Getting ready for the new leader

[ZekeDog]

We've just hired a new worship leader. Our old leader was an interim guy who is in favor of the change. So it's not a "bad" situation, but a very positive one. Here's the question we have: What should we do with the current team? Should we ask them all to re-audition so that the new guy can pick a new team?
Any other ideas?
We want a very smooth transition, obviously. Any advice?

[Brad Loser]

First, let me say congrats on the new hire. Sounds like everyone is excited about the new leadership. Enjoy that blessing because that is not always the case.

As far as answering your question. I would suggest that everyone should voice their full support and voluntary submission to the new leadership. Making sure that the new guy knows that he has a team full of servant leaders that are more interested in humbly serving than they are in how much stage time they get will build a great amount of trust in the people he will be leading.

Let him decide the best course of action to take on evaluating talent and skill and follow his lead joyfully. His job is to serve the church by leading as effectively as possible - it is the teams job to serve the church BY serving the leader as effectively as possible. So honor God by following His lead with humble submission. Part of his role is to make decisions - and his decisions will not make everyone happy. It's in those moments of disagreement that God gives us a great opportunity to build unity through submission - by out doing each other in how we honor one another (Romans 12:10 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2012:10;&version=47;)).

[ZekeDog]

Thanks Brad. Good words.

Anybody have any stories about bringing in a new worship leader and how you handled the transition?

[milepost13]

Ditto to Brad.

Nate

[russhutto]

I would also add that the New Leader should humbly and lovingly lay out his dreams and plans (with the support of the pastor) for the direction of the ministry. Hopefully, it just tracks along with the direction you've already been going, but if not, then EVERYONE including the new leader should be doing what's BEST for the church as a whole not just for themselves.

Carry on.

[ZekeDog]

What do you all think about having everyone on the team "re-audition"?

[Brad Loser]

That's the new guys call. If he wants to do that then that is what should take place. If he decides to "grandfather" everyone in and deal with skill issues later than that's his call to. Just let him decide what the best course of action is.

[milepost13]

Re-auditions aren't a bad thing as long as people are receptive to them. If it were me, I'd grandfather, while raising the level of expectancy so that those who can't cut it work themselves out of the job naturally.

[Smitty]

Good words, Brad.

Here's something else. I have been in this same situation twice, once as a team member, and once as the new worship leader. If you are NOT listening to the Lord, if you DON'T approach the new situation with a servant's heart, then you open the door to all kinds of problems. I have seen it, lived through it. It's a learning experience, but it ain't pretty.

Smitty

[worshiptrench]

Bobb Biehl, who consults CEO's and US President's, gave me this sagely advice once....

Your first three months as a new leader in any institution do not make any major changes. Simply celebrate what they have done. Every change you make is an insult to the past. The next 2 months begin to dialogue about the changes you see coming. In the 4 or 5th month, make the changes and communicate, communicate, communicate.

Worked like a charm and maintained unity. I figured if it worked for Bush, Sr. it should work for me..haha

[russhutto]

Great words of advice, Trench!

Very practical.