review. Not a secret ploy to guilt someone into staying. Just a kind, clear way to say:“ We care more about you than your position on the rotation.”
It works in two simple parts:
RECAP = REFLECT Ask:
•“ How did this season feel for you?”
•“ What’ s been life-giving or draining?”
•“ Were you able to worship while serving?”
This isn’ t a trick question. It’ s an invitation to honesty. Give people room to tell the truth— even if it’ s messy.
Want to break the ice a little?“ On a scale of 1 to‘ I hear Planning Center reminders in my dreams,’ how overwhelmed are you right now?”( Laughter tends to unlock honest answers.)
RE-UP = RECOMMIT Next, ask the question that keeps your rotation from turning into a runaway train:“ Would you like to re-up for the next season?” No pressure. No pitch. Just a check-in.
And— don’ t miss this— always ask:“ Have you had a chance to talk it over with your family or spouse?”
Because someone might feel 100 % ready to serve, but their spouse is over there like,“ We haven’ t had a full weekend together since Lent.”
Pastoring your team well includes caring for their household health. A family-backed‘ yes’ is far more sustainable than a guilt-fueled one.
Why This Works( and Keeps Working)“ Carry each other’ s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”— Galatians 6:2
Over time, this simple rhythm builds:
• Trust – People know they can be honest
• Health – Rest becomes normalized, not shameful
• Clarity – You don’ t have to guess who’ s still in
• Culture – The team starts expecting and valuing the rhythm
Plus, it saves you from awkward coffee conversations that start with,“ So … where have you been since June?”
A Few Bonus Questions to Consider“ Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”— Hebrews 10:24
Want to go deeper without making it weird? Try these:
•“ Have you sensed any spiritual growth through serving?”
•“ Do you feel relationally connected to the team?”
•“ Is there something you’ d like to do more or less of next time around?”
And here’ s one that can lead to honest gold:
•“ If there’ s one thing you’ d tweak, simplify, or quietly retire— what would it be?”
You might get some laughs(“ Can we please retire the fog machine during communion?”), but you’ ll also uncover valuable feedback from the people who know your ministry best.
What If They Say“ No”? You smile. You thank them. You bless their honesty. And you keep the door open for next time. A“ no” now doesn’ t mean“ never.” It often just means“ not this season.”
Create a culture where that’ s not only acceptable— but expected.
Making It Practical You don’ t need a complicated system. Just: 1. Define your seasons 2. Block off 2 weeks at the end of each season 3. Have 10 – 15 min check-ins with each team member 4. Use the Recap & Re-Up format 5. Bless whatever answer they give
If you lead a small team, this is easy. If your team is larger, share the load with other leaders or coordinators. The key is consistency, not perfection.
Final Word“ Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”— Matthew 11:28
Recap & Re-Up is a simple rhythm that fosters connection, care, and clarity. It helps your team serve from a place of health, not habit. It shows them they’ re valued for who they are— not just what they do.
And maybe, just maybe, it’ ll help someone say“ yes” again— not because they feel obligated, but because they feel seen.
Remember, even Jesus took naps. So, if your acoustic player needs a season off, let’ s honor that with grace— not guilt.
Your ministry is at its best when your people are healthy. Let’ s lead them like it.
Matt Miller Matt helps worship leaders build healthy, joy-filled teams through WorshipTeamCoach. com. He lives in Cincinnati with his wife Kara, their daughter Melody, and a deep desire not to be a control freak— though he keeps adding new tech gear and praying the church network can handle it come Sunday morning. Learn more at... WorshipTeamCoach. com WorshipWorkshop. com
34 August 2025 Subscribe for Free...