is joining new music teams.

To give you some context, I've come from a church of 400 to a church of 2,000. Here, I'm blessed to be surrounded by amazing musicians, many of whom are professional musicians outside of church as well. Currently, I’ve begun playing in up to three different new bands (Academy, youth and Sunday main band), ranging from inexperienced to very professional. I've been learning a lot from this! (Check out RPM's YouTube here.)

Regardless of the musical setting you find yourself in, there are four essential principles for how to join a new church worship band.

1. Admit your weaknesses and laugh at yourself.
We’ve all got flaws. Admit it. Musicians have egos, I know I do. It’s easy to think we must prove ourselves to our new band: this is insecurity. When we base our security on our skill and musicianship, we will always find someone better than ourselves and our ego will be damaged.

Even the Apostle Paul, who is known for his preaching and church planting, did not profess to be some super-eloquent speaker. “When I came to you, brothers, announcing the testimony of God to you, I did not come with brilliance of speech or wisdom.” (1 Corinthians 2:1)

I know one of my weaknesses is memorizing chords, so rather than try to hide it, I tackle my musical weaknesses. I’m open about it and work extra hard outside of practice.

2. Commit to attending every practice, whether or not you’re scheduled on the team
If you do this, you will observe a lot that new teams may not articulate to you. Notice team dynamics, sound-check logistics, and rehearsal process. Who are the natural musical leaders? What are the names of all the sound technicians? What are the various worship leaders’ styles of directing? Which equipment is used where?

Attending every practice helps you get to know fellow musicians quicker. It’s also important to demonstrate to yourself, God, and others that you are willing to sacrifice your time and put your own schedule aside.

3. Be a learner
We all come with our own musical perspective as to what’s good, but chances are, the band you are joining knows a lot that you don’t!

• Learn the songs in the church's playlist. Spend lots of time outside of practice getting up to speed on the songs regularly played. If you know the set list in advance of a practice, it’s a good idea to learn any songs before rehearsal.
• Learn the song arrangements how the team plays them. Don’t necessarily offer suggestions for changing arrangements unless the band is open to that. Submit yourself to learning the song the way the band already plays in their church.
• Learn spiritually. Listen carefully to any words of wisdom that leaders or fellow musicians give, and apply them. Share yourself by asking personal questions you have worship or your Christian life. Genuinely seek to grow in your walk with God. Don’t keep internal questions to yourself; open up who you are to your new leaders and band mates.
  

4. Get to know the people behind the musicians
In a new church, it's easy to feel lost in the crowd. Start with getting to know your new band mates. If they have kids, ask about them. Ask about their jobs, what they do and their hobbies. If you have a chance to meet their partner, do so. Playing in a new worship team is not just about songs; it’s about committing to serving alongside and sharing life with new musician friends. To truly become a friend means showing interest and caring about that person’s life.

I’ve been the recipient of this. Because I have been shadowing rehearsals (even when I’m not playing), I’ve met a singer who has befriended me. What started out as a chat about fashion has turned into a true friendship. I’ve gotten to know her, and then found out that her husband and two kids are also awesome. Now, I get to share a meal each week with this family.

God knew that I would need new friends in a new environment, and He provided. Yet, it’s important that I be open to the change, open to new relationships, and to take opportunities as they come. 

New settings can be intimidating, especially if you don’t know anyone. How do you get over that initial hurdle of ‘newness’, whether it's a new band, a new job, or a new church?