Worship Leadership
a dirty job at times.
One of the most challenging role of a Worship Pastor/Music Minister is serving as a manager/supervisor. As a manager/supervisor I am responsible for everything in my area of ministry. Depending on the size of your ministry team, there is usually tens to hundreds of people under your leadership. Whenever there are people involved in anything, the chances for conflict and disharmony are close behind. When there are musicians involved, the chances are almost certain. We could cover a host of issues as managers/supervisors. This brief article will cover a few duties of conflict management.
Musicians Ego:
You would think in the church, conflict should be a non issue. We are Christians and Christians should not fight or struggle with ego and moral issues. We should approach ministry with a servant's heart... ready to play as part of the team. Right.
No where in the church are egos bigger than in the music department. What we have to do is become the watchdogs if you will. We have to first keep our own egos in check and then watch out for others. In most instances it's not a conscious thing. There are really only a few people that I have encountered in the ministry who have abrasive egos. When egos pop up, we have to be willing to step in and re-state our purpose and goals. In some cases there may be a parting of the ways. In others there may be a mutual understanding and resolve that only strengthens the team and helps it to grow to higher levels. When egos arise and become a hindrance to our ministries, we have to find loving ways to find resolve. There is no place for egos in worship and the ministry of worship.
Conflict:
If you have served in the church for any length of time, you understand that conflict is inevitable. There are personality differences, jealousies, in some cases immoral situations, struggles for leadership, and more. The question is not will it occur, but when will it occur? How we handle each situation will determine how long we will last in ministry. Most musicians are pacifists. We tend to be easy going and laid back. We don't like to deal with problems and conflict. Just let me make music and I will be alright. Unfortunately, in the church, we don't have that luxury. We are not only musicians but managers. Fortunately I have the support of my Senior Pastor. He expects me to handle things in a firm and gracious manner. He expects me to step in when conflict arises and do what it takes to get things resolved. It's not my favorite part of the job but it is a necessary part.
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This is the debut album by EXW friend Paul Langford. Paul is a Chicago based singer, arranger, keyboardist, producer and conductor. Paul has a career that spans 14 years. Paul's work includes arranging for groups like GLAD, Voices of Liberty, VoiceTrek, The Chicago based "Caroling Party" and Day of Discovery Singers. His arranging has appeared on recordings side by side with greats like Gene Puerling and David Maddux, and he has sung with Don Shelton, Bonnie Herman and Bob Bowker, among others.