Be A Window

“Hey Son, you make a better door than a window.” My dad had TONS of “dad-isms” he used on a frequent basis and many of them were groaners and produced a lot of eye-rolling. He employed this one when I wouldn’t realize that I was standing between him and the tv. I was impeding his clear view and he wanted me to move, so that he knew what was happening on the show. A door wasn’t going to work this time. Either move out of the way or be a window.

This is a silly dad quote, but I’ve begun to resurrect some of these when I talk to my own kids now. I thought, “OH NO! I’m becoming my father!” Actually, that’s not a bad thing, he’s an awesome guy and loves Jesus and His family deeply. This saying popped into my head the other day as I was thinking about overall leadership, not just fatherhood.

We need to be windows sometimes. Not just doors

We talk a lot about doors leading to opportunities and maybe we can be that (metaphorically) for people. That’s great and I totally agree, but sometimes being a door, rather than a window, can be hindering.

It’s about clarity

Windows let in light. They allow you to see where you’re going in a car. They bring the outside in. They provide perspective and well, clarity.m The people we lead on our worship teams need clear vision, expectations and who you are as a leader.

Vision is key. Be clear about where the worship team is headed. I try to be very open about new ideas I’m planning and often ask the team about their dreams and the reactions they have to mine. Ultimately, our vision should be on Jesus and His redemption of all people. Worship is definitely a part of that plan. That should be clear. Have you said that? Have you told them about the new worship flow you’re considering and why it could be powerful for your worship community? That gives meaning and depth to their service in ministry. Sometimes we can be doors, rather than windows, when we get inside our own heads and assume what our teams know to be true. Be clear and communicative about the purpose and plans for the worship ministry and people will be even more engaged and excited to join you.

The best teachers are ones that have extremely clear expectations for classroom procedure and behavior. In a way, the logistics of worship rehearsal and team participation need the same clarity. What time should I be there? Should I print my own music? What’s the best way to rehearse on my own? What door to do I come in for rehearsal? Where should I park? How do I know when and where to set up my gear? Now, many of these things are taken for granted on teams, because the volunteers have been participating for years and it’s now culture. Yet, there are always little adjustments being made or new people joining and we need to have clear expectations. This provides security and trust for all involved and helps them to enjoy what they’re doing even more. Plus, it makes you able to focus back on your vision, which is most important.

Don’t Be A Doorknob

I mean, uh, door. Let the people you lead see the real you. Yes, you have faults, I do too. I totally got busy the other week and didn’t fully proof my new chord chart and there were a number of mistakes. I was honest, humble and apologetic and everyone understood because they’ve been busy before too. I didn’t blame or make excuses. It’s also important to share your life and tell stories about what’s going on. The good, the bad, the ugly and the mountaintops! The more we share and open up the window of our lives to our team, the more they share and grow together in community. It’s in these moments that the clarity reveals the type of relationships Jesus calls us to have.

When it comes to clarity, you can’t over communicate. You will feel the benefits as a leader, team health and trust will increase, and that clarity will be translated in many positive, unspoken ways to the worshippers that you lead each week.
Grab some Windex. Be a window.