WORSHIP LEADERS
WHY LATE TEAM MEMBERS HURT YOUR TEAM ( MORE THAN YOU THINK ) | Matt Miller
In the ever-evolving world of music ministry , there ’ s one issue that transcends generational gaps and demands our attention : the impact of team members showing up late . Whether you ’ re a tech-savvy Gen Z , a not-so-skinny-jean millennial , a Gen X guitar virtuoso , or a Baby Boomer choir conductor , the consequences of tardiness affect us all . Let ’ s dive into why this seemingly trivial issue is a far bigger deal than you might initially think .
BAD : Imagine this : it ’ s the beginning of a rehearsal , and the band is tuned up , vocalists are ready to shine , and then it hits you – “ Hold on , where ’ s [ insert name ]?” It could be any member – the drummer , the guitarist , the sound tech , or perhaps a background vocalist . The role doesn ’ t matter ; what matters is your team isn ’ t ready , and that ’ s already a sour note . But guess what ? It can get even more complicated .
WORSE : Consider another scenario : you scan the stage at the start of rehearsal , and half the team is MIA , while the rest are still setting up their gear . But hold onto your conductor ’ s baton ; it gets worse .
WORST : Now , picture this : you , the leader , stroll in fashionably late , thinking you can save the day and make up for lost time . Well , surprise , surprise , you find out the team is just following your lead ( remember that “ Worse ” scenario ?). Late . Tardy . Unpunctual . Call it what you want – it ’ s wreaking havoc on our worship teams in more ways than you ’ d imagine .
THE EIGHT LATE LOSSES Let ’ s break down the eight ways that lateness is taking its toll on our music ministries :
1 . LOSS OF REHEARSAL TIME : Rehearsals stretch longer , or Sunday mornings become a chaotic scramble to catch up .
2 . LOSS OF SOUNDCHECK / WARM-UP TIME : Unlike midweek rehearsals , Sunday soundchecks have a set time limit . Latecomers squander precious moments .
3 . LOSS OF RESPECT AMONG TEAM MEMBERS : Beneath the surface , resentment and frustration brew . “ This person is wasting our time . AGAIN .” It ’ s not just the latecomer – even leaders face a loss of respect .
4 . LOSS OF FOCUS FOR TEAM MEMBERS : Latecomers disrupt the flow , taking precious time to settle in and focus .
5 . LOSS OF FOCUS FOR THE LEADER : Worship leaders find their well-planned rehearsals turning into chaotic jam sessions .
6 . LOSS OF TIME AND ENERGY OUTSIDE REHEARSAL : Confronting tardy members consumes emotional energy and precious time outside of rehearsals .
7 . LOSS OF ACCOUNTABILITY : Tardiness left unchecked sends a clear signal – “ It ’ s okay to be late !” When leaders are chronically late , the message amplifies .
8 . LOSS OF FOUNDATIONAL VALUES : Punctuality should be a cornerstone behavior for any worship team . Lose that , and other values start slipping too .
SEVEN STEPS TO LATE-PROOF YOUR TEAM : How can you change this culture of lateness ? Here are seven actionable steps :
1 . NEVER ACCOMMODATE THE LATE : Stick to your schedule . Don ’ t adjust rehearsal times to suit latecomers , penalizing the punctual .
2 . TALK ABOUT WHY PROMPTNESS MATTERS : Discuss the importance of being on time with your team , using the “ Late Losses ” as a starting point .
3 . LEAD BY EXAMPLE : Leaders , be early and exceptionally prepared . Set the standard for professionalism and punctuality .
4 . CHANGE YOUR LANGUAGE : Replace “ start ” time with “ ready to play ” time . Emphasize that on-time doesn ’ t mean arrival time .
5 . START ON TIME : No exceptions . Even if some members are missing , let social pressure discourage tardiness .
6 . CONFRONT THE CHRONICALLY LATE : Approach with grace , not blame . Use questions that show concern rather than accusations .
7 . EFFICIENT REHEARSALS : Run rehearsals efficiently . Eliminate excuses for latecomers who claim , “ We waste so much time at the beginning anyway ...”
38 October 2023 Subscribe for Free ...