You probably know Taya Smith as the lead vocalist on Hillsong UNITED's song, "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)." The song has been on the top of Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart for more than 50 weeks, and at the GMA's 45th annual Dove Awards it won Song of The Year, Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of The Year and Worship Song of The Year.
Although all of the accolades are exciting, Taya remains humble and reminds us that she's just another worship leader whose desire is to bring glory to God in the best way she can.
In a recent blog from Hillsong, Taya shares 10 things she has learned about leading worship that are full of great advice for anyone who is seeking to grow in their leadership on and off the platform. Here's the first three:
1. The difference between preparing and not preparing is MASSIVE.
Apart from knowing the songs and learning the lyrics, setting aside time to prepare my heart before God is the most important thing — it allows the Holy Spirit to speak, puts a verse on my heart, and gives me ideas.
2. Receive constructive feedback.
From those around you who have been doing this for longer than you. I want to lead people the best way I can each time, plus I don't know everything so I need to remain humble and teachable.
3. Have a plan.
If you don't play an instrument, grab the Music Director, or a musician and together, figure out the keys of the songs you've chosen, any potential creative moments you might have, specific transitions, etc. That way you have a plan in place that has been practiced, but you also have flexibility to change if you feel to do so.
To read Taya's full list go to Hillsong's blog, Hillsong Collected.