8 Essentials of a Thriving Worship Ministry
Healthy Culture and Relationships
Culture is created by what you celebrate and what you tolerate — and it's the leader's job to set it.
Culture is created by what you celebrate and what you tolerate. The good you celebrate and the bad you allow are what shape your team.
Culture isn’t mystical — it’s simply how people interact with each other, made up of all the tiny micro-interactions your team has week to week. As the leader you’re the Chief Interaction Officer: you set the tone. And even if you’re not the primary leader, every team member adds to or subtracts from the culture — so you can choose to add.
Action items
Look at yourself first
- Gossip or negativity on the team usually stems from the leader. Be the thermostat that sets the temperature, not the thermometer that reflects it.
Be positive and celebrate others
- Be encouraging, kind, and welcoming. Build a family environment where people feel they belong.
- Call out the best in people — believe in them before they believe in themselves.
Be honest and straightforward
- Have direct conversations about what’s good and what could be better. Don’t leave people guessing.
- Honesty fuels trust. Don’t talk about people behind their backs, and don’t let team members do it either. Build a culture of candor.
Show care
- Care about people’s lives, not just their talent.
- Invite the people on the edges of a group conversation in, so it feels like family.
- Text and call to check in, take people for coffee, pray for them when they share something hard, and open your home (potlucks, discipleship groups, parties).