purpose. You feel frustrated, thinking that they’ re trying to undermine your authority or steal the spotlight.
RESOLUTION:
Take a deep breath and approach the second guitarist after the rehearsal. Express your concerns and feelings, using“ I” statements instead of“ you” statements, which can come across as accusatory. For example:
“ Hey, I wanted to talk to you about the guitar parts during rehearsal. I felt frustrated when I noticed you playing my parts. Can we discuss why you did that?”
The second guitarist might respond that they were trying to add depth to the sound or fill in gaps they thought was necessary. Listen to their perspective and work together to find a solution. Perhaps you can discuss and agree on who plays which parts or find ways to blend your playing styles to create a richer sound. I think another great solution is to discuss which parts you all will be playing before the rehearsal. That way everything is understood.
CONFLICT 2: THE MUSICIANS ARE HAVING CONFLICTS WITH THE WORSHIP LEADER
Picture this scenario: the drummer and bass player are both frustrated with the worship leader’ s direction and communication style. They feel that the leader is dictating how they should play without considering their input or ideas. The worship leader, on the other hand, feels that they’ re trying to maintain a cohesive sound and ensure the team is following the arrangement.
RESOLUTION:
Call a team meeting to discuss the issues and concerns. Encourage open and honest communication, ensuring that everyone has a chance to share their thoughts and feelings. The worship leader should listen actively to the drummer and bass player’ s concerns and be willing to adapt their approach.
One possible solution is to establish a clear communication process, where the worship leader provides detailed arrangements and expectations while also asking for feedback and input from the team. This collaborative approach can help build trust and foster a sense of ownership among team members. Band meetings can be very productive and can provide growth in the team.
CONFLICT 3: PERSONALITY CLASHES AND EGO CONFLICTS
In any team setting, personality clashes and ego conflicts can arise. Perhaps one team member dominates the conversation, while another feels belittled or ignored. Maybe there’ s a perceived hierarchy, with some members feeling more important than others. This is very common and can be very destructive in a worship team.
RESOLUTION:
Address these issues by providing a culture of humility, respect, and empathy. Encourage team members to understand and appreciate each other’ s strengths and weaknesses. Establish clear roles and responsibilities to minimize confusion and overlapping work.
Regular team-building activities, such as social gatherings or workshops, can help foster stronger relationships and improve communication. By building trust and understanding, team members can learn to work together more effectively, putting aside personal differences for the sake of the team and the worship experience. I am a strong believer that doing life together with your team is the best way to build trust, stronger bonds and a safe place to resolve conflicts.
CONFLICT 4: MUSICAL STYLE AND DIRECTION
Imagine a worship team with diverse musical tastes and styles. Some members prefer a more contemporary, upbeat sound, while others prefer a more traditional or reverent approach. These differences can lead to disagreements on the direction of the worship service.
RESOLUTION:
Establish a clear vision and mission for the worship team, focusing on the core purpose of worshiping and honoring God. Encourage team members to share their perspectives and ideas and work together to find a balanced approach that incorporates different styles and tastes. The focus of a worship team shouldn’ t be a“ me” perspective but a perspective that leads to pleasing God instead of ourselves.
Consider seeking guidance from a mentor or experienced worship leader who can provide wisdom and direction. By focusing on the shared goal of creating a meaningful worship experience, the team can work together to find a musical style and direction that honors God and blesses the congregation.
CONCLUSION:
Conflicts in a worship team are inevitable, but they don’ t have to be destructive. By approaching conflicts with empathy, humility, and great communication, teams can resolve issues and create a harmonious and meaningful worship experience. Remember that conflicts can be opportunities for growth, learning, and building stronger relationships.
As worship team members, we’ re called to serve and worship God together, using our unique gifts and talents to create a cohesive and impactful experience. By working through conflicts and finding resolutions, we can build a stronger, more unified team that brings glory to God and blesses the congregation.
Chris Rocha Chris Rocha is an American Christian producer, guitarist, business owner and pioneer in the Spanish Christian music industry. He is a two time Dove Award winner, has worked on two Grammy award winning records and has produced or recorded guitars on 5 Grammy nominated albums.
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