Colton and Caleb, two of our account executives, had the privlege of leading a breakout at Experience Conference 2024. If you have not been before, you should seriously consider taking your whole team. Below, we're sharing the main points from the breakout.
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In the fast-paced world of worship and production, it’s easy to get caught up in the technicalities and lose sight of what really matters: your people. Behind every soundboard, light cue, or video switch is a person who wants to feel valued, supported, and empowered to serve with excellence.
But how do you build a thriving team that goes beyond simply getting the job done?
It starts with CARE.
Do this and you'll be on your way to building a strong worship and production team that will not only help you meet your ministry goals but also create an environment where volunteers feel connected and driven to give their best. Plus, you can apply this to any situation where you lead a team!
CARE stands for Communicate, Assist, Reinforce, and Encourage. Let’s break it down.
1. Communicate "When everyone knows exactly what’s expected of them, we can work together more effectively and avoid unnecessary confusion or frustration."
Clear communication is the bedrock of every effective team. But it’s not just about telling people what to do; it’s about making sure they understand the why behind their role. If your team can't see who their role contributes to the vision and mission of your church, chances are it isn't being comunicated clearly.
In the context of worship and production, your team isn’t just running equipment—they are facilitating moments of worship. Whether it’s ensuring the audio is crystal clear for the sermon or perfectly timed lighting transitions during a song, each role serves a higher purpose. Communicate this bigger picture to your team. Help them see that they’re not just “pushing buttons” or “turning knobs”—they’re enhancing the worship experience for the entire congregation.
Practical tip: Don’t just communicate the how, but the why. Take time to explain how their role fits into the broader mission of your ministry.
2. Assist “Assisting our teams isn’t just about training; it’s also about setting up your team for success.”
Assistance goes beyond technical training. It’s about defining what a win looks like for your team and making sure everyone is set up to achieve that win. Too often, volunteers are left to figure things out on their own, and while this may work in some cases, it’s not the best approach for fostering a thriving team culture.
Assist your team by providing clear expectations and goals. For example, if you’re introducing new software or equipment, don’t just hand it over and hope they’ll figure it out. Take the time to offer hands-on training, step-by-step instructions, and ongoing support. Position them for success by ensuring they have everything they need to do their job well.
Practical tip: Consider a simple call sheet or an opening and closing checklist for your team. Over-communicate expectations and make them clear enough that even a child could follow. This removes ambiguity and ensures everyone knows exactly what they need to do.
3. Reinforce "Culture does not happen by default, but by design."
Once you’ve communicated and assisted your team, it’s important to reinforce the behaviors and culture you want to see. This doesn’t happen accidentally; it requires intentional action from you as the leader.
One of the best ways to reinforce positive behaviors is through public recognition. Celebrating wins, whether big or small, sends a clear message to your team about what matters. Even small gestures, like a personal note or a quick word of thanks after a service, can have a massive impact. When you publicly recognize the actions and attitudes you want to see repeated, it reinforces your team’s sense of purpose and helps them stay motivated.
Practical tip: Don’t overlook the power of personalized encouragement. Whether it's a quick text or a handwritten card, make an effort to privately and publicly celebrate the strengths and successes of your team.
4. Encourage "Don’t just give a branded t-shirt someone could find at Goodwill from a volunteer who gave up and left the team. Get to know your team and give them a reward they actually want."
Encouragement goes a long way, but it has to be personal and meaningful. We understand we may be stepping on a few toes with this one. After all, we've seen some pretty sweet volunteer shirts over the years. Yet, a generic thank-you or a one-size-fits-all reward won’t cut it if you’re aiming to build a thriving team. Take time to get to know your volunteers as individuals. What are their interests? What do they value? Recognizing someone with a thoughtful gesture shows that you see them as more than just a cog in the wheel—you see them as a valued part of the team.
Practical tip: Tailor your rewards to the individual. Whether it’s a gift card to their favorite coffee shop, tickets to a concert, or even just acknowledging their unique contribution during a team meeting, these personal touches create a sense of belonging and appreciation.
Wrapping It Up: CARE for Your Team
By focusing on these four steps—Communicate, Assist, Reinforce, and Encourage—you’ll not only build a technically skilled team, but you’ll foster a culture where everyone feels supported and driven to give their best. Remember, your volunteers aren’t just there to fill roles; they’re there to contribute to a greater mission. When you CARE for them, they’ll CARE about their work—and that’s how you build a thriving worship and production team.
Take a moment this week to reflect on these steps and think about where you can apply them in your own ministry. Whether it’s better communication, more intentional training, or personalized encouragement, every small step you take can have a lasting impact on your team’s culture and effectiveness.
If you'd like to talk more about this or just need some guidance on managing a team. Reach out to Colton@danielgroup.co or Caleb@danielgroup.co and they will be more than happy to chat!
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