"IN THE BEGINNING . . .”

by Sandy Hoffman

“Mommy, where do little worship teams come from?” “Good question, Tommy.”

       From Jubal? The Levites? David? Paul? We know that God doesn’t simply speak them into existence. There are steps to be taken; steps of faith which lead to fruit. Like any other functioning unit, a worship team must begin with a leader, a true leader. One who is strong, confident, visionary, pastoral and… Wait a minute! How about human?

       Just two Sundays ago I began serving as the Director of Worship Arts for Grace Community Church in Santa Fe, NM. The first thing I did? Stood before the new congregation and firmly suggested that in 2 Samuel 6 David was leaping and whirling in his underwear! Great first impression. Glad I didn’t mention the part about Michal, David’s wife, who had no more children after she criticized his uninhibited worship style!

       Now that I’ve made such a powerful first impression, I can proceed to build the new worship team, warts and all.

FREE FORMATION

       Webster says that a team is two or more horses, oxen, etc., harnessed to the same plow. These team members subordinate their individual interests and opinions to the unity and efficiency of the group. Where do little worship teams come from? How do we find members and develop these “horses and oxen” into a well honed worship unit? Here are some helpful suggestions for the Lead Worshiper (the “responsible party”) who’s just forming a team. The goal is that the team will be your friends, colaborors and partners in ministry for years to come.

1- Identify available human resources. That sure sounds sterile, but all it really means is find out who you have to work with. In order to develop a leader’s vision for your new team, you must know the availability and musicianship level of potential members. Plan a special formation meeting and begin to get to know your new worship teammates. Relationship building should be one of your highest priorities.

2- Hold auditions. Ouch! You mean the worship leader has to hear me by myself? The audition is as much a relationship builder as it is an opportunity to hear and place team members where their giftings are most beneficial. Use this time as an opportunity to establish trust between the leader and follower. Blessed are the meek…on both sides.

3- Build relationships. Not only do we need to know the musicianship level of team members, we need to understand their spiritual lives as well. Spend lots of time with your team outside of rehearsals. Create an e-mail group and stay in touch. Have one-on-one coffee meetings. Eat lots of pizza together. Watch movies (instructional, spiritual and downright entertaining). Minister together outside the four walls! Take missions trips together. Attend Worship and Christian music conferences as a team. The world functions in a system of authority and subordination. In the body of Christ, we are about discipling, mentoring and making friends in order to release people to bear fruit for the Kingdom.

4- Disciple your team members. The absence of growth equals death. Spend time identifying and addressing discipleship needs within the team. Create handouts which discuss issues ranging from dress codes to Greek modes. At the beginning of each rehearsal, have prayer and teaching times (keep them short). Sponsor church-wide, even community-wide worship workshops. Enjoy special times of worship and ministry as a team. It’s vitally important for us each to have our own spiritual batteries recharged!

4- 5- Create a corporate mission statement. The best way for team members to get on the same page and take personal ownership of the team vision is to create a vision together! Spend plenty of time in prayer, worship and brainstorming as you write down what the Holy Spirit is saying to each heart. Next, create a mission statement which clearly and concisely articulates the heart of the team for God, and God’s specific calling for the team. You’ll never again have to wonder whether you’re worshiping in the right direction. Just as Abraham Lincoln did, share your vision, repeat your vision, then share your vision again. Keep it in front of the team members, Elders, Deacons, Pastors and the whole church. Never let anyone forget what you’re about! When it’s time to worship you’ll experience a unified focus and a powerful response.

LOOKING FOR ANSWERS

       How did God call you to be a worship leader or musician? What was your response? Were you ready, or at least willing? Short of my conversion experience and subsequent deliverance from smoking (years later—I’m a little slow), my call to be a 20th century “Levite” (now 21st) stands out as one of the most fantastic God–processes in my life. How about you? I’d love to hear your “story” and perhaps share some of it in a future “Tips For Tight Teams” article. Write me here, and let me know how the Lord moved you into the position of service you’re in today.

AT THE END,
Sandy