Thank you so much for stepping in to lead with NLC Worship! This team is not just about music, production, or Sunday logistics. It is about honoring God and helping people encounter Him in a real and life-changing way. This orientation outlines our vision, culture, expectations, and standards so we can move together in unity and excellence.
Why We Exist
Our Vision
Honoring God and helping people encounter Him.
This is the vision of NLC Worship.
Everything we do flows from this. It shapes every rehearsal, every service, every conversation, every adjustment, every standard, every moment on and off the platform.
We are not primarily building a setlist.
We are not building a sound.
We are not building a brand.
We are stewarding moments when people meet with the living God.
The Foundation of our Vision
These statements define how NLC Worship lives out the values of New Life Church.
We declare God and His goodness.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”
— 1 Peter 2:9
We honor God with excellence.
“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.”
— Ephesians 6:7
We encounter God personally and lead others to encounter Him.
“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”
— Jeremiah 29:13
We believe in people.
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.”
— 2 Timothy 2:2
We release the songs of our house.
“O sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done wonderful things…”
— Psalm 98:1a
What This Means Practically
We declare God and His goodness because worship is proclamation. We are not performing songs; we are announcing who He is and what He has done.
We honor God with excellence because He is worthy.
We seek Him personally because you cannot lead someone somewhere you are unwilling to go yourself.
We develop people because discipleship multiplies impact.
We sing new songs because He is always moving and worthy of fresh praise.
Worship is our goal. Jesus teaches us that our ultimate purpose in life is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Matthew 22:37). When we express this love in word or action, that is worship. Worship is not confined to the stage, and it is not limited to a set list.
We believe the presence of God changes everything. At every service, there are people in attendance who need Jesus immediately. They may not say it. They may not even realize it. But they need Him. And we carry the privilege and responsibility of creating space for them to encounter Him personally.
We believe in the value of a soul. We recognize that we could never change hearts on our own. The Holy Spirit is our Helper. We depend on His presence, His conviction, and His voice in our services as He leads many to salvation, restoration, healing, and freedom.
Because we believe these things, how we lead matters. Our preparation matters. Our unity matters. Our attitude matters. Our excellence matters. None of this is casual. All of it reflects what we believe about God.
This orientation is not simply informational. It is foundational.
Everything on this page has been shaped intentionally by years of experience, growth, mistakes, victories, and refinement. What you are about to read is not a list of preferences. It is the practical expression of our vision.
When we understand the vision, the standards make sense.
We ask that you read this carefully and in full before serving. The depth of what is written reflects the depth of what we carry as a team. If you have questions, we want them. If you need clarity, we are here for you.
There is a place for you here. Welcome to NLC Worship!
What It Means To Be On This Team
Spiritual Growth
We believe we should be authentic and grow in our walk with God. Our desire is to be healthy spiritually and personally, and to continue to grow in our faith. We do this through daily time in Scripture, prayer, meaningful relationships with other believers, and by living a Spirit-filled life.
If you are struggling in any way, we want to help. Rather than isolating because you feel like you “can’t meet the standard,” take the initiative to reach out. We want to pray with you and stand by you through anything you may be facing.
Regular church attendance is important – not just serving. Be a part of the congregation, not just someone on stage. While you’re attending service with the people, remember that we want to help lead people in worship in every setting. Take the opportunity to be a “congregational worship leader” and lead the church in expressive worship even when you’re not on stage.
When serving on the worship team, make sure to sit in and receive the sermon at least once. This helps you stay connected to the teaching and allows you to be ministered to, not just minister to others.
Life Groups: We strongly encourage getting connected in a Life Group. Because there is a rotation of people and variation in how often team members serve, we want you to find consistent community where you can build life-giving friendships, accountability, and support in everyday life.
Preparation & Excellence
Spiritual Preparation: We believe that the anointing in the teaching and in our worship is vital. We prepare our spirits, not just our craft. When getting ready for a service, spend time with God. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak directly to you and prepare your heart before you step into a leadership role.
Musical Preparation: We want to always bring our best before God because He has given His best to us. Excellence means bringing our best with intentionality and preparation, while perfectionism is driven by pressure to avoid mistakes. We pursue excellence because God is worthy, but we reject perfectionism because it can pull us out of presence and into performance. Practicing our craft allows us to serve confidently and stay focused on what, and Who, matters most.
Practice vs. Rehearsal: Practice is what you do on your own to learn your parts. Rehearsal is what we do together to align as a team. Come prepared so rehearsal can be focused on unity, not learning.
Before Rehearsal:
Listen to each song to familiarize yourself with known songs or to learn new material
You are responsible to know every song – please review each song carefully before rehearsal
Most songs have specific parts for every instrument or voice
Sound files, chord charts, and/or tutorials are almost always available to you on Planning Center over a week in advance
Come to rehearsal fully prepared and confident in your parts.
Punctuality
We believe bringing our best honors God and inspires people. Each team member plays a vital role, so it is essential that everyone arrive on time for rehearsal.
"Call Time" is when the team arrives and begins setting up for rehearsal (listed in Planning Center Services)
If you need additional time to get set up, you are welcome to arrive before call time
Be plugged in, tuned up, and ready to go with mic/pack and a basic in-ear monitor mix in place by “Sound Check” (also listed in Planning Center Services).
Being on time is not just about logistics. It reflects how we value each other, the service, and the responsibility we carry together.
Attendance & Commitment
We believe the Church is stronger when everyone serves. As God continues to move in our church, we want to prioritize making room in our lives to be part of what He’s doing.
Weekend Services
If you are scheduled for a weekend, please participate in ALL services and rehearsals for that weekend. Consistency builds strength and unity across services.
Tier-1 Events
Tier-1 events are highly important, all-campus moments (e.g., Easter, Collide Conference, etc.). Sometimes campuses gather in one location; sometimes events happen simultaneously across campuses. These services often require additional rehearsals or broader involvement (choir, expanded teams, etc.). We ask that you prioritize these events whenever possible.
Team Meetings
Team meetings may include meals, vision casting, teaching, or time to strengthen community. These gatherings reinforce culture and alignment. Please value the team, your place on the team, and our shared growth by making every effort to attend.
Our Culture
The strength of this team is not just skill. It is our culture. What follows reflects the kind of team we are choosing to become together:
Be UNIFIED. NLC is one church with several campuses — not several separate churches. Because of that, you may be scheduled at different campuses from time to time. We carry the mindset of one team serving one house. The way we speak about campuses and about one another matters.
Be RELATIONAL. This is a team, not a roster. Whether you are new or have served for years, take initiative to connect. Encourage one another. Pray for one another. Learn names. Build friendships.
While we enjoy time together in the green room, we also encourage you to step into the foyer and connect with the broader church family. Ministry doesn’t only happen on the platform. Some of the most meaningful moments happen in simple conversations.
Be TEACHABLE. Remain open to feedback and suggestions from leaders, and be willing to make adjustments when needed. This includes suggestions from the audio engineer, who has the best interest of the service in mind.
Be HONORING. Honor your team leaders and pastors. They carry spiritual and logistical responsibility in leading our church in worship. When they give direction or ask for adjustments, respond with willingness rather than resistance. Create an environment where their leadership is supported and strengthened. Pray for them in the days leading up to services — that they would walk in clarity, peace, and the Spirit’s guidance.
Be FLEXIBLE. We plan ahead but are ready at any moment for adjustments if the need arises. Be ready to make adjustments quickly and without taking it personally. (There is no “song ownership” on our team. We reassign songs and parts all the time so don’t take this personally.)
Be GRATEFUL. Carry a spirit of gratitude. We get to do this. We get to serve the Lord. We get to build His Church alongside people He’s brought into our lives. Gratitude keeps our hearts soft and our perspective healthy.
Be TIDY. Steward the spaces and equipment we’ve been entrusted with. Keep the stage and green room clean. Throw away trash, wrap cables, turn off amps, and remove equipment from the stage when finished. Small details matter because they reflect ownership and care for what God has provided.
Leading From The Platform
Stage Attire
Please approach attire with a mindset of excellence. Clothing is a form of self-expression, and we want you to feel comfortable. At the same time, we serve in a leadership role, and how we present ourselves influences how we connect with and lead the people who walk through our doors.
Excellence does not mean expensive — it means intentional. Our on-stage attire should reflect care and thoughtfulness, slightly elevated from everyday dress. Our goal is a professional, current, and classy look — not overly casual and not distracting. We are pointing people to Jesus, not drawing attention to ourselves.
If a leader asks you to adjust something, receive it with flexibility and humility. These conversations are always meant to protect the team and the congregation.
Guidelines for Everyone
Layers are often helpful for a polished look.
Jeans are acceptable but should not have holes or heavy distressing.
Wear appropriate shoes (no flip-flops).
No hats.
No sweats, shorts, or capri-length pants.
For certain services (Easter, Mother’s Day, Christmas, etc.), we will elevate attire and dress more formally as requested by leadership.
Additional Guidelines for Ladies
If wearing a skirt or dress, it should be ankle-length. Leggings are acceptable if paired with a knee-length top, and should be dark and opaque.
Be mindful of fabric under bright stage lighting, as some materials can become sheer.
No sleeveless tops.
No low-cut or tight-fitting tops. If you are unsure, test it in good lighting and while moving. Our goal is always to eliminate distraction and maintain modesty. Choose tops that allow you to move freely and lead confidently without distraction.
Engaging Worship
The phrase “stage presence” is often used to describe someone who attracts attention on stage. That is not our goal. Our goal is to direct attention to God. Because of that, we prefer the phrase engaging worship.
Engaging worship is a physical expression that invites others to respond to God. It includes our posture, facial expression, eye contact, movement, and overall presence when leading.
There is a difference between private worship and publicly leading others. In private moments, we can close our eyes and turn inward. When we are leading, however, we carry the responsibility of helping others engage. At times, that may mean adjusting personal habits or mannerisms so that we can lead more effectively.
We are not performing or showcasing personality. We are modeling worship in a way that helps the church join in.
Tips for Engaging Worship
Lead outward, not inward. Avoid postures that feel closed off or overly internal. Use movements that are open and invitational. Face the congregation, not sideways or toward the back of the stage. Let your movement be intentional – avoid pacing or drifting in a way that feels disconnected. Lean forward, extend your arms, and lead people into engagement with God.
Keep your eyes open. When our eyes are closed for extended moments, it communicates that we are having a personal worship experience. When our eyes are open, we help people feel seen and invited in.
Use your space with purpose. Movement communicates energy and confidence. During fast songs, clap, move, and visibly engage. The congregation will typically respond at a slightly lower level than what they see on stage.
Carry joy. We are celebrating what God has done and is doing. Let that be visible in your expression.
How We Function
Monitor System, Click & Tracks
We use an Allen & Heath in-ear monitor system. If you need help setting up or adjusting your mix, please ask. Other team members are happy to help you get comfortable with the system. Here is a basic tutorial to get you started:
All musicians and vocalists play with a click (metronome) that runs through our in-ear monitors. The click keeps us rhythmically unified and allows us to execute transitions with precision. It may take time to adjust, but learning to play confidently to the click is essential.
The click is synced to playback tracks. These tracks include supplemental sounds and parts we cannot cover live on stage. They are not meant to replace musicians, but to strengthen the overall sound and consistency across campuses.
However, if for example you're singing while also playing an instrument and need help covering a complex instrumental part, we can add that part into the track as needed. We will not assume this automatically. Just communicate with the team leader if it would serve you and the team.
Planning Center Online (PCO) Services
We use Planning Center Online (PCO) Services to organize our schedules, communicate as a team, and prepare for services. This is the primary way we function operationally.
If you are new to PCO Services, please watch the introduction video below. It will walk you through accessing Services from the mobile app and help you understand how to navigate your account with confidence.
Song Resources & Song Notes
Every service plan in PCO includes detailed resources for each song. These often include:
Reference recordings
Chord charts
Harmony recordings
Tutorial videos
Please use these tools consistently. They exist to help you prepare thoroughly.
Pay close attention to the reference recordings we provide. We often adjust arrangements from the original artist’s version, and the reference track in PCO reflects how we will lead the song in service.
Be sure to read the Song Notes carefully. Important information is placed there, including which instrument or vocalist is covering specific parts. Vocalists should check these notes to confirm which harmony line they are responsible for.
Preparation through PCO protects rehearsal time and strengthens our ability to move as one. Please treat it as essential.
Managing Your Schedule
The video below explains in greater detail how to manage your schedule, respond to requests, and view assignments for yourself or members of your household.
Make it a habit to check PCO regularly. The schedule updates frequently, and staying engaged prevents confusion or last-minute surprises.
Accept & Decline
Please accept or decline your scheduled positions as soon as possible, ideally at least one week before the service. Timely responses allow us to fill open positions and serve with clarity.
If you need to decline, you may include a reason. While not required, that information is helpful for our schedulers.
If an unexpected situation requires you to cancel within 24 hours of a service, please call or text the team leader directly in addition to declining in PCO. The team leader is listed on the service plan under the Worship team heading.
PCO Services Chat
We use the PCO Chat feature for important and often time-sensitive communication.
Turn on notifications in the mobile app and customize them in your settings so you do not miss updates. Check chat threads regularly, especially in the days leading up to a service.
Clear and consistent communication builds trust and strengthens the entire team.
Chord Charts
Our chord charts are more than chords and lyrics. Each chart is designed to communicate arrangement, dynamics, transitions, and vocal structure clearly so rehearsals are efficient and services feel cohesive.
We include detailed notes for both band and vocalists so everyone understands what is happening in every section. Please review charts carefully before rehearsal. They are one of our primary tools for alignment.
Vocal Parts Notation:
Plain font = only the lead singer is singing
Underlined text = singers are in unison with the lead vocalist
Bold text = singers will split into harmony (parts)
Underlined AND bolded = most singers on melody while a smaller group sings harmony
Vocalists should pay close attention to these markings so that harmony structure is clear and consistent across services.
Slashes
In addition to slashes notating chord inversions (like C/E), slashes can be used to notate the number of beats that a chord will be played. So with "F//–G//," both the F and the G are held for two beats.
Planning Center Music Stand
The Planning Center Music Stand app is available to download on your tablet if you prefer to use it for chord charts. Some campuses also provide iPads for use – just come ready with your Planning Center login credentials if you plan to use a church-provided device. Here’s a quick demo of how to use the app:
Individual Orientation Pages
The following sections contain instrument and role-specific expectations. Please read the section that applies to you carefully and completely. These standards protect consistency and strength across campuses and services.
