Empowering Worship Ministry Volunteers: A Conversation with Crosswalk's Isai Moran

Best Practices for Adventist Worship (BP): Even congregations like Crosswalk that employ worship & arts staff tend to rely heavily on volunteers for their worship music ensembles. What have you found most inspires volunteers to contribute their time? 

Isai Moran (IM): Good and meaningful fellowship and community are most essential. Our team really enjoys spending time together every week and also during the week. We try our best to have team nights and vespers where people can connect outside of Saturday mornings as well. I think community is one of the main reasons why people are so committed. It’s hugely important to interact with team members when they are not actively serving so they know you truly value each of them not just for their role or abilities but as people.

BP: Are there positions in an ensemble that you find you more often need to hire a musician? 

IM: In our particular community, all of the musicians are volunteers. But I have found the audio engineer to be a critical position worth investing in. Skilled, available audio engineers are hard to come by; and they make a huge difference. The audio mix affects every sonic aspect of what happens on the platform and, as a result, the congregation’s worship experience throughout the gathering.

BP: Hiring musicians for ministry is a worthwhile investment if needed and feasible. What are some advantages to also developing a larger community of volunteers—both for the volunteers and the congregation? 

IM: Team members who are volunteers are committed to the community outside of just the worship set. They tend to create roots and get to know the congregation on a deeper level. This can happen with hired musicians as well. But volunteer leaders who are fully integrated into the church community can have an especially meaningful and effective ministry on and off the platform.

BP: What are the most important things you’ve found a music director, worship pastor, or leadership team can do to support volunteer worship leaders—vocalists, instrumentalists, and other artists—to support their holistic growth in Christ and enable them to thrive in their roles?

IM: I think it is crucial that we make our team feel like they are valued and important to the work that we do. You can remind them of that with your words and your actions. Whether it's thanking them for all they do, making sure they have a smooth/stress free experience, or giving gifts during Christmas time, small actions can make a huge difference. Effective worship leaders are asked to facilitate a positive, transformative experience for the gathered community; and it’s crucial that they know their own experiences is also important to those who have asked them to serve.