This week’s newsletter has proven to be tougher to nail down than any of the posts I’ve written in the past.
Much of the topics I’ve been wrestling with lately are shifting my writing from the “how-to” and more into “here’s why—and you might not agree or appreciate it.” 😬
And honestly, that’s a hard thing to face without giving more care to the discussion, nuances, and real people/circumstances behind the posts.
So for this week, I’m taking another lap before releasing some thoughts on “the marketplace of ministry,” digging into how modern churches incentivize music volunteers to serve, rightly and wrongly, and how to approach it with a biblically informed ethic.
In the meantime, though, I want to share some “wins” and good reminders for those who lead any kind of ministry, really—not just music.
“Wow… It Sounds So Much Better!”
First, I wrapped up another sound system engagement with a local church that sorely needed updates to their existing format.
We added additional main speakers to give better coverage over the congregation, upgraded their microphone and direct box inventory, and refreshed their tech booth with a new mixing board.
It’s one thing to see enthusiasm when new gear arrives from the shipping company, but it’s a whole ‘nuther thing to see the pastor’s face when the newly installed speakers fill the room with glorious, clear sound!
It was a joy to see the fruits of what WE—all of us who pray, support, connect, and assist with Worship Strategies—get to do for churches in our communities. Because of faithful, intentional work, another congregation is set to bring further consonance to their gatherings with clear, non-distracting sound.
Thank YOU 🫵 for the ways you’ve helped make this happen!
The Hang
Second, I was reminded that bringing someone “along for the ride” seems fairly low-key, but making space for someone to join in your work is a fantastic way to build deeper connection with a team member—especially a junior one—and it gives them a deeper sense of ownership in the process.
I called up one of our newer drummers to embark on a “cymbal safari” to find a new ride cymbal for our drumset at church, and it was a great time of deeper discussion, evaluation of gear, brainstorming—the whole nine yards of what musicians call “the hang.”
Sometimes, the best work you can do as a leader is not checking off a list of to-do items, like prepping charts, setting a stage, or running a rehearsal. Instead, it lies in just giving your time (and your ear) to your team without any “over-stuffy” agenda getting in the way.
In the end, we found a great cymbal for the kit, but it was equally great to hear this young man’s story and truly collaborate on a shared passion.
Like I said, I’m going to give more time to flesh out my thoughts on “marketplace ministry” for next week’s post. But in the meantime, I hope you’re encouraged through these stories of ordinary “days in the life” of the work we’re doing in ministry.
Thank you for your prayers, your support, and your faithfulness as God leads this ministry into the days ahead—there’s a lot to be done!
Be blessed 👊✌️
Derek is the founder and director of Worship Strategies and is also Creative Ministries Director Faith Family Church in Fayette, MO. Outside of ministry, he is active as a musician and entrepreneur. He is married to his wife Kaitlynn, and they have two beautiful daughters.
Want Our Help with Your Worship Ministry?
A big part of what we do at WORSHIP STRATEGIES is to help churches improve how they worship.
Practically, this looks like discipleship, leadership coaching, music instruction, and production advising to help your team grow and excel in their giftings to glorify God and edify His people.
The cool thing? We do this free of financial obligation for each church. We have a growing team of folks who support us in our work for YOU 🫵 and be a blessing to churches who need help but lack tangible resources for improvement.
If you’re interested in working with us, then just click the button below to get started.
