There’s probably no time of year that requires more from a worship leader or choir director than the Christmas music season.
If your choir’s going to do a musical, it’s likely at Christmas.
If you’re going to use supplemental musicians, it’s likely at Christmas.
If you’re going to decorate your sanctuary and platform, it’s likely at Christmas.
All of this on top of your already busy schedule.
With all this in mind, I’d like to suggest three strategies to help you move beyond surviving to thriving…
1. Set Lots of Little Deadlines
You’ve no doubt heard the old adage: “Q: How do you eat an elephant? A: One bite at a time.” It’s possible to accomplish big things by breaking them down into small, easily manageable steps. This is often referred to as the “reduction to the ridiculous.” Once you’ve reverse-engineered your projects, then set deadlines for each step on a calendar for you and your team to see. Celebrate the completion of each one. Congratulate your team for their work. Step by step, you’ll create the kind of momentum that gets big things done.
2, Recruit Prospects to Expand Your Program
Even if you don’t have a year-round choir, Christmas is the perfect time to recruit new singers and musicians into your music program. Take ten minutes at the end of your next rehearsal to thank your volunteers for all they do, and then challenge them to bring their friends and neighbors to the next rehearsal where there will be a holiday-themed reception for prospects (complete with sugar cookies and sprinkles!). At that event, share your vision for your music ministry and arrange for three of your especially enthusiastic members to give a two-minute testimony of why being part of the music program matters. Then break out the Christmas music for a wonderful time of singing and fellowship.
3. Take Time for Yourself
I’m guilty of trying to cram too much into every day. But if I’ve learned anything about living out here in the country, it’s how to slow down and appreciate life. So, this December, I’ve resolved to take one day a week to only do things that I really love: “work” work isn’t allowed. Each week in December, I’m going to do something for someone I don’t know like paying the check for the person standing behind line in my favorite coffee shop. Even though December can be crazy, on my day off I’m going to read two or three chapters of a book so that I’ll have finished it by the end of the month. I’m going to write a hand-written note to someone each week, wishing them a Merry Christmas. I’m learning that if I don’t fill up my own glass, I won’t have enough to pour into the lives of others.
In closing, please know that our team at Discover Worship is honored to be your resource at Christmas and all year round. You’ve given us the unique privilege of serving choirs like yours for the past twenty years. Knowing that our music will bless thousands of people this season blesses us beyond words.
Thanks again for all you do!
Regi
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