To lose talent like mine, the team can't afford
They need me, O they need me
Every service they need me
I'll bless them with my presence
Until eternity
I think this bastardized hymn sings in the brain of every worship leader - full-time, part-time, volunteer - it doesn't matter.
I tweeted on Saturday: A first - not scheduled to play or lead worship this Sunday. Not sure I remember how to sit still in church...
I had taken two weeks off and decided to schedule myself off at both campuses for the third Sunday as well. I was returning late in the week and didn't want to have to rush back to leading. I figured I'd just jump on electric guitar at our Lex campus. But then this still small voice cut through my inner song of self-delusion: they don't need you.
Sure they do.
No. They don't.
But I'm just going to play electric guitar. I'm not taking over or anything.
Electric guitar would be nice. But do you really think you need to be there?
Aw, crud.
Too often worship leaders, especially us "professionals," only give up leadership when we're on vacation. It's a disorder called LIDs. "Leadership Insecurity Disorder" makes us think we're indispensable. Don't get me wrong, working towards indispensability should be the goal. But am I indispensable because I work to make the team better, stronger and deeper (musically, relationally and spiritually)? Or because I'm the only one who can quarterback? And don't make me mad, because I'll just leave and take the ball with me.So figure out a way to take a week off without being gone. The perspective from the pew will recalibrate your leadership.
By the way, the team did great without me. And while not leading or playing guitar in a worship service was a little weird, I think I could get used to it. Once a month. Maybe. (I might not be entirely sanctified in this area yet...)
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What would it take for you to NOT lead/play on in your situation?
What has been your experience when you have delegated leadership?
Leave comments here, or tweet them to me @jonnicol.
Ifg I took a week off, there would be not piano, and my Pastor would have to lead worship...which isn't bad thing, but that's usually not what is on his mind on a Sunday morning. So...yeah.
ReplyDeleteI wish sometimes I could sit and just be built up by the worship and the message. But my wife and I are the only musicians at the church on a regular basis so taking off is almost out of the question. We literally have to leave town to get a week off. But yes, I do suppose that worship would still happen if I wasn't leading. :-) I'd love to see it one day.
ReplyDeleteRM - your comment took me back to my first two churches when "leaving town" was the only option to not lead. I definitely feel for you. Feel free to drop me an email if you ever need to vent.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever thought of teaching them how to have corporate worship without singing? It's something I've been thinking more and more about, even in my current context when I have people to fall back on. I haven't tried it yet, but I'd like to. Anyone else ever tried that?