FEATURE
[ ATTRACTING AND KEEPING GREAT PLAYERS | Paul Herman ]
Play skillfully with a shout of joy. Psalm 33:3
VALUE THEIR FAMILIES
healthy environment of give-and-take.
Musicians’ families are long-suffering—through
It’s like a spark that ignites. When skillful When leadership is absent, two scenarios marathon rehearsals, jam sessions, recording
musicians come together in a true spirit of typically play out—and in either case, the sessions, etc. And musicians can be notorious
worship, the combined energy within the results are not pretty. Here’s the less typical for taking their family’s sacrifice for granted.
worship band is infectious and invigorating scenario. When a leader is complacent or Be aware of the family dynamics for each of
for the whole congregation. On the flip side, ineffective, one of the musicians may try to your musicians. Stress to your musicians that
when it’s clear that the worship band is usurp the leader role, which can lead to a lot of a healthy ministry role at church begins with a
struggling musically, there is an awkwardness friction and confusion. Then, there’s the more healthy family life at home.
and hesitation that quickly sets in over common scenario. Most musicians don’t want the congregation—and frustration for the confrontation, but frustration and resentment Ultimately, there will come a conflict. You
worship leader. will eventually build to the point where there’s really need your best drummer for the Easter
a lot of “complaining within the ranks.” Or they concert, but his family needs him for the once-
THE TWO KEYS simply leave and seek out a band situation with a-year family reunion. This is your chance to
For worship leaders and music directors, healthy leadership. put priorities into practice. Ultimately, it comes
what are the two keys to attract and keep
good players?
down to what is more important: is it a stable
As a leader, have the courage to lead. If you’re groove for the Easter concert, or is it a stable
not a strong enough player, singer, or leader to family whose priorities are supported and
1. Pray for a great core of players. lead with confidence, then have the courage to encouraged by their music pastor?
2. Become one yourself. confront your own deficiencies and work hard
VALUE LESSER PLAYERS
to improve them.
Great players love to play with great players— A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to
which can also provide an environment that have a violinist on my worship team who was
inspires less accomplished players and helps
them improve. But it all starts with leadership.
THE COURAGE TO LEAD
A critical responsibility of the worship leader or
music director is creating an environment where
each player in a worship band understands
when it’s their time to support and when it’s
their time to “stretch out.” Mature players
understand the courtesy of give-and-take in a
group setting, and it often helps in the bonding
process of good musicians becoming a
Get to know the a state champion fiddler. Obviously, he was a
people behind the the team. But one day, he pulled me aside and
abilities. Value about being part of the team was the way
them. Take a other violinists—who we both knew weren’t as
joy to play with, and he enjoyed being part of
told me that one thing he really appreciated
that I could arrange meaningful parts for the
accomplished as him.
genuine interest
It’s absolutely vital to value the contribution of
in them…
every team member—and to put each player
into situations in which they can thrive. That’s
good band.
one of a leader’s most important responsibilities.
VALUE THE PERSON
But problems arise when one or more players Musicians, are This article started out with the premise of
don’t understand band dynamics and are accustomed to receiving affirmation for what how to attract and keep great players. But it’s
overplaying all the time, leaving no room for they do rather than for who they are. Get to really about how to lead effectively. It’s one and
anyone else (the musical equivalent of a ball- know the people behind the abilities. Value the same.
hog). In that situation, the worship leader/ them. Take a genuine interest in them… musical director (the musical equivalent of a and the rest of their lives outside the church coach) needs to quickly and courageously take worship team, and even outside the sphere of whatever steps are necessary to establish a music itself.
52
January 2018
especially
great
ones,
Paul Herman
Songwriter, Worship Leader,
Creator. Vancouver, WA
WorshipMusician.com
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