Ready, Set, Go! Soundcheck & Rehearsal Routines

When we were kids, “Ready, Set, Go!” was a familiar call at Easter egg hunts, three-legged races and track meets. These words signaled us to get ready, find our spot and wait eagerly for the race to begin. Win or lose, the joy was in participating. This phrase can also be a practical reminder to prepare ourselves mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally as we pursue our goals and expectations.

The “Get Ready, Get Set, Go” framework can be a great way to create a structured routine for your soundcheck and rehearsal process, especially for worship and tech teams. Unlike professional touring bands that have this down to a science, volunteer teams might need some time to get the hang of it since they don’t practice it routinely. But with practice and persistence, you can make this routine second nature for your team. It may take a while but don’t get discouraged. Aim for teamwork and cooperation. You’ll not only enhance your team’s sound but also build stronger, more trusting relationships among its members.

Because you are in ministry and not producing a performance for a fan base, we need to consider the spiritual aspect of why we do what we do and what will glorify the Lord in our service. Check your egos at the door. It’s not about you!

Are you praying? Pray first. Pray individually and pray together. Pray before you plan individually. Pray together as a team before considering what the plan looks like. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Cloak whatever you do in prayer, and do not depend on your own understanding

And when you think through your plans, think through this question: How does it bring God glory? “Lord, we ask you to send your Holy Spirit to guide our plan. Open the hearts and minds of each person who participates in this process so that our plan reflects your intentions, and our worship brings you the honor, reverence, power and glory that you deserve.”

GET READY: The Planning and Preparation Phase

Planning is a biblical principle. Proverbs 21:5 (NLT) says, “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.”

How often have I procrastinated and chosen songs for the service at the last minute? You can guess what the results usually are.

I have experienced what worship looks like when I take shortcuts; I forget to pray (or don’t leave time for prayer), which leads to a plan that will fail to bring God His glory. Choosing songs that I like rather than the ones He would want to hear will not bring us, the body of Christ, into His presence. Once you have devised the plan, it’s time to start the prep.

Do you have a regular time for sound checks and rehearsals? If not, set a regular schedule. Determine a consistent day and time for rehearsals and sound checks to ensure all team members can attend. Make sure everybody is committed to the time required. This is a BIGGIE! Nothing sours a team more than members who are consistently late when everyone else is on time.

Choose commitment for new members over talent every time. We will talk later about how you recruit and maintain the team positively. Everyone on the team has a function and a responsibility for that role.

Click here to download the full “Ready, Set, Go! Soundcheck & Rehearsal Routines” guide, which includes insights on roles, soundchecks, rehearsals and more!