Fix Your Worship Team Culture | Amber Peairs – Churchfront Conference 2024

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Fostering Unity Between Worship and Tech Teams

By Amber Peairs

Healthy culture doesn’t just happen by accident. You can’t wish for it or hope it will materialize. It takes intention, effort, and alignment to create a culture where both worship and tech teams thrive. Unity in worship ministry isn’t optional; it’s essential. Without it, we can’t effectively steward the worship environment.

In this post, I want to share four keys to fostering harmony between the platform and the tech booth. These principles will help bridge the gap between what sometimes feels like two separate worlds and unite us as one team serving one purpose: leading others into God’s presence.


1. Prioritize Healthy Culture

Every team has a culture. It might be healthy, toxic, or somewhere in between, but culture always exists. If we want to build unity, we must be intentional about cultivating a healthy one.

Healthy culture has five key characteristics:

  • Christ-Centeredness: Jesus is at the heart of everything we do, and His preferences take precedence over ours.

  • Unity: Everyone knows the vision, understands their role, and is empowered to carry it out.

  • Honor: Respect and grace define how we interact with each other, even when mistakes happen.

  • Excellence: We strive to give our best, not perfection, but excellence that honors Jesus.

  • Spiritual Growth: Team members are committed to personal discipleship and a growing relationship with God.

Healthy culture doesn’t just appear. You need to define it, write it down, and model it consistently. It’s not about perfection; it’s about creating an environment where everyone thrives and contributes.


2. Choose Unity and Collaboration Over Division

Unity doesn’t mean sameness; it means oneness. The worship and tech teams have different roles and speak different technical languages, but our purpose and vision must align. Without collaboration, frustration and division creep in, affecting the worship experience.

How do we cultivate unity?

  • Invite each other into your worlds. Host an open house or a joint team training night.

  • Watch each other work and ask questions to understand the “why” behind the roles.

  • Get better at saying, “Yes,” or, “I’ll do my best to make that happen,” instead of defaulting to, “No.”

  • Cross-train on tasks where possible.

When we collaborate, we build trust and break down the “us vs. them” mentality. Unity starts when we see each other as partners in the same mission.


3. Embrace Preparation and Ownership Over Passivity

Preparation is an act of worship. It honors God and serves the team. Passivity—just getting by, neglecting preparation, or ignoring problems—undermines the mission and creates unnecessary friction.

Preparation and ownership look like:

  • Investing in your craft—whether it’s learning new skills or maintaining your gear.

  • Actively engaging in your role and taking responsibility for your contributions.

  • Asking for input and seeking feedback from others to improve.

When teams prepare well, they operate with excellence and confidence, limiting distractions and creating space for people to encounter God.


4. Prioritize Communication and Feedback Over Ambiguity

Clear communication shows you care. Feedback fosters growth, builds confidence, and highlights areas for improvement. When communication is unclear or feedback is absent, confusion and frustration thrive.

To improve communication and feedback:

  • Use planning tools like Planning Center to keep everyone on the same page.

  • Run rehearsals with clarity and consistency, ensuring all campuses operate similarly.

  • Teach basic production language to worship team members so they can communicate effectively with tech.

  • Create feedback loops, like debrief meetings or surveys, to celebrate wins and address challenges.

Feedback isn’t a dirty word; it’s a powerful tool for growth when delivered with kindness and honesty.


5. Value Relationships and Care Over Routine

Ministry is about people. Your processes and plans are necessary, but they’re not more important than the individuals serving alongside you. Building relationships creates trust and strengthens the team under pressure.

Here are some ways to prioritize relationships:

  • Pray together before rehearsals to align spiritually.

  • Worship together before services to shift the focus from tasks to God.

  • Celebrate milestones, birthdays, and achievements.

  • Show appreciation with small gestures, like handwritten notes or coffee runs.

When we care for each other as individuals, not just for the roles we fill, we cultivate an atmosphere of mutual respect and love.


Take One Step Toward Unity

Unity takes effort, but the reward is worth it. Stronger relationships, clearer communication, and a shared purpose transform your team and, ultimately, your worship experience.

Ask yourself, What’s one way I can make someone else’s job easier in ministry? Maybe it’s offering grace, providing training, or initiating a hard but needed conversation. Whatever it is, take one step toward fostering unity on your team today.

Remember, we’re stronger together. Let’s fight for unity and model the Kingdom impact we’re called to make. Amen.

 

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