Core Competencies

I read a job description for a Director of Music and was struck by the first “Core Competency” required. It said:

“Personal Resilience - Can effectively cope with change and uncertainty; can shift gears comfortably; can decide and act without having the total picture; isn’t upset when things are up in the air; can comfortably handle risk and uncertainty; is flexible.”

First off, holy cow! You may have read that and thought, “Never in a million years would I want to be in that role if that’s what’s required.”

But you may also have responded with, “Duh, so basically every church staff role ever. What else?”

The beginning of a year is a timely opportunity to reflect and respond. Our role as worship leaders is demanding and broad, and none of us excel at everything.

In some ways, the Five Faders describe the core competencies required to do well as a worship leader. Let’s look at each one in this light.

ARTIST

Artists notice nuance as craftsmen who create beauty and usefulness. You take raw materials like underprepared musicians, farmers, moms, teens, and grandparents and make something beautiful and helpful for congregational worship. You teach your team to deliver the eternal truth in the songs with authenticity, believability, and passion. Every note, every beat, every rest has meaning.

SHEPHERD

As a Shepherd, you consider the individual as a pastor who develops community and belonging. Building a positive team dynamic is on you. You guard the culture, model the behaviors for your team to mimic, and set the relational standard. You must invest in getting to know your team, sharing yourself with them, and creating space for an authentic community to blossom.

PRIEST

Priests overflow with simple love and pure devotion to Jesus as prophets who foster devotion and depth. This is the heart of the worshiper and the team of worshipers. We must be tuned in to what God is doing and saying, be saturated in scripture, prayer, and worship, and help take our team from where they are to a continually deeper place with God.

EDUCATOR

Educators bring out the best in others as mentors that embody wisdom and capability. Read books, think deeply, study biblical theology and musical theory, get coaching, go to conferences, and start a worship leader group… this is your activity list. You work hard to equip your team to be confident and comfortable.

PRODUCER

Producers plan to exceed usual limits as architects that design excellence and transcendence. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, you thoughtfully consider each element that weaves together to make a powerful encounter with the living God. You provide everything your team needs in ample time to be prepared.

Phew. Maybe that initial competency of “personal resilience” doesn’t seem so bad anymore! Ha!

We’d love to walk with you this year, supporting you with coaching. Did one of the Faders pop out to you as the one you’d like to focus on? Pick a time to Zoom at https://www.adlibmusic.com/first-step and open a conversation with us.

Happy 2023!

-Dave Helmuth
(purchase my book, "Worship Fertilizer: (the first hundred)" HERE)

Core Competencies (Nº 354)