EXPLORING THE ROLE & RHYTHM OF REFLECTION IN WORSHIP ARTS MINISTRY

One of the necessary evils of being a freshman undergraduate music major at Appalachian State University was getting up every day (Monday-Friday) for an 8:00am music theory class. Back then, certain days of the week were dedicated to harmony and pitch (written), while others focused on rhythm and ear training (aural skills).  One of my professors held to the philosophy that rhythm was the single most important element to effective music making. Some may argue pitch or some other component as the single most critical component of performing or composing music. My theory professor taught through a lens that esteemed rhythm in highest regard. In his worldview, intonation, dynamics, pitch accuracy, expression, interpretation, and all facets of composing, listening, and making music were possible because of rhythm.  For him, if rhythm was not intact, nothing else would be. He believed most (if not all) problems were connected to rhythm. I maintained a silent pushback during my time in his classes but now see the value of his perspective as I think about the role of intentional reflection In worship ministry.

Often, music and worship leaders fail to “press pause” for meaningful evaluation and reflection before diving into the next wave of busyness. As soon as one thing ends, the next thing begins. The demands of ministry often resemble a treadmill, accelerating and set to the steepest incline possible. It is unfortunate when crisis becomes the motivator for slowing us down to think about what we have done and its impact (positive and/or negative) on those we serve and serve alongside.

Worship evaluation and reflection should be an ongoing part of our weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly work. It should not be solely reserved as a resource for getting us through encounters with difficult people or situations. What if we committed to a discipline of communal (along with personal) evaluation and reflection as an integral part of planning, communicating, and executing worship ministry? Just as my theory professor understood rhythm as the non-negotiable basis of excellence in music performance, we should see evaluation and reflection as the “rhythm” for leading well in the local church.

I am not advocating for an obsession with criticism and over-analysis that stifles the Spirit's presence in our work. I am suggesting that music ministers, clergy, worship leaders, choir directors, and those who lead find a “rhythm” of quieting themselves in solitude and in community with other stakeholders to ask questions with the goal of effective ministry at the center – not our egos. Doing so requires that we ask ourselves, and each other, difficult and enjoyable questions, such as:

• What went well in worship this week? (month, quarter, or year)

• Where did we see God show up in corporate worship?  How did Spirit surprise us?

• Were there moments when worship pushed folks to the margins of the community?

• How can we be more hospitable going forward?

• As leaders, are we talking too much? How can we talk less and create more time for God to talk to God’s people, and God’s people talk back to God and each other?

• What could we have done better?  What could have been spoken better?

• Did the music we chose this week (month, quarter, or year) function beyond its performance?

• Who was missing in the room this week? (month, quarter, or year)

• How can we be more intentional about music/worship with online congregants?  What worship resources can we provide to make worship for them more accessible?

• What 1-2 short-terms things can we commit to do for next week? (month, quarter, or year)

• What 2-3 long-term things can we commit to do for next (month, quarter, or year)

The bullet points above represent a few of the possible prompts leaders can use. Questions like these can assist with making sure we are always striving for excellence (not perfection) in what we offer to our faith communities.

The reflection process does not have to be laborious. The important thing is that it happens. 

I think about churches such as C. N. Jenkins Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC. I served there a few times as a substitute musician during the tenure of now-retired senior pastor Dr. Jerry Cannon.  One of the things I loved about serving there was the 10-15 minute debrief on worship that happened in the pastor’s study with clergy, the music director the AV coordinator, and other folks who assisted. It was an appointment they rarely cancelled. In those short moments, space for honest conversation was created to honor what had taken place and to speak candidly about things that may not have gone well.  It doesn’t require a one hour Zoom meeting every week.  I was most impressed at the commitment made to honor this time a sacred and necessary to keep the ministry of corporate worship safe, compelling, and God-focused. It can be as simple as this.

Other methods of evaluation and reflection can take place through:

• formal and informal conversations with congregants, bringing constructive criticism back to the team for consideration

• creating opportunities for choir members, staff musicians, ministry volunteers, and supporters to offer periodic feedback and be a part of planning and visioning for the worship ministry.

• congregational surveys

• convening ad hoc talk-back sessions or brain-storming conversation, especially with folks from underrepresented demographics in your congregation.

If the pursuit of authenticity and excellence are values that define our leadership, we must find opportunities for healthy conversation and collaboration that encourages, challenges, and pushes us forward. Regular intervals of intentional evaluation and reflection are crucial for the sustained growth of our congregations and co-laborers in worship ministry. To not do so stifles creativity and possibility. Let’s not wait until the bottom drops out from below us to understand the importance of ongoing reflection. Planning and evaluation are capacities that help strengthen our Christian witness. In the conclusion of her book, Projects That Matter: Successful Planning and Evaluation for Religious Organizations, Kathleen A. Cahalan asks, “What makes for a rock-solid foundation in religious organizations—the kind that any type of bad weather will not destroy?” She goes on to say:

As elements of Christian stewardship, planning and evaluation are ways in which Christian care for, monitor, and ensure both a strong foundation and a descent house.  Two ways in which stewards care for organizations are through virtues of discernment and prudence.  These three elements of the Christian life—stewardship, discernment, and prudence—are deeply connected to the health and vitality of religious organizations and the projects they pursue.

May the work we do in worship arts ministry in 2025 and beyond be grounded in love, hospitality, and a genuine appreciation for thoughtful feedback, conversation, and community that underscores our desire to be responsible stewards of the work, resources, and people assigned to us.

*Source Consulted:

Cahalan, Kathleen A. Projects That Matter: Successful Planning & Evaluation for Religious Organizations. Bethesda, MD: The Alban Institute, 2003.