With the pandemic beginning to fade, connection with your team members may be more important now than ever before. As worship leaders (and ministry staff leaders in general) we need to take initiative in building connections with our team now.
In a book called Popular, Mitch Prinstein talks about how popularity from childhood affects every aspect of our lives as adults. How we interact, how we feel about our contribution to society, and how we respond in relationships at home are often connected to our internal concept of how others like us.
Though I don’t agree with every premise in the book, I do find our underestimation of how secure people really are fascinating. From boardrooms to classrooms to the marketplace and ministry, it’s surprising how many adults are concerned about how others think about them.
More than salary, raises, promotions or perks, there are two big factors indicating happiness within your team members. One has to do with how much constructive feedback and encouragement a leader gives to his employee or team members. The other has to do with the feeling of being liked. Does anyone – even one person – truly like them?
The author goes on to say, “It’s the small things, the human things, that make organizations flourish and make people happy.”
Steps For Worship Leaders
What implications does this have for the worship leader and team? How can our team members be happy, fulfilled, and engaged for the long haul?
Let’s take at these two aspects to happiness while serving in ministry, both of which you as the worship leader have control over:
FEEDBACK AND ENCOURAGEMENT
As a worship leader, you have a unique role to speak to the team members in your church. Find ways to encourage and be specific. I find too often my encouragement is too general. I shout, “thanks, it was fun today!” as a worship team member is leaving the building or something like that. But specific encouragement has so much staying power.
If you notice someone served well, practiced hard, or boosted the morale of the team members with an easy-going style, encourage them specifically. Thank them for their contribution and let them know you see it and notice it.
Feedback falls into this category as well. Constructive feedback lets the team members know you care deeply about them as a person and about their ministry being effective. Do this in love while being optimistic and encouraging. You will continually build a culture of helping your worship band improve.
LIKE YOUR TEAM MEMBERS
This is such a simple concept it almost seems crazy to write out in a blog post… but worship leaders should like their team members.
Enjoy visiting. Share stories and jokes. Text updates and reminders. Ask questions and listen to their stories. Engage with them on social media.
In general, like your team members.
Create opportunities for your team to assemble at non-preparation / ministry times. It takes some work, but plan get-togethers, BBQs, meetings, picnics, and whatever you else you can figure out. I know it’s a challenge currently, but there may be other ways to make it happen.
As Christians, we are meant to live in security, but too many live with insecurity. I can see the author’s take on the effect of popularity in the lives of everyday adults. [If you’re interested, this book also has a section on parenting and popularity and how to make popularity or lack of it become a benefit in your life].
So help your team grow in confidence, grow together, encourage and love them and build each other up in the body of Christ.
