Four Ways Team Members Can Support Their Team Leader

We were had just finished up the worship set for our second of three Christmas Eve services. A few of the band members asked if it would be okay if they ran to a fast food restaurant to grab something to eat. I said, “No problem” and they went on their way. I went into the worship center and took a seat. The message wrapped up and then came the verbal cue to go back on stage to finish out the service with our traditional version of “Silent Night”. As the pastor prayed, I made my way on stage, grabbed a microphone and closed my eyes. Suddenly, I got this urgent feeling that I needed to turn around. I slowly turned my head to glance at the band members behind me and then my stomach dropped. There were only two of the five band members on stage with me! Worse, yet, I was left with a bass player and a drummer. Not a combination that makes for a sweet traditional version of “Silent Night”.

Thankfully, I had a moment of clarity and whispered “don’t play” behind me just as the pastor said “amen”. I stepped to the front of the stage and lead the congregation completely ON MY OWN. No music, no other vocalists, just me and my voice. Thankfully, no one knew that was not the original plan.  As the service ended, I saw the missing band members frantically making their way into the worship center with looks of horror on their faces. They had simply lost track of time and didn’t make it back.  Now, six years later, that story is one I tell every worship team member as they come aboard. Its truly a story that I can laugh at now but, there is still a slight feeling of panic when a team member hasn’t made it on the stage before the service countdown hits one minute.

Most team members that volunteer at a church have no intention on causing stress or extra work on their team leader.  Thankfully, there are are a few simple ways that they can not only support their team leader, but make the team stronger. Here are three things team members can do to support their leader:

1. Communicate

Communication is a key ingredient for any healthy team. As a team member, its important to let your team leader know dates you are unavailable. if you use websites such as Planning Center Online, simply block out dates. Be timely in responding to schedule requests.  This allows your leader to find a replacement quickly if you are not available. Its also very important to be honest with your commitment level. If you feel you are scheduled more often then you want, speak up. Likewise, if you would love to serve more often, mention that you are available if needed.

2. Prepare

If you are on a team that requires you to prepare ahead of time- make sure to do that. For those who are vocalists or band members, set aside time to run through the music and work out your parts before rehearsal. If you run sound, its a great idea to listen to the set list and get familiar with the songs for that week. Sunday mornings, give yourself time to get out the door on time so you are not late.  Preparing ahead of time not only benefits the team dynamics but you will find that serving is less stressful and more enjoyable because you simply made the time.

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Preparing ahead of time not only benefits the dynamic of your team, but also causes less stress. @kimmyaporter Click To Tweet

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3. Recruit

The best people to recruit for teams is those who are already serving on the team! You have a skill or gift and you probably find it easy to talk with others about what you do. Use your knowledge and experience to invite others who have similar skills to join.  Not only will your team grow, but you might even make a few new friends along the way.