Worship Wednesday: Tone, Trust, and the Body of Christ
Worship family, how can I make your job easier?
I was reading a worship blog recently about creating greater unity on any team. It made five compelling points, and the fifth was subtitled: “Give Feedback.” Internally, I recoiled a bit. I have been on the receiving end of plenty of “constructive” critique in my years as a musician, leader, and pastor. Perhaps you can relate. Such “feedback” comes dressed in harsh tones, pointed fingers, and demands. It assumes the worst and results in a sense of inadequacy. Yuck. “Thanks, I was feeling down and I needed a good kick.” How easily we wound each other.
Yet feedback can be an edifying experience, even if the content is critical. The key lies in trust and tone. How does the way you say it impact what you say? Here’s where the article really nailed it. Rather than simply walking up to a team member and addressing mistakes, the suggested first question was: “How can I make your job easier?” How refreshing! Look at all it communicates to the one we are addressing:
It acknowledges their job is difficult and that, as a co-team member, our job impacts theirs. It establishes a sense of togetherness in the willingness to help. It builds trust by assuming a listening posture first. It starts with a helpful tone rather than a critical one. It invites a conversation and provides the necessary time.
Now we just need a gracious response and we can add this conversation to the win category. How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1).
It can be hard in the middle of a difficult rehearsal or a service when it feels like we are singing the wrong parts, lacking cohesion as a band, or struggling to communicate across a venue between tech and platform. But it can be so good! We can choose a tone that builds trust and a greater sense of family. This is something many of us are doing well, but a goal we can never stop striving for. In this, we can offer a pleasing aroma of worship.
The article concluded with this final, wonderful thought: “One of the most important things you can say to someone is that you genuinely appreciate them and the role they play in the worship team.” Amen. Can I encourage us all to continue to be the kind of people who freely and eagerly share such sentiment? It can feel awkward in the moment, but it can make all the difference.
Here then is our primary objective every time we serve: Before musical mastery, before technical proficiency, our goal in rehearsing and serving is to build each other up. Prepare with prayer. Come ready with encouragements. Come ready to ask how we can help. Come ready to assume the absolute best of each other as unique, yet equally important parts of the same body. 1 Cor. 12:12-27 captures this spirit perfectly. It is a familiar passage, and well worth reading again.
Reflect:
In the days leading up to Sunday, will you join me? Let’s soak in this passage and begin to ask ourselves, “What’s one practical step I can take to build my team members up this week?” “How can I make someone’s job easier?” Thanks for loving each other well in honor of the One who first loved us. As always, it is an honor to serve with you.