Some of you know that I've just accepted the invitation of First Baptist Church of Madisonville to be their full-time Worship Pastor. I spent a good bit of time thinking about what to do in my first weeks, what kind of culture I want to cultivate.
I decided on a culture of honor.
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. - Rom 12:10 (NIV)
I want to help the church honor the leaders from the past. Many men and women sacrificed a great deal to build the ministry I have been tasked to lead. I want to honor them. And, taking my cue from Romans 12:10, I want to honor them above myself.
Many are still serving in the ministry--singing, playing, creating, decorating, tech-ing (there isn't a word for doing tech ministry like that is there?), and more. I want to honor them. Even more, I want to honor them much more than I honor myself. In fact, I think these volunteers who spend several hours every week, or every other week, deserve much more honor than those of us who are being compensated for our work.
And there are many in our church, like your church, who are not yet involved. I imagine they would give up a lot to be part of a culture of honor.
So how am I doing this? How could you do it too?
First, I have asked those in the ministry to join me in memorizing Romans 12:10. I found some attractive images with that verse on it and am posting it around our worship spaces: choir room, tech booth, entrance to the platform, etc. I'm including that verse of scripture in all of my early correspondence. I want to keep it in front of everyone. A lot. We know the word of God does not return void, so I am choosing to use it with great repetition.
Second, as I meet with people individually or in small groups, I'm sharing the idea verbally. Asking for their help in creating a culture of honor. I'm not doing this to manipulate; that might require secrecy. I'm doing it FOR the people I lead; that requires transparency. I want them to know, up front, my agenda is to create a culture of honor.
And third, I've invited everyone in the worship ministry to a "Whiteboard Session." We will begin the conversation by honoring those who have served in the past. We want to celebrate the best of what used to be. Former staff leaders, key volunteers, and faithful servants. There are stories of God at work that need to be dug up and held in the light.
Perhaps you, as a leader in whatever capacity you find yourself, could choose a season to have a similar emphasis. Maybe it's a "Summer of Honor," or a "Fall Kick Off: Honoring." If you do this, I would love to hear the steps you take in creating a culture of honor! Email me at RodEEllis@RelayWorship.com or text/call me at 502.229.0114.
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