Drifting Into Ruts

I was speaking with a church that has been without a staff worship leader for nearly a year. As I asked how the team was faring, one of the leaders responded, “They are showing signs of fatigue and drifting into ruts.”

Oof. Right?!

But that’s really how it goes. If we fall into a ditch, we assess for damage, dust ourselves off, and climb out. But ruts? That’s sneakier. Insidious is the word I like to use. That’s a big word for something that seems innocent and harmless but leads to something you want to avoid.

One of my favorite sayings is from Kent Henry: “A rut is just a grave with both ends kicked out.” Dead stuff lives in ruts.

Ruts start like this.

…planning less and less in advance.

…not prioritizing that conversation with the habitually late musician

…turning the click off…again

…skipping prayer and bible reading just for today

…allowing that angry thought about your pastor to sit there

…walking out of rehearsal as soon as it’s over to avoid you-know-who

…giving up on asking the audio tech for what you need

…not introducing any new songs in the last six months

…introducing new songs poorly

…sticking with the same service order every Sunday

…starting fast, ending slow

…saying, “Welcome, let’s stand and sing.”

…eating more than we need

…not looking for ways to grow

And we always just drift into them. Slowly. Unnoticeably.

Take a moment today to reflect on your life and leadership. Identify one area where you might be stuck in a rut. Then, think of one small, achievable action you can take today to start moving out of that rut. Remember, even the smallest steps can lead to significant change.

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

Drifting Into Ruts (Nº 402)