Leadership Through Investment
Leadership Through Investment: Building Trust and Influence as you lead your Church Production team.
In the world of church production and worship, leadership is more than just directing tasks or managing teams. It's about cultivating relationships that foster trust, mutual respect, and spiritual growth. True leadership is not about wielding influence without first making an investment in the people we lead. Influence is earned, not demanded, and it begins with the time and energy we dedicate to nurturing the relationships around us.
The Foundation of Influence: Relationship Building
As leaders in church production and worship, we must first invest in our teams before we can expect to lead them effectively. Building relationships requires intentionality. It’s about taking the time to understand the people we lead—their strengths, challenges, and spiritual journeys. This investment demonstrates that we value them as individuals, not just as contributors to a task. When we invest in others, we create a foundation of trust that allows our influence to be received with openness rather than resistance.
From Commanding to Guiding: A Shift in Leadership Approach
One of the most significant shifts we must make as leaders is moving away from a “because I said so” mentality. This phrase implies authority without explanation, which can lead to frustration and disconnection within the team. Instead, we should strive to lead with a posture of humility and service, saying, “I would like you to do that task because…” This approach not only clarifies the purpose behind the request but also invites the team members into a shared vision.
Jesus exemplified this servant leadership model. He didn’t just tell His disciples what to do; He invested time in them, teaching and guiding them with love and patience. When Jesus asked something of His disciples, they responded out of a deep sense of trust and commitment to Him. As leaders, we are called to mirror this approach by guiding our teams with compassion and understanding.
Practical Steps for Relational Leadership
Invest Time: Make it a priority to spend time with your team members outside of the usual production schedule. Whether it’s grabbing coffee, having a meal, or simply checking in on how they’re doing, these moments build trust and rapport.
Listen Actively: Encourage open communication and listen to the concerns, ideas, and feedback of your team. This shows that you value their input and are committed to their growth.
Encourage and Empower: Recognize the gifts and talents within your team and find ways to encourage and develop them. Empowering others to lead in their areas of strength builds a culture of shared responsibility and growth.
Lead by Example: Model the behaviors and attitudes you wish to see in your team. When you invest in your own spiritual and personal growth, your team will be inspired to do the same.
Pray Together: Make prayer a central part of your leadership. Pray for your team members, with them, and over the work you’re doing together. This not only strengthens your bond but also aligns your leadership with God’s will.
Conclusion: The Eternal Investment
Leadership in church production and worship is not just about getting the job done; it's about making an eternal investment in the lives of those we lead. By prioritizing relationships, shifting from command to guidance, and leading by example, we create a culture where influence is earned through love and service. Remember, as we invest in our teams, we’re not just building a better production or worship experience—we’re building the Kingdom of God.
Let’s lead with hearts committed to investing in others, knowing that in doing so, we reflect the heart of Christ, the ultimate servant leader.
