Worship Leader's Survival Guide Writing
Budget: $250 – $750 USD
Praise, Punchlines & Purpose: A Worship Leader’s Survival Guide
By: Candice N. Lewis
Introduction: Why am I crazy enough to do this?
If you’ve ever stood in front of a choir, a praise team, or even just a stubborn microphone, you already know — worship leading ain’t for the faint of heart. It’s part music, part ministry, part comedy show, and part referee match. Some days it feels like heaven is touching earth; other days it feels like earth is throwing punches back at you.
Let me be clear! I didn’t write this book because I have it all figured out. I wrote it because I’ve lived it, I’ve experienced it, and most importantly I’ve survived it— the good, the bad, and the downright hilarious. I’ve lost my voice mid-song. I’ve seen people fall up the stairs (yes, up). I’ve even had folks tell me they hated me, yes, they used the word “hate”… and right then and there I had to lead them in “I need you to survive”. Often times parts of this journey have felt like a harsh joke, it wasn’t very funny, but it was indeed needed.
But here’s what I know for sure: laughter is holy too. If “the joy of the Lord is our strength,” then sometimes that joy looks like catching the giggles at the worst possible time. Sometimes it looks like dusting yourself off after a hiccup and trying again next Sunday. Even in the midst of embarrassment and what you may consider failure or a flop, laughter can be instant freedom and strength just as the scripture promises. Laughter will allow you to continue your assignment and continue with joy.
This book is part survival guide, part comedy special, and part love letter to every worship leader, choir director, and musician who keeps showing up week after week. You’ll find stories that will make you laugh, lessons that will make you think, and scriptures that will remind you why we do what we do.
At the end of the day, worship isn’t about perfect notes, flawless execution, or who sang the loudest. Worship is about presence. His presence. And if He can use broken mics, off-key altos, and leaders who sometimes doubt themselves — then He can also use you.
So grab your tambourine, your voice recorder, your choir binder, and your custom in-ears (the saints have money now!). Let’s laugh, learn, and lean into purpose together. Because ministry is messy… but it’s also worth every single note.
By: Candice N. Lewis
Introduction: Why am I crazy enough to do this?
If you’ve ever stood in front of a choir, a praise team, or even just a stubborn microphone, you already know — worship leading ain’t for the faint of heart. It’s part music, part ministry, part comedy show, and part referee match. Some days it feels like heaven is touching earth; other days it feels like earth is throwing punches back at you.
Let me be clear! I didn’t write this book because I have it all figured out. I wrote it because I’ve lived it, I’ve experienced it, and most importantly I’ve survived it— the good, the bad, and the downright hilarious. I’ve lost my voice mid-song. I’ve seen people fall up the stairs (yes, up). I’ve even had folks tell me they hated me, yes, they used the word “hate”… and right then and there I had to lead them in “I need you to survive”. Often times parts of this journey have felt like a harsh joke, it wasn’t very funny, but it was indeed needed.
But here’s what I know for sure: laughter is holy too. If “the joy of the Lord is our strength,” then sometimes that joy looks like catching the giggles at the worst possible time. Sometimes it looks like dusting yourself off after a hiccup and trying again next Sunday. Even in the midst of embarrassment and what you may consider failure or a flop, laughter can be instant freedom and strength just as the scripture promises. Laughter will allow you to continue your assignment and continue with joy.
This book is part survival guide, part comedy special, and part love letter to every worship leader, choir director, and musician who keeps showing up week after week. You’ll find stories that will make you laugh, lessons that will make you think, and scriptures that will remind you why we do what we do.
At the end of the day, worship isn’t about perfect notes, flawless execution, or who sang the loudest. Worship is about presence. His presence. And if He can use broken mics, off-key altos, and leaders who sometimes doubt themselves — then He can also use you.
So grab your tambourine, your voice recorder, your choir binder, and your custom in-ears (the saints have money now!). Let’s laugh, learn, and lean into purpose together. Because ministry is messy… but it’s also worth every single note.