Be an encourager

Recently a member of our congregation approached me after the service. She had come to offer a word of encouragement. I wasn’t feeling especially discouraged – in fact, the service had run smoothly, and the music and tech had worked well. But this gentle word of encouragement from a sister in Christ brought me joy and filled my heart with thanksgiving to our generous Father. It was an application of Proverbs 12v25 "Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up."

Many of your musicians and technicians will feel anxiety on Sunday mornings – their minds are probably filled with the “what-ifs” of a church service. Amidst those anxieties your voice, dear reader, can cheer their hearts. How? By offering encouragement that follows two simple rules:

First, be specific. "The music sounded good today" is a good start – but it’s too general. Your musicians aren’t just trying to sound good – they’re trying to help you know and be transformed by Christ in the power of His Spirit! You don’t need to reach for technical language to encourage. Try something like: “I loved how you sang with Jane this morning, particularly when you sang those different bits together in It is Well.”

We should be specific because that tells them how it helped. Your PA and visuals team want you to be able to engage seamlessly in gathered worship. Take a minute to tell them how helpful it is when they nail those tricky transitions (you know they’re doing a great job when you barely notice it). Your musicians want to show you Christ – did a particular musical moment stir your affections in a way that was especially consonant with the lyrics? Tell them!

So, this new year, why not take a minute to find a musician or technician and speak a kind word to cheer their heart!