How I Prepare To Lead Worship
Every professional athlete has a pregame ritual.
Here are five unique and famous pregame rituals that athletes are known for:
1. LeBron James, aka King James: Chalk Toss (Basketball)
Throughout the game, LeBron cries. Cries at the refs, cries at his teammates, cries at the crowd. But before every game, LeBron James performs his iconic chalk toss. He dips his hands in chalk powder, claps them together, and throws the chalk into the air, creating a cloud above him. This ritual has become a signature part of his pregame routine. Ok, he doesn’t really cry, but let’s just say he’s not my favorite player. :)
2. Nomar Garciaparra, aka No-Nonsense Nomar: Batting Glove Routine (Baseball)
Before every at-bat, Nomar Garciaparra, the Boston Red Sox shortstop, performed an intricate and highly specific ritual. He would adjust his batting gloves multiple times, tugging at the straps on each hand in a precise order. This was followed by tapping his toes and adjusting his helmet before stepping into the batter's box. The ritual became iconic, showcasing his focus and meticulous nature, and it became a memorable part of his legacy in Major League Baseball.
3. Wayne Gretzky, aka the Great One: Baby Powder on Stick (Hockey)
Wayne Gretzky applied baby powder to the blade of his hockey stick before every game. He believed it helped him control the puck better, making it a quirky but essential part of his preparation.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo, aka CR7: Right Foot First (Futbol, aka Soccer)
Cristiano Ronaldo has a ritual of stepping onto the field with his right foot first. He also ensures his socks and shin guards are adjusted perfectly, and he takes a moment to jump and clap before kickoff. This helps him mentally prepare and feel ready to perform.
5. Brian Dawkins, aka Weapon X: Weapon X Transformation (American Football)
Brian Dawkins would undergo what he called a “transformation” into his alter ego, “Weapon X.” Dawkins would crawl onto the field, growling and screaming like a wild animal, hyping himself and his teammates into a frenzy. This ritual symbolized his mental shift into a fierce, almost superhero-like mindset, ready to dominate on the field.
That’s fun, but what is your “pre-service” ritual?
Today, we’ll look at how each Fader prepares for that moment of leading worship. Rather than a “best practices” approach, this is simply a look into a different approach than your native one to expand you. (this continues a series to show you how each Fader approaches each task we all need to accomplish - the first one started at adlibmusic.com/worship-fertilizer/322)
ARTIST
I’m meticulously tuning my instrument(s), making sure all my settings are correct, and all the tools in my arsenal are ready. I mentally review musical elements, segues, and riffs. I mentally walk through the songs, like a bobsled team does in training. (That’s a Cool Runnings reference.)
SHEPHERD
I’m chatting with my team, checking in with them, building rapport, praying if necessary, and helping them feel connected. Then I’m walking through the congregation, welcoming people, smiling, connecting.
PRIEST
Praying. I’m checking in with the Lord to see if He has any last-minute instructions and to get any sense of what today is about. Of course, I was seeking Him and reading scripture at home earlier today, just doing my daily with Him.
EDUCATOR
I’m checking in with my team members who are trying new things, making sure they feel comfortable and confident in their stretching. I’m lending my strength to them as they grow.
PRODUCER
I’m thinking through and then talking through the service with my team, making sure everyone knows the plan, how we’re getting from A to Z, what the central goal/theme of the morning is, and how each part supports that.
What perspective will you add to your pre-service routine?
-Dave Helmuth
(purchase my book, "Worship Fertilizer: (the first hundred)" HERE)
How I Prepare To Lead Worship (Nº 418)
