Check 1, 2

Seriously, do you really think we know more about this stuff than students? Any intelligent worship leader would ask to make a plea for media help during a youth group session. Even if they don't know the soundboard right away, I'll guarantee they can pick it up faster than you can do a mic check. Students also have an eye for the visual. They'll set up your MediaShout or PowerPoint quickly and stylishly. They spend hours looking at a computer screen. They know what looks good. You and your pastor also might get some great ideas for clips or sound bytes to use for services.

Front and Center

If you don't already have at an annual Youth Sunday, go ahead and set up a meeting with your pastor to discuss the idea. Your church needs to see young people bringing fresh hope and perspective to worship, and your students need to feel like they are an integral part of your church family and ministry. I've never had a big youth group, but I also never have had a problem having enough students to pull off an entirely staffed and scheduled worship service. The important thing is to go with their talents and interests. In my experience, the quieter ones are willing to do a puppet program for the children's message. They'll even talk into the microphone if they're behind a table! You musicians can get as creative as they like, and you might learn about some talents that you didn't realize before. Through the planning and practicing, your students will grow in appreciation for your efforts on a weekly basis.

Closing Chorus

Face it: Worship leading is a lot of work. Sometimes it's hard to feel like you're worshipping when you're doing the leading. However, I've found that my times of preparation have been my worship time. During those times of going through the entire service once or twice before the congregation is even involved hasn't felt like work when I've included my students in the process. It feels natural. You may not feel "called by God" to lead music and worship services, but you certainly can retain your call to working with students through doing these other things and involving them in the process.

Andrew Hedges' mother studied and taught music, and his father studied and taught drama. Andrew never studied either but has been called upon ot lead music in three youth minister positions. He previously published an article titled "Leadership in Relationships" in Student Leader Journal, as well as recently published Creative Bible Lessons in Nehemiah (2005) and Essential Theology for Students (2009) with Youth Specialties. He currently is incorporating students in worship at Basking Ridge, N.J., where he lives with his wife and three daughters.