3 Things to Look for When Hiring a Worship Pastor
Bringing on a new worship pastor is a big deal for any church. It’s about more than finding someone who can sing or lead a band—it’s about trusting someone to help shape the spiritual atmosphere of your church every week. Whether you’re a growing church or stepping into a new season, here are three things that really matter when you’re hiring a worship pastor:
1. Heart First, Talent Second
It’s easy to get caught up in how good someone sounds or how well they command a stage—but if you’re not careful, you’ll end up hiring a performer instead of a pastor.
The first thing you want to look for is spiritual maturity. Does this person genuinely love Jesus? Do they have a heart for worship off the stage too? Are they the same person in the green room as they are in the spotlight?
Stage presence is great, but character is what sustains a worship ministry over the long haul. You want someone whose walk with God is authentic, because that’s what’s going to overflow into the way they lead others.
Ask yourself:
- Would I trust this person to lead people spiritually, not just musically?
- Are they the same person when no one’s watching?
2. Can They Build a Team, Not Just Lead a Song?
It’s one thing to be talented—it’s another to know how to lead people.
A great worship pastor doesn’t just lead songs, they build teams. They mentor, invest, encourage, and raise up other leaders. They know how to set a culture where musicians and volunteers actually want to show up, stay healthy, and grow together.
Talent might get you attention, but leadership builds something that lasts.
Look for someone who can:
- Develop and disciple others
- Communicate clearly
- Handle conflict with grace
- Dream bigger than just putting together a Sunday setlist
3. They Love the Whole Church, Not Just the Worship Team
Your worship pastor isn’t just there for the musicians—they’re part of the overall heartbeat of the church.
You want someone who’s connected beyond just the stage. Someone who’s present. Someone who’s invested in what God’s doing across the entire church, not just what’s happening in the worship center.
The best worship leaders have a heart for people, not just for music. They show up to church life outside of Sunday mornings. They’re invested in kids, students, small groups—you name it.
Ask yourself:
- Is this person a team player, not just a performer?
- Are they excited about building the whole church, not just their area?
Final Thought
At the end of the day, you’re not just hiring a singer. You’re inviting someone into the life of your church family.
Prioritize heart over hype. Leadership over talent. Church over platform.
Find someone who’s all in—and watch how God uses them to create a culture where worship is more than just music. It’s a way of life.