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SADDLEBACK STAFF STANDARDS
By Rick Muchow
Staff standards are very important in any ministry, and it is certainly no different in the music ministry. I'd like to share with you the general standards Saddleback's founding pastor Rick Warren established to help married staff members maintain moral integrity in 1986. After Pastor Warren's list, I will share several more of my own music ministry standards.
1. Thou shalt not visit the opposite sex alone.
2. Thou shalt not counsel the opposite sex alone.
3. Thou shalt not counsel the opposite sex more than once without that other person's spouse being present.
4. Thou shalt not go to lunch alone with a member of the opposite sex.
5. Thou shalt not kiss any other attender of the opposite sex or show affection that could be questioned.
6. Thou shalt not discuss your marriage problems with a person of the opposite sex during a counseling session.
7. Thou shalt not discuss your marriage problems with an attender of the opposite sex.
8. Thou shalt be careful when answering cards and letters from the opposite sex.
9. Thou shalt make your secretary your protective ally.
10. Thou shalt pray for the integrity of other staff members.
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Eph. 5:3, New International Version (NIV)
In addition to these standards established by Pastor Rick Warren, I have established a few more related specifically to our music ministry.
Leading and Setting an Example vs. Performing
This is foundation for all other standards. Our music ministry slogan is "More than music, we're a family." More than music is really key. First, worship is certainly more than music. Second, what we are doing on stage is about more than music. Music is a wonderful tool to communicate principles of God and to connect people with God. During rehearsal, it is important to rehearse worshipping not just practicing the music. It's important to spend time not perfecting the music. Just let the band, choir, singers, and etc. worship. We have 1.5 hours for sound check and rehearsal. That's the work time. (I'll talk more about rehearsal in a future article.) When we get on stage, I want everyone to worship. I want them to focus on God and not the music. The service is not a performance. It's our opportunity to set an example of what it means to present ourselves as a living sacrifice to God.
If the worship team is leading the congregation, then I have to be doubly sure that I am worshipping as I lead them. I have to make a conscious effort to change my hat from Producer to Worshipper. Another way to put that is that I have to make sure during worship that I have taken off my Producer's crown and that I'm laying it at the feet of my Savior. After the service, I can tweak and debrief for next time.
Appearance Issues
Appearance covers a wide range of issues from basic grooming, to sexiness, to tight clothing, kid's clothing, shorts, etc. The rule of thumb here is that ANYTHING that detracts from the message or brings attention to the individual is inappropriate. That could be a leisure suit & tie, a sleeveless blouse or any of a number of things. Those very same things may also not be a concern.
Standards for Soloists vs. Choir Members
All soloists must also be part of one of our teams (Choir, Worship Team) and must be dedicated believers. Although this is not a moral standard it is important to note.
How do I enforce these?
Enforcing moral standards is not my favorite part of the ministry. However it is a very important part.
Hebrews 12:11
'No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening--it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way." New Living Translation (NLT)
Another way I look at that scripture in relation to our music ministry is that at the time, discipline isn't much fun. It always feels like it's going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it's the well trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God. Musicians understand what it means to be in training for their music. These standards are just another part of that training.
Rev. 3:19
"I am the one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love. Be diligent and turn from your indifference." New Living Translation (NLT)
In some ways, as I lead the ministry, these are my people (on loan from God!). These are people that God has called me to love and sometimes I also have to call them to account, prod and correct and guide them so that they'll live at their best. Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God!
If there is a problem it should be dealt with quickly, fairly and in love. Honestly, I don't go out looking for "Offenders of the Standards". But when issues are brought to my attention I choose the direct approach. Depending on the situation a gentle, but firm reminder of the standards should suffice.
Some severe issues require immediate removal from ministry and/or some other church discipline. A reconciliation plan is offered and is the responsibility of the individual. I have never discussed details of a team member's discipline plan or specific sin with the team or church at large.
The best way to enforce the standards is before they are violated through reminders and by regularly encouraging healthy spiritual growth.
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