I just got off the phone with an arts leader from a church in western Canada. He is trying to take his music worship team to the next level and believes that some of the faithful current team members do not possess the music skill required.
I told him that he needs to expect this process to be difficult, and that he should know going in that he won't do it perfectly. It's vital for him to explain the core values of the worship ministry to the team, and explain why he believes the church needs them to improve their musical quality while at the same time ministering with authenticity and strong spiritual character. We discussed how the Evil One will try to sow divisiveness and tempt the team to spread slander. He plans to call everyone on the current team to doing this process as "big people", those who want to follow Christ with their tongues and their attitudes.
Most of all, arts leaders need to recognize that they are not alone in these experiences. I have similar conversations all around the world. What a delicate juggling act we do seeking to honor faithful people while continuing to pursue more effective ministry. There are no manuals for this sort of thing, but we truly can help one another. What have you learned along these lines? Do you have any further advice for my Canadian friend?
I just got off the phone with an arts leader from a church in western Canada. He is trying to take his music worship team to the next level and believes that some of the faithful current team members do not possess the music skill required. Of course, they are veterans who have sacrificed so much for the team, and are much loved, etc. It would be so much easier if they were jerks! Together we talked about the difficult meetings and conversations he will lead as he trims his team.
I told him that he needs to expect this process to be difficult, and that he should know going in that he won't do it perfectly. It's vital for him to explain the core values of the worship ministry to the team, and explain why he believes the church needs them to improve their musical quality while at the same time ministering with authenticity and strong spiritual character. We discussed how the Evil One will try to sow divisiveness and tempt the team to spread slander. He plans to call everyone on the current team to doing this process as "big people", those who want to follow Christ with their tongues and their attitudes.
Most of all, arts leaders need to recognize that they are not alone in these experiences. I have similar conversations all around the world. What a delicate juggling act we do seeking to honor faithful people while continuing to pursue more effective ministry. There are no manuals for this sort of thing, but we truly can help one another. What have you learned along these lines? Do you have any further advice for my Canadian friend?