Everyone wants the mic, but not everyone wants the towel.
In other words, many are eager to lead publicly, but few are willing to serve quietly—like Jesus did when He wrapped a towel around His waist and washed His disciples’ feet.
In a world that pushes fast leadership and influence, we forget that Jesus started with obedience, not applause. And as a worship leader, this is always challenging.
What Following Well Taught Me
I’ve served under some incredible leaders… and some that were harder to follow. In both seasons, I’ve learned that following well matters more than I thought.
When I first stepped into ministry, I wanted to lead quickly. I had ideas, energy, and a desire to help. But I didn’t always understand the value of following well. I thought leadership was about stepping up when I got a chance. I wanted to learn how to lead worship transitions and how to pick songs for my church. I couldn’t wait to see my ideas come to life. Turns out, it’s also about knowing how to sit back, listen, learn, and serve with humility.
It was in the hidden places, where no one clapped and no one noticed, that God taught me what real leadership looks like. And it started with being a good follower.
4 Things That Happen When You Learn to Follow Well
1. You learn how to carry someone else’s vision
Before you lead your own team, can you serve on someone else’s faithfully? That’s one of the biggest tests. Leadership isn’t just about launching your own dream. It’s about learning to lift someone else’s first. Do you give your all no matter what is on the setlist? Or only when you picked all the songs? Can you be a part of a team? These are great questions to ask.
2. You find strength in submission
Jesus submitted to the Father all the way to the cross. He even asked God if He could get a pass, but ultimately He was committed to the will of the Father. That kind of obedience comes from trust. Being a follower means you’re strong enough to choose patience, even when you don’t fully understand the plan. You submit because you trust.
3. You gain spiritual authority as a worship leader
You don’t gain authority just by being on stage being a lead singer. You gain it in the quiet places where faithfulness is tested, where you show up even when it’s not easy, and where you submit even when no one sees it. When a team member is complaining about another team member and you speak up. When you run ProPresenter for the kids service when you’re off. That kind of authority can’t be manufactured.
4. You develop empathy for your future worship team
You’ll lead better when you remember what it feels like to be on the other side. The waiting. The questions. The desire to contribute but not always being heard. The one who put away chairs without recognition. That experience will shape you into a leader who listens, who cares, and who remembers what it means to be part of a team.
What the Bible Says About Authority
In Matthew 8, a Roman centurion approaches Jesus with a bold insight:
“I too am a man under authority.”
Even though he had rank and soldiers who answered to him, he understood something many leaders still miss—real authority begins with being under authority.
We see the same principle in the life of David. Long before he wore the crown, he had the opportunity to take it by force. But he chose to honor Saul, even while running for his life. That choice was part of what shaped him into the kind of leader God could trust. David didn’t gain authority by grabbing it. He gained it by waiting, serving, and trusting God’s timing.
The Kingdom of God doesn’t elevate people who push their way to the front. It raises up those who serve with humility and patience.
If you want to be a better worship leader, remember this:
Don’t skip the season of following—no matter where you are right now. This isn’t the warm-up act. It’s the foundation.
Some of the greatest leaders I know didn’t rush to get noticed. They learned to serve faithfully, lead with humility, and carry vision that wasn’t their own. Even if you’re already leading, you should still be following.
If you want to lead well, start by following well. That’s where real leadership begins.
What makes it hard for you to be a follower? Comment below and I’ll see if I can help!