45 Things I Wish I Knew on Day 1: Part 1 – The Mission

If I could go back to day one of worship ministry, I wouldn’t start with songs, stage lights, or soundboards—I’d start with mission.

Everything centers around it.

Before you ever lead a band, plan a set list, or build a team, you need to be rooted. Called. Commissioned. Grounded in WHY you're here and WHO sent you. You need clear marching orders from God—and yes, from your leadership too.

Because no matter how passionate or talented you are, your gift needs a mission to aim it.

This is the mission part—what I wish someone had pulled me aside and said before the first service, first song, or first worship night.

Here are 11 truths I’ve learned the long way:

1. Good music doesn’t get people saved—the Gospel does.

I LOVE a great song!! Excellence is important, but it can’t replace the power of the Gospel. Don’t let the sound outshine the Savior.

TITUS 3:5-6

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior

2. Better gear does not equal better worship.

New pedals, lights, or plugins won’t magically generate revival. Worship isn’t built on tech—it’s built on hearts aligned with Heaven.

JOHN 4:24

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth

3. Don’t be in a hurry—enjoy the adventure.

Ministry isn’t a microwave. God often works in seasons, not seconds. Don’t rush past what He’s doing right now.

ECCLESIASTES 3:1

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven

4. What you do when no one is watching will eventually be seen by everyone.

Private disciplines become public fruit. Your integrity behind the scenes matters more than you think.

PROVERBS 10:9

He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known

MATTHEW 6:6

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly

5. Don’t ask God to send you people to accomplish your vision—ask Him to send you people you can help fulfill theirs.

Servant leadership builds kingdom culture. Empower others and watch God expand your influence.

MATTHEW 20:26

Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant

6. If there’s a breakdown, it’s either a people problem or a systems problem—and it’s rarely a people problem.

Before blaming a person, evaluate the system. Most failures are fixable with better structure and communication - not more criticism.

EPHESIANS 4:32

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you

7. Learn how to pray.

Not just on stage. In private. With your team. Over your setlist. Before every decision. Prayer is the backbone of sustainable ministry.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:17

Pray without ceasing

8. Shepherd and care for people—and sometimes use songs to do it.

Worship is about people encountering God, not just hitting the right chords. Be a shepherd before you're a performer.

1 PETER 5:2

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly

9. Be open-handed with what God gives you.

Opportunities, platforms, songs, even people—hold them loosely. They’re His, not yours.

JAMES 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning

10. God called you to this—and He knew what He was doing.

Even when you feel underqualified or unseen, God didn’t make a mistake when He chose you.

ROMANS 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose

11. Prioritize your family.

Your ministry will never be more important than your spouse, your kids, or your health. Don’t sacrifice your first calling for your public one.

DEUTERONOMY 6:6-7

And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up

This is just Part 1 of a journey I’m still on. But if you're just getting started—or even if you’ve been doing this a while—go back to the mission. Re-anchor. Let God remind you of your why.

Because if you get the mission right, everything else can grow from there.

Stay tuned for Part 2. 🙌