Episode 102: Keys To Healthy Team Dynamics
Leading Worship with Passion
In this episode of the Overflow Worship Podcast, host Andrea Olson welcomes worship leader and creative coach, Jason Squires. Jason (jsmusic.net) has been on the road, leading worship for churches for over 17 years and recently founded The Creative Launch, a company designed to help creatives thrive in their calling. Together, they dive into the challenges of worship leadership, balancing ministry with personal life, and practical tips for creating a thriving worship team.
Jason shares his insights from years of experience and offers practical advice on how to build and manage a successful worship team. If you’re a new worship leader or transitioning into a new role, this conversation is filled with valuable tips and encouragement to help you succeed.
The Journey of Worship Leading: Why We Keep Going
Jason has led worship for nearly two decades, traveling across the country and serving in different churches. When asked what keeps him motivated after all these years, he reflects, "Every time I stop and think, my job is to lead people to Jesus—why wouldn’t I want to do this?"
He also shares how his journey began out of a sense of calling beyond serving one local church. The opportunity to help other worship leaders take a Sunday off when they didn’t have a second in command was where it all started. Now, after years of trying to leave the road for a more stationary role, Jason acknowledges that God keeps calling him back.
For those who are feeling unsure of their place in ministry, Jason encourages them to ask God for affirmation. He notes that when God has established you somewhere, He will provide the reassurance needed to keep going, even when the road gets tough.
Leading a Worship Team: Understanding Team Dynamics
1. Communicate Based on Learning Styles
One of the most significant insights Jason shares is the importance of understanding how people learn. Worship leaders manage teams of individuals who all process information differently, which can lead to frustration and misunderstandings if not addressed.
Jason explains the three primary learning styles:
- Auditory learners: Those who understand best by hearing information.
- Visual learners: People who need to see information to process it.
- Kinesthetic learners: Those who learn by doing and engaging in hands-on activities.
Knowing these learning styles helps worship leaders communicate more effectively with their teams. As Jason mentions, "Once you recognize how someone processes information, you can avoid unnecessary frustration during rehearsals and planning."
SEO Tip: Learning styles are also a great way to optimize your team dynamics and enhance communication.
2. Show Value Through Love Languages
Jason highlights the importance of showing team members they are valued. By understanding each person's love language, leaders can connect with their team members on a deeper level. Whether it's through acts of service, words of affirmation, or spending quality time, knowing how your team feels appreciated can increase engagement and foster loyalty.
Jason shares an example from his own life: "My wife’s love language is time. It means more to her when I put my phone away and spend uninterrupted time together than receiving gifts."
For worship leaders, understanding how your team members feel valued can help create a culture where they feel appreciated, motivated, and ready to serve.
3. Set Clear Expectations and Provide Tools for Success
Another key takeaway from Jason’s experience is the importance of setting clear expectations. Many issues on worship teams arise from miscommunication. For example, if you want music to start at 8 AM, clarify whether 8 AM is the call time or the actual downbeat.
He stresses the importance of providing the right tools to ensure the team’s success: "Don’t wait until Thursday afternoon to upload chord charts for a Thursday evening rehearsal. Give your team enough time to prepare so that they feel equipped."
Jason encourages leaders to over-communicate, especially with volunteers who are juggling full-time jobs and families. This clarity helps reduce frustration and creates a smoother worship experience for everyone involved.
The Blessing and Challenge of Worship Leadership
Leading worship is not without its challenges, but Jason reminds us of the immense privilege it brings: "We get to lead people to Jesus. This is the only thing we’ll be doing in heaven, and God has called us to do it here on earth. Why wouldn’t I want to do this?"
This perspective shift can be a game changer when you face burnout or question your calling. Jason’s advice to all worship leaders is to lean into God for affirmation and trust that He has established them where they are for a reason.
Building a Thriving Worship Team: Final Tips from Jason Squires
- Communicate Effectively: Use learning styles to communicate in a way that each team member understands.
- Show Genuine Appreciation: Understand love languages to ensure every team member feels valued.
- Set Expectations Clearly: Over-communicate and provide the tools necessary for success.
Leading a worship team is both a privilege and a challenge, but with these strategies, you can create a culture of trust, unity, and shared vision. As Jason puts it, "When your team feels loved and appreciated, they will give everything they have in return." Use these leadership principles to create stronger connections within your team and build a culture of collaboration and excellence.
For more Overflow Worship resources: www.overflowworship.com
Watch the Podcast at: https://www.youtube.com/@overflowworshipofficial
Listen to the Podcast at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overflow-worship-podcast/id1461518398
