Perfectionism vs. Volunteerism

We just wrapped up our annual He Has Been Good concert. This year it featured Grammy and Dove Award winner Jason Crabb. Our media ministry volunteers did a great job as usual. However, as amazing as their talent is, they are not professionals. These are men, women, and students who work or are in school. They serve in media on Sundays and for special events, so they get very little time to hone their production skills. I try to remember that as we work through rehearsals, concerts, and even Sunday worship services. Sometimes, they're going to miss the mark...but that's OK. That's an opportunity for me to help them grow skills...and it often gives me an opportunity to share God's love with them.

But, that's not to say that creativity is not important.

In his book, Creative Christian Media, Phil Cooke (Media Ministry guru) wrote, “How a program looks and sounds, the special effects used, the stars--the ‘packaging’--is just as important as the content.”

That sounds odd, even from a Media Minister’s point of view. But look at what he writes next, “No matter how brilliant or anointed the program, if it's not packaged in a compelling way, the viewer won't watch long enough to hear the message.”

That puts a lot of responsibility on our shoulders (our = media ministry staff + media ministry volunteers). It's our job to "package" the message of the pastor, the worship minister, the special guest, etc. in a way that will help the audience or congregation engage and ultimately respond to the message being shared.

In the end, I believe you have to find that perfect balance between perfectionism and volunteerism. Only then will you be able to effectively impact the people immediately around you and people around the world.