Communication is one of the most important ingredients in a successful music ministry. Let me share a few things that you ought to be communicating to your music ministry/worship team/whatever you call them…
Encouragement
Let them know when they do a good job. Find more to encourage than you do the correct. I’m pretty meticulous, so this doesn’t come natural to me. But I have learned that if I encourage more than correct, the correction moments are taken seriously and perceived in love.
Vision
You have to let them know that they’re doing more than singing songs. Even more than worshiping the Lord. How does your worship, music, creative, arts team play into the BIG PICTURE at your church. Always revisit this in meetings, even if you simply work it into an opening/closing prayer.
Times
What time are you meeting? When do your people need to arrive. Make sure you aren’t communicating invisible times. I know service starts at ##am, but the time they should arrive is what should be communicated. Don’t pull this, “Five minutes early is on time” garbage. Just clearly communicate you expectations.
New Music
Assuming you are resourcing your team with charts and CDs (or MP3s)… Communicate new music as you’re preparing to start rehearsing it. Don’t introduce songs at the rehearsal you plan on putting the piece together. This could be the missing element separating a musician that frustrates you and a musician that impresses you.
Set List
I know all of our music by memory. Lyrics and instrumentation. This is a high expectation for musicians who aren’t teens. So, let them brush up on the material for the weekend. We communicate the plan for the next two weeks through email, even though they can access set list months in advance on PCO.
I say not teens, because as a former Student Ministry Music Director, I strongly believe in rehearsing them in being off the page.
Special Events
Make sure that your special events and big days are communicated as such. Put some extra info out for everyone, and get it to them sooner that usual. Those big days when the attendance is through the roof can help get everyone through those occasional downer Sundays.
Fellowship Opportunities
It is important that your team feels connected to YOU. Yes, you should be developing leaders. No, you shouldn’t be doing everything. The fact remains… Your team needs to connect with you.
Take time to go to dinner with different groups or sections of your creative arts department. Most creatives are demanding and intimidating. A little relationship goes a LONG way.
Communication is a major component to success… So, good luck!
Blessings!