Church choirs and lay worship leaders offer a unique blend of blessing and challenge to professional church staff: we appreciate their enthusiasm, and often feel hesitant to offer criticism (no matter how constructive) for fear of “fixing what ain’t broke.” What often results, unfortunately, is sub-par worship, in which the congregation does their best to experience holiness “in spite of” the people who are there, allegedly, to help them achieve that goal.

Singing and speaking in worship are no less challenging than participating in live theatre. In fact, leading worship can often be more challenging than “regular” theatre—we don’t have the luxury of a scripted character to “hide behind” as we share emotional, deeply meaningful messages with the roomful of friends, family members, and strangers who sit staring at us!

Of course you know better—you’re a professional. But prophets get little respect at home, and sometimes it takes a visit from an outsider to communicate the messages you’ve been trying to share. That’s where David comes in.

Drawing upon his three decades of public speaking, acting, and singing, David both reinforces the wisdom you’ve already shared with your “flock,” and offers new perspectives and reminders that can have a big impact with just a little effort.

Does your choir gasp for air every two measures? Are they not quite in tune? Is their ensemble sound muddy, harsh, or immature? Let David teach them a few exercises to add to their warm-up routine, and replace bad habits with good ones!

Does your congregation fall asleep listening to lay readers? Do they have to read along to understand what’s being said from the pulpit? Are there looks of sympathy in the pews as insecure readers stumble through their tasks? David’s “Keep It Up/Mix It Up” handout offers ten simple words that can transform a reading in minutes.

To learn more about what David can do for your choir or lay leaders program, please contact him directly.

To download copies of handouts from a workshop David has already completed with your organization, visit this page.