Our Goals

Without a goal we drift and never know if we’re succeeding. But here’s the encouraging part: if you’re doing these things, you are a successful worship leader regardless of the externals — even if it’s 20 people in a room with an acoustic guitar and a cajón.

Measure what Jesus measures

It’s easy to judge by the wrong metrics — gear, lights, team size, album streams. But a ministry can have all the externals and still be a “whitewashed tomb,” full of bitterness and gossip. “The Lord sees not as man sees… the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). God is after spiritual fruit — love, joy, kindness, purity, humility, hunger for Him. These metrics transcend style, size, and budget, which levels the playing field for every ministry. Get the heart right; let size and excellence be added bonuses.

Four goals

1. Love. Mark your ministry by care, concern, compassion, and community. It should feel like family. “If I sing with the tongues of angels but have not love, I am nothing.”
2. Discipleship. Music ministry isn’t about making music — it’s about making disciples. Music is just the excuse to gather each week. Disciple your team by speaking the truth in love, and multiply — reproduce yourself and raise up the next generation of musicians and leaders. Disciple your congregation through thoughtful, Christ-centered service planning.
3. Administer the gospel. People need the gospel more than they need a great band. Keep it central — in song choices (at least one song each week about Christ’s grace and sacrifice), and among your team by modeling repentance, sharing your struggles appropriately, and extending grace.
4. A worshiping church. Help your church sing. Worship is about the people expressing worship to God, not about you. As Keith Getty says, the first question off the stage should be: “How was the church singing today?” — not “who missed the B chord?”

Three principles

How you pursue those goals matters as much as the goals themselves.

• Faithfulness. Honor God at every step, even in the small things. Don’t pirate tracks or cut corners to “build His ministry” — that obliterates the point. God cares how you get there, not just that you get there.
• Excellence. Excellence isn’t perfection; it’s doing your best with what you have right now. God doesn’t expect a cathedral if He gave you two cans of Play-Doh — but He does expect your best with the Play-Doh. It’s a moving target, so keep progressing.
• Stewardship. Take what God entrusted to you — people, gear, your own musicianship — and return it better than you found it. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Application

• Write down how you’ve secretly been measuring “success.” How does it line up with Jesus’ metrics?
• Of the four goals — love, discipleship, gospel, a singing church — which is strongest in your ministry right now? Which is weakest?
• Where are you tempted to cut a corner (faithfulness), settle below your best (excellence), or let something decline (stewardship)? Pick one to address.