As a worship leader I’ve had to have the tough conversations with quite a few people. You know the one I’m talking about, the “tough conversation”? The conversation you have with someone who isn’t on board with the team, who just doesn’t get why we do what we do, the one that gets you shaking your head and pulling out your hair. You know, the “tough conversation”. And one thing I’ve learned from the many “tough conversations” I have had, is that you never give consequence without opportunity. Which means, if I have to, God forbid, kick someone off of the worship team for one reason or another; I will always give them opportunity to come back. The “tough conversation” doesn’t have to be an end all.

One day as I was pondering the way I have the “tough conversation” with people and a question came to my mind. How can we avoid the “tough conversation” altogether? This is something that I think can benefit non-religious and religious organizations alike. When someone is a slacker or has an anger problem or doesn’t work well with the team. Instead of waiting for the day when you will need to have the “tough conversation” with them, why not instead (and this goes for the whole team, whether it be a loading dock team or a worship team) encourage them, look out for them, instead of tearing them down behind their backs, let’s build them up in front of their face. Now this may not solve the problem but it definitely is a step in the right direction.

Not to go all churchie on ya, but take a look at this:

Psalms 130:3 says,

“Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But You, You offer forgiveness…”

If you read the New Testament, you will see that the apostles, Jesus’ chosen, hand-picked, groupies, messed up all the time. But Jesus never gave up on them. Did He have those “tough conversations” that I’m talking about? You bet. But He also didn’t talk bad about them behind their backs when they messed up. He never gave up on them. In fact, He did just the opposite; He died for them so that they can have never-ending second chances to eternity.

So lets stop backstabbing, two facing, and gossiping. And if you aren’t doing those things, good for you. Just remember to help people follow your example. And remember…

Keep worshiping!