you ’ ll revisit throughout the year .
3 . UNPREPARED TEAM MEMBERS Holidays can bring out the best and worst in preparation . Some team members will rise to the occasion , while others might show up late to rehearsals or unprepared for performances . Quick Fix for Christmas : Be clear about expectations . Provide a checklist for preparation and follow up with gentle reminders . Celebrate team members who come ready — it sets a positive tone . Long-Term Fix for 2025 : In January , hold a team meeting to reflect on the Christmas season . Discuss what preparation habits need to improve and work together to set new standards .
4 . ASSISTANTS VS . LEADERS It ’ s tempting during Christmas to delegate tasks to anyone willing to help , but true leaders aren ’ t built overnight . Quick Fix for Christmas : Identify one or two potential leaders and give them small opportunities to lead — whether it ’ s coordinating a rehearsal or managing a tech setup . Long-Term Fix for 2025 : Dedicate time each month to mentoring these leaders . By next
Christmas , you ’ ll have a stronger team to share the load .
5 . MISMATCH BETWEEN VALUES AND REALITY Christmas is a season of high ideals — peace , joy , and unity . But if your team ’ s culture doesn ’ t reflect those values , it can feel like you ’ re swimming against the tide . Quick Fix for Christmas : Focus on one core value , like joy or excellence , and find ways to emphasize it throughout the season . For example , start rehearsals with a moment of gratitude or prayer . Long-Term Fix for 2025 : Use the slower pace of January to evaluate your team culture . Compare your current reality to your aspirational values , and plan practical steps to close the gap .
LAUNCHING INTO 2025 The stress of Christmas doesn ’ t have to define the rest of your ministry year . By implementing these fixes now , you can move into January with a sense of renewal and purpose .
Here ’ s a plan to get started in the New Year : Schedule a Team Retreat : Use January to reflect on the Christmas season and refocus on the year ahead .
Audit Your Systems : Identify which processes need the most attention and tackle them one at a time . Invest in Leaders : Begin meeting regularly with emerging leaders to equip them for greater roles . Set Clear Goals : Choose one or two areas for growth in 2025 , such as team culture or preparation standards . Celebrate Progress : Recognize how far you ’ ve come and encourage your team to embrace the journey ahead .
As you prepare for the New Year , remember this : leading worship is not about perfection . It ’ s about creating a space where people can connect with God . By taking steps to reduce your stress , you ’ ll not only lead with more joy — you ’ ll inspire your team and congregation to experience the true heart of worship .
Let ’ s make 2025 your best year yet .
Matt Miller Matt lives in Cincinnati , OH with his wife Kara and their daughter Melody . He ’ s the Head Coach of WorshipTeamCoach . com and WorshipWorkshop . com , two sites that help worship leaders make every Sunday exceptional . If you want to explore coaching or mentoring with the WorshipTeamCoach team visit this page . WorshipTeamCoach . com WorshipWorkshop . com photo by little plant via Unsplash
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