Worship Musician August 2019 | Page 68

LEADERSHIP NAVIGATING THE 4 MAIN TYPES OF MINISTRY CHANGES | Brian Fuller Out of all the tasks we will ever do as worship NOTE: Before you make any changes, small or 4 MAIN TYPES OF CHANGES YOU WILL FACE IN leaders, the most important ones will not just large, please take your time and get information! MINISTRY be directing the band, making sure the vocalist I’ve seen too many worship leaders make the are in tune or making sure the production fatal mistake of rushing into change too fast team knows what’s going on. The most and having it cost them tremendously. I have critical tests of our leadership will actually actually done this myself over the years and be shepherding people through new and now I offer to you some free time-saving advice uncharted seasons of ministry that include to save you the hassle of making the same many difficult changes. Sometimes they will mistakes I did! 1. excited about! 2. you are excited about 3. 4. changes. Sometimes they will be changes we someone else implements. Either way, we are going to need to be change agents! We must become experts at leading people through tough changes. This skill will not only help us implement new ideas smoothly, but it will also allow us to care for people properly, further our reach for the kingdom and insure healthy ministry environments. While it is not easy, it is also not rocket science. In this article we will cover some tips on how to successfully lead through changes. Here are some examples of some changes that most of us will probably need to navigate at some point over our ministry careers. 1. Changing musical styles. 2. Changing up team members and/or philosophies of worship. 3. Changes that someone else controls that Changes that you control and very few people are excited about. be small changes, sometimes they will be big implement and sometimes they will be changes Changes that you control, and everyone is Changes that someone else controls that you are not excited about! I’ve seen too While all of these types of change have unique many worship challenges, some of them are more challenging than others. However, the one thing that remains the same is that great leadership is leaders make necessary to navigate any kind of change! the fatal mistake For all 4 of these scenarios, here are some of rushing into moving forward with any of the changes. things to make sure to think through before 1. GO SLOW. Remember, a great idea may change too become a terrible idea if implemented too fast and having early or without vision to why you are changing things. If people are caught off guard, they may be less likely to adapt to the new changes. If it cost them they feel well informed and included, they are tremendously. happens! likely to come along for the ride and see what Changing physical environment such as 2. DEVELOP A CLEAR ‘WHY.’ Every change that lighting, instruments, stage, the color of you make should be for an intentional and the paint on the walls. While there are an infinite number of changes certain purpose. Change should be fueled by 4. Changing buildings or locations. you can experience, fortunately, there only are the need to progress and grow not just for 5. Changing leadership such as senior 4 main categories, or types, of changes you personal preference. That purpose should be pastors, music directors and student will have to face. You will most likely experience clearly defined, well-articulated, and delivered pastors. all or some combination of these changes in stages. 6. Budget cuts. throughout your ministry so below are some 7. Implementing new technologies such as tips and hints on how to navigate them in a 3. LAY OUT THE ‘HOW AND WHEN.’ Deliver a clear click tracks, multi-tracks and pads. healthy way. plan and path for how these changes will be implemented, what part each person will play These are just a few, but you get the picture! and the time frame upon which the changes will be completed 68 August 2019 Subscribe for Free...