Worship Musician Magazine July 2023 | Page 38

MULTITRACKS
INCLUSION OVER QUALITY , PEOPLE OVER PRODUCTION | Kristian Ponsford
King David is one of my favorite Bible characters . His life is filled with lessons we can all learn , especially as worship leaders . In particular , I find his journey from Psalm 142 to 2 Samuel incredibly inspiring . It ’ s a testament to the power of investing in people and leading excellently .
In Psalm 142 , King David is feeling overwhelmed and alone . His prayer is one that many worship leaders and creatives have also prayed . He acknowledges his calling , the anointing on his life , but expresses a need for assistance . David recognizes that he cannot fulfill his purpose alone ; he needs a team . This is a feeling that many of us can relate to . We may have a calling or a dream , but we need more resources or support to make it happen .
Fast forward to 2 Samuel , and we see a completely different King David . The Bible tells us he is now surrounded by some of the world ’ s best warriors ; their achievements are vast and world-changing . They are all so loyal to him that when David longs for a drink from a particular well , these warriors break camp in the middle of the night and cross enemy lines to retrieve that drink !
What changed ? How did David , that found himself alone , end up with a team willing to risk their lives for him ?
The answer lies in 1 Samuel , where we learn about King David being in a cave with a group of people who were desperate , lonely , despondent , in debt , and down on their luck . Despite their challenging circumstances , King David commands and leads them with excellence . Amazingly , the same people who surrounded him in his darkest moments became those great warriors .
This story is a powerful reminder that the answer to our prayers for better resources , skills , or abilities may already be in our midst . I ’ ve found myself saying , “ If only I had that team , that drummer , that sound tech , “ But what if we need to invest in the people around us and help them become all they are designed to be ? When we lead with excellence and invest in those around us , we can create a team of loyal and capable warriors who will support us in fulfilling our purpose .
Reflecting on my 20 years in ministry , I don ’ t remember the moments of worship we help craft or the tight sound we produce . I actually reflect on the missed opportunities to raise and equip the team I was entrusted with . Often , without knowing , I chose quality over inclusion , production over people .
I ’ m typing this from the MultiTracks head office in Austin , Texas . Just today , we shared stories of Worship Leaders who , using some of our resources , have managed to lead their teams with more care and attentiveness . Our mission at MultiTracks . com is centered around saving the worship leader time so they can focus on what really matters . Every time an arrangement is made in Playback , a chord chart is opened in ChartBuilder , a RehearsalMix is shared in Planning Center or any other of our resources , we track that time saved and celebrate .
Today I want to encourage you to invest more in your team . Take the time to get to know them , understand their strengths and weaknesses , and help them develop their skills . Check out our ecosystem to see how much time you can save and reinvest that into your team . When you invest in your team , you invest in your success . And you never know ; the people you surround yourself with may become the warriors who will help you fulfill your purpose .
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Kristian Ponsford Director of Products & Market Development at MultiTracks . com , and he is passionate about helping worship leaders lead worship well .
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38 July 2023 Subscribe for Free ...