Sometimes They Feel Invisible

If you serve on a church creative or production team, you probably know what it feels like to go unnoticed.

Most of the time, the work we do happens in the background. Lights, sound, slides, cameras…sometimes these things are most noticed when something goes terribly wrong.

On the flip-side, when everything runs smoothly, it’s not uncommon to go on for months without any real, helpful feedback. For many of us who serve in these areas, we actually might enjoy being the “guy behind the curtain,” pulling the ropes and making the magic happen (where my introverts at?), so perhaps this doesn’t bother you too much.

However, the reality is that over time a lack of acknowledgement could ultimately lead to discouragement and burnout.

When this becomes the pattern, volunteers or even staff may wonder if what they do really matters. Some step away from serving altogether. And when that happens, this can have a really detrimental impact on teams.

So, as leaders in these spaces, how should we approach our work so that we keep communication of value and importance of each team member near the top of the priority list?

The simplest way to nip this issue in the bud is one word: encouragement.

It is the responsibility of every leader to regularly remind our teams that every role matters, and why it matters.

A word of thanks, a moment of individual recognition, or a personal reminder that their service is ministry can go a long way towards a healthier team culture. To take it a step further, it’s even better to express tangible evidence showcasing the value that team members bring, such as metrics like views, improvements in quality, and even team growth.

When you boil it all down, just remember…you don’t need to throw together pep talks; just walk with the mindset that part of your job is to provide encouragement with intent.

Here’s to the guys behind the curtain doing the Lord’s work 🔥.