In our own churches, we are likely to be the best trained musician or the most experienced worship planner. We need to put ourselves in positions where we are the least experienced person in the room. Yes, this is terrifying, but a frightening challenge is the surest way to grow.
Taking a break really matters. It matters for worship directors so you can go worship in other churches where you are not in charge, you didn’t plan the liturgy, and you do not even have to show up on time.
We initially started this alternative practice on Ash Wednesday because we were concerned that this was one of the few times most people in our church would be touched directly by a pastoral leader . . . and to make that moment connected to the practice of ashes seemed profoundly unbiblical
