What to Do When Team Members Quit

Learning how to navigate the dynamics of relationships is an ongoing opportunity.

When a worship team member quits, a leader has the opportunity to simply say goodbye or to evaluate the relationship and to see what can be done to maintain it.

At times, team members will communicate when life changes will be happening, but if a person quits and you weren’t aware that something was going on, you should create an opportunity to meet with them.

Here are some reasons why team members quit, and some suggestions of what you can do to maintain or rescue the relationship.

The team member has scheduling issues.

Be supportive and understanding. If you’re willing to help them—perhaps scheduling them for services on a rotating basis or being adaptive to their schedule if possible—they may be able to continue on the team. However, if an adaptive schedule would create issues with other team members, you may want to suggest that the team member take some time off while they deal with their scheduling issues. You can create regular times of fellowship with that team member that will help you to maintain the relationship. When the scheduling issues are resolved, the team member is more likely to return to the team if the connection of the relationship has been maintained.

The team member was offended by what you or another team member said or did.

Work to resolve the situation. Create an opportunity to meet with the person and hear what they have to say about what caused the offense. If you caused the offense, apologize and try to restore the relationship. If someone else caused the offense, see if you can bring both people together privately to resolve the issue. Recognize that even if the issue is resolved, the departing team member may not want to return to the team, or you may not want them to return to the team. Also, ensure that your pastor remains informed throughout the process regardless of the outcome of your communication with the team member.

The team member decides to leave the church.

Maintain a friendly relationship regardless of where the team member decides to go. They are still part of God’s family. Attendance and participation at one local church or another is not a reason to refuse to fellowship. If you are continuing to show God’s love, the relationship can be sustained.

The team member moves to another town or city.

Get their new address, and maintain contact with them. If you can, help them in the moving process. People are important, and everyone wants to know that they are valued for who they are and not just for what they can do or have done. Keep the relationship. There are so many ways to stay in contact with people who are living at a distance. It’s worth the effort to keep the relationship.

These opportunities for communication can be great learning experiences for us and for the whole team. Every relationship is important and valuable.