Jason Hatley, Pastor of Worship Arts at The Journey Church in NYC with Nelson Searcy is our guest blogger this week – today he wraps up his five part series:

Yesterday, we talked about the first two steps in how to create an Actively Engaged Pastor/Worship Pastor relationship, and today I will give the final two steps.

Step #3 – Over-communicate:  I’m not sure if that’s a word, but I’m absolutely positive that it is a principle for radically improving the Pastor/ Worship Pastor relationship.  More than simply sharing facts, over-communication goes above and beyond to ensure that all the information that needs to be communicated is, in fact, communicated.

Much of the tension that occurs between pastors and worship pastors can be traced to not living out the Principle of Over-communication.  Pat MacMillan hit the point perfectly when he wrote, “The biggest problem with communication is the assumption that it has taken place.”

To create a culture of over-communication, you must act:

•    Openly – create an environment of free-flowing communication.  Meetings and hallway conversations are a great start.

•    Initially – Be quick to share insight with the pastor / worship pastor.

•    Intentionally – If you ask, “Should I tell _________ about this?”, then the answer is most likely “Yes!”

•    Honestly – give and receive feedback and ask for help when you need it.

Step #4 – Create Systems: The first three steps are vital to establishing an Actively Engaged relationship, but Step #4 is what will allow the relationship to stay strong, focused and effective over the long haul.

At The Journey we have a very detailed worship planning system that includes a one-year preaching calendar; a series of regular meetings that keep us focused on the future; static deadlines for Sunday that everyone must meet each week (see The Thursday Midnight Rule podcast); and a process for evaluating and improving services each and every week.

What are your systems for worship planning?

How many of those elements do you already have in place, and how are you doing with them?

Anyone can do almost anything for a season, and many Pastors / Worship Pastors can get ahead and plan this way for awhile, but it takes Systems to keep you there in the long run.

So, to create an Actively Engaged Pastor/Worship Pastor relationship, you need all four steps.  Decide this week to meet with your pastor or worship pastor to begin the process, and watch not only the relationship grow, watch your services improve and your stress level go down as well!

Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your ministry this week!  Nelson will return with his regular posts starting tomorrow.

Jason

PS:  Check out the Free Webinar I am doing for Worship Leaders on Thursday, October 30.  Learn how to overcome the Top 3 challenges that every worship leader faces in this 2-hour event.  For more info or to register visit www.WorshipLeaderInsights.com/events.

While you are there, be sure to sign-up for my free monthly newsletter!