No one is neutral.
When the band arrives at rehearsal, when the congregation walks through the doors, as you are playing through the morning in your mind, no one is neutral. Every one of us comes with a mixture of joy and sorrow. Every one of us comes distracted, disrupted, fragmented, and longing to be whole. And yet we approach this sacred task of leading the people of God in worship of God recognizing that we are to offer our very lives - yes, even the broken pieces of ourselves - in worship to God (Romans 12:1-2).
Presence to the Lord throughout the week, and cultivating a life of private devotion before public worship, frees me as I approach the task of leading worship to be present to the team and the congregation. It creates space for me to act as a host to my team, engaging them, and caring for them, rather than rushing, ignoring, or trying to take from them.
Recognizing that no one is neutral allows me to be attentive to those I serve, to lean in or press in as well as release what feels like hostilities or slights. Recognizing that no one is neutral allows me to not take personally the criticism of those I lead. Recognizing that I am not neutral allows me to find rhythms that allow me to serve with open hands, rather than clenched fists.
Practically, this is why I arrive significantly earlier than the team. This is why I sometimes disappear before, or in between services. This is why I really try to make sure that every practical detail is complete before Sunday morning, so that I am able to focus on leading and serving.
Like the psalmist, may we be leaders who pray: “Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” Psalm 86:11