Bob Kauflin offers tips for a better pastor/wl relationship:
A few introductory thoughts. If you’re a congregational worship leader (music minister, song leader, music guy, etc.) you should do whatever you can to express support, encouragement, and gratefulness for your pastor. Encouragement is oxygen to the soul, and “sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness” (Prov. 16:21).
Also, posts like these won’t apply to every church situation. This is meant to be a conversation starter, not everything that can be said. And if you’re the one who leads the music in your church, you might not be in the place some of these points assume you are.
Finally, I’ve had the joy of seeing many, if not all, of these points modeled for years by C.J. Mahaney, my current senior pastor and dear friend.
With those thoughts, here are a few things pastors might miss or forget in working with their musicians.
1. Communication in advance makes for a more unified, edifying meeting. (Prov. 15:22; 21:5)
It helps if I know before the meeting what you want me to do, rather than afterwards.
The earlier I know what you’re preaching on the better prepared I can be to serve you.
The church will benefit if we’ve coordinated what we’re going to do beforehand.
2. Consistent and specific encouragement and evaluation will make me a better leader. (Heb. 3:13; Prov. 9:9)
I will thrive and grow if I know what things I’m doing that are serving you and the church.
“Great job!” is better than saying nothing, but not as good as telling me what was helpful and how God is working through me.
If I’m going to grow I have to know what I’m doing wrong, could do better, or should stop doing.
Saying nothing for long periods of time tempts me to think what I do is unimportant, wrong, or unnecessary.
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