We all love momentum. It just feels right. Things are happening, the team is growing, productivity is flowing. But what do you do when it’s not there? When you’re stuck in a rut?

Let’s first of all talk about the purpose of momentum. Momentum is movement. Motion. The science of picking up speed.

I remember when I had some momentum on my skateboard as a child, sliding down the largest hill in my neighborhood. I had incredible momentum, but it was stupid. Because I fell. And rolled. And rolled some more. And cried. And it hurt. I made a decision that day to avoid such momentum for the rest of my life.

Of course, you don’t want that kind of momentum in your team. Momentum that hurts, damages, hinders the purposes of God.

Just because you’re busy doesn’t mean you have momentum. Busyness does not equal progress.

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Worship ministry is mostly about getting out of our own way. If we can minimize distraction, be more authentic, build trust, and love Jesus, we’ll create an environment where people participate rather than spectate. 

A skill set so desperately needed is leading spontaneous moments.

But let’s set the record straight. By spontaneous I don’t mean unplanned, unprepared, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants worship. For spontaneity to work well, you need a plan for it.

I remember the first time I tried to sing a spontaneous song in a service. I’m fairly certain that angels fled at the sound. Even Jesus turned to Gabriel and was like, “What was that?!?” I spent a grand total of zero minutes preparing for that moment. And it was obvious.

Effective spontaneous leadership isn’t actually spontaneous at all. It’s the result of hard work, practice, and planning.

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