Do all praise and worship teams attract “unstable” people or is ours the only one? Help!

The book of 1 Samuel tells about the people who gathered around David before he became king. “All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and became their leader” (1 Samuel 22:2). I have often joked that this description sounds a lot like most church music ministries.

Musicians are frequently a bit flighty. (I’ve been told that musicians are temperamental: half temper and half mental!) They are often the more creative, visionary type of person. Generally, the better the musician is, the more this is true.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that David’s in debt, in distress, discontented folks became a powerful army under the leadership of a true worshiper. The same can happen in any worship ministry today. Musicians can be some of the most committed and compassionate people in the church. Please understand that it may take a fair amount of time and effort on your part to get them to that point, but it’s worth it.

Love them. Care for them. Show them your heart and your commitment to the church and the worship ministry. These things will go a long way toward helping them understand their role.

Along with the demonstration of what you’re looking for, teach them. Frequent communication about how vital their role is will make it more real in their minds, and therefore in their lives.

In addition to this, having carefully thought-out guidelines for the worship ministry will help immensely. Using this concept, the people all know ahead of time what is expected of them and what will be required of them.

Please realize that heaven is still in the future. You will not find perfection before you arrive there. However, with some caring and understanding, leading a worship ministry—even one filled with slightly off-kilter musicians—can be extremely fulfilling.