Thanks so much for joining in for another episode of the unSeminary podcast. We have a great conversation today with Jon Usborne, the Creative Arts Director with 2|42 Community Church in Michigan.
2|42 Community Church’s heart beats for its community, whether it’s the neighborhoods where they are located or building community on their teams. Today Jon is with us to talk about what that looks like in the worship ministry and how to build teams of depth that help people to develop more than just their technical skills.
Less technique and more depth. // When you’re leading the worship ministry, the focus tends to primarily be on getting team schedules correct, being intentional about choosing songs, and ultimately leading the community to Jesus so they are impacted during the worship time. Those are good things, but as a result the focus can shift to technique rather than depth, and it can be tempting to skip parts of the whole process during those times when you’re tired. There’s a lot more that we can do to build the worship team community, putting systems and structures of discipleship in place so our team understands the value of not just working on skills training. Rather they need to be leading out of a place of what they’ve discovered worshiping is in their personal lives.
Don’t just develop musical skill. // As one who oversees the worship ministry, Jon doesn’t just want team members to develop their skills. Jon explains, “Your skill isn’t what identifies you in this community – being a worshiper of Jesus is what identifies you.” 2|42 Community Church is strategic about how they develop those qualities and characteristics in the members of their worship team – it breaks down to small groups within their worship community. Their focus is now to create a spiritual development pathway for the people on their teams.
Audition for the community. // Let newcomers know that when they come in for auditions, they’re auditioning for the community and not for the stage. Choose musicians who are willing to serve in other areas besides just on stage. Encourage them to go out into community events, play music, reach out to others, and be a part of serving wholeheartedly off the stage. These events can be part of the audition process early on.
Team leaders have a pastor’s heart. // At 2|42 the worship ministry is broken into teams based on the area of musical skill. For example, vocalists are on a team together, and each team has a leader. The team will get together over three months to help each other develop harmony and skills, and read the bible together. The team leader also meets with each member of their team over coffee with a goal of discipleship and just being present in someone’s life. The team leader is not the person who has been there the longest or is the most skilled in their craft, but rather it’s the people with the pastor’s heart. These individuals feel like they’re meant to lead people, and not just lead moments of worship on stage.
You can learn more about 2|42 Community Church at 242community.com.