EQUIPPED WORSHIP
GETTING TO KNOW EQUIPPED WORSHIP ’ S ROSS FISHBURN | Bruce Adolph
We recently had a chance to get to know Ross Fishburn from Equipped Worship . We thought you might be interested in what they offer for fellow worship leaders …
[ WM ] What is your background in worship music Ross ?
[ Ross Fishburn ] I ’ ve been leading worship for nearly 20 years in various capacities and in a variety of church traditions . Most recently , I was on Shane & Shane ’ s team at The Worship Initiative producing content and music . I ’ ve played the role of worship leader , music director , producer , and professional musician for many years , and continue to serve in this way !
[ WM ] What is Equipped Worship ?
[ Ross ] At Equipped Worship , we provide personalized mentoring that is tailored for the leader , their team , and their church to develop competency in all areas of worship ministry including leadership , systems design , team training , discipleship , audio visual and technology training . We do this in order to ensure that you , as a leader , equip the saints for the work of the ministry .
Equipped Worship is committed to biblically encouraging and practically equipping worship leaders . The Equipped Worship team of coaches will help the leader evaluate and re-evaluate their ministry through a personalized development plan . Through weekly conversations with their coach , they will develop the ability to think deeply about their ministry goals and biblical mission . The leader will grow in their ability to assess their ministry context in order to effectively communicate God ’ s mission to their local church . One of our experienced coaches will help to define the leader ’ s gifts and passions , and help them to communicate spiritual , technical , and creative goals for their team . The leader will feel supported in leadership , music , biblical calling , and methodology .
[ WM ] Why did you feel compelled to start a mentorship program ?
[ Ross ] Most worship leaders , dare I say leaders , don ’ t receive one-on-one mentoring or regular feedback . There are a lot of virtual resources , but not many mentors . I feel stirred to see healthy worship leaders in healthy churches , and having someone who teaches , helps or gives advice can be a real lifeline to the ill-equipped worship leader .
[ WM ] How does a worship leader get started ?
[ Ross ] Visit
equippedworship . com , and click
Get Started . The leader will be emailed a short submission form that will provide us information regarding their ministry context , challenges , hopes , and vision . The worship leader will then have a free 30-minute face-to-face video call with the coach to dive deeper into the three , six , or nine month plans and how it could benefit them and their ministry .
[ WM ] What content is covered ?
[ Ross ] We will create a personalized work and development plan tailored to the leader ’ s growth areas and ministry needs , and they will receive support and regular feedback through weekly conversations with your coach , as we review your worship services and rehearsals .
We will cover topics such as : Biblical Office of the Worship Leader , Worship Set and
Rehearsal Review , IEQ9 Leadership Personality Test , Personalized Work & Development Plan , Volunteer Development Pipeline , 5 Practices of Leadership , Gospel Worship Foundations , Worship Song Integration , Developing a Satisfying Volunteer Culture , Leading an Effective Rehearsal , Service Elements and Systems Efficiency , Vision for Congregational Singing , Relationship With the Lead Pastor , Winning with Every Age Demographic , and more .
[ WM ] How is the program structured ?
[ Ross ] The worship leader can choose from a 3 month , 6 month , or 9 month development plan option , depending on their needs and hopes . The leader will meet with their coach weekly for one hour over a virtual video call .
[ WM ] Who are the coaches ?
[ Ross ] They are trusted and experienced leaders , teachers , songwriters , producers , musicians , artists , and pastors who have had a personal impact on me . They are ecumenicallyminded , and educated ministers with a variety of church backgrounds , who love God ’ s word , and who love the Church .
[ WM ] What ’ s the difference between going to a conference and what Equipped Worship provides ?
[ Ross ] Conferences are wonderful ! They offer much inspiration , but oftentimes not enough practical takeaways for the individual ’ s unique context . Equipped Worship provides weekly , personalized development , accountability , and face-to-face mentoring for the worship leader and worship team . We also provide hands-on team workshops held at the worship leader ’ s church , in their space .
[ WM ] Sounds great – thank you for your time !
[ Ross ] You are welcome !