What's Driving Your Ministry
Coaching ministry leaders through the Primal Question to uncover the emotional root of their leadership—and unlock the gift God planted there.
Good morning, Ministry Leader friend.
If this is your first time reading, welcome! Every week, ministry leaders like you—people who care deeply about Jesus, the Church, and leading well—gather here to grow. You belong here.
Today, we’re talking about…
Why musical excellence and theological knowledge still aren’t enough for ministry.
You’ve spent years studying Scripture, crafting beautiful worship sets, refining your team, and making sure everything flows with intentionality. You can talk about the theology of worship, disciple your vocal team with Scripture, and even quote the Psalms without missing a beat.
What happens when someone on your team walks in broken?
What do you say when a team member is weeping over a recent breakup? Or when a volunteer admits they feel invisible and unworthy? Or when your student drummer is quietly battling anxiety and no longer wants to come to rehearsal?
You probably weren’t trained for those moments.
Because in those moments, theology and talent alone aren’t enough.
You’ve learned to study God’s Word and pursue musical excellence. That’s essential. But most of us weren’t taught how to study people—their emotions, wounds, and deep spiritual questions.
That’s the blind spot that’s holding back your ministry.
Let me be clear:
I believe in you.
You’re here because you care. You want to lead well. You want your team and congregation to experience the presence of God.
But here’s the hard truth:
Most worship and music leaders are trained to lead services—not to shepherd souls.
We get taught chord charts, transitions, team dynamics, theology, and scheduling. But we’re rarely equipped to walk someone through trauma, identity crisis, or spiritual disconnection.
So when our teammates come to us hurting, we offer band-aids:
“Let’s pray about that.”
“God’s got you.”
“Take a break and come back refreshed.”
Those are well-meaning. But they often treat the symptom, not the source.
Here’s what I’ve discovered:
Almost every person you lead is asking one deep question. One that shapes everything else.
The Seven Primal Questions:
Am I safe?
Am I secure?
Am I loved?
Am I wanted?
Am I successful?
Am I good enough?
Do I have purpose?
When someone’s Primal Question is answered with a NO, they spiral into insecurity, self-doubt, or overwork.
When it’s answered with a YES, they grow in freedom and confidence.
And yes—every person on your team has a Primal Question.
So do you.
Your job isn’t just to coach better vocals or tighter transitions. Your job is to shepherd people toward wholeness in Christ—to help them bring their deepest need to the only One who can meet it.
3 Steps to Transform How You Lead
1. Stop assuming behavior is the problem.
That singer who keeps quitting and coming back? That teenager who won’t open up? That adult who clings to perfectionism? The behavior is only the fruit—not the root. Start asking: What’s underneath this behavior?
2. Learn to listen for the real question.
Maybe your acoustic guitarist isn’t just battling self-doubt—they’re asking, Am I good enough? Maybe your choir member who over-volunteers is really asking, Do I have purpose? When you know which question they’re really asking, you stop giving surface answers—and start offering soul-level wisdom.
3. Use God’s Word to answer their need with a YES.
This is where your theological training shines—when it speaks directly to the heart.
For "Am I safe?" — Psalm 18:2: “The Lord is my protector…”
For "Am I secure?" — 2 Corinthians 9:8: “God is able to bless you abundantly…”
For "Am I loved?" — Lamentations 3:22-23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases…”
For "Am I wanted?" — Luke 15:4-5: “…he joyfully puts it on his shoulders.”
For "Am I successful?" — Philippians 3:7-8: “Whatever were gains to me I now consider loss…”
For "Am I good enough?" — 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you…”
For "Do I have purpose?" — Ephesians 2:10: “We are God’s handiwork…”
You don’t have to have all the answers.
You just need to recognize the question.
When you do, you become more than a worship leader—you become a soul shepherd. You help people trade the lies they believe for the truth God declares.
Rhon
P.S. Want to discover your own Primal Question? Take my free 5-minute assessment at www.rhoncarter.com It'll help you understand what's driving your own behavior and ministry style. Pastor, want to help you and your staff team understand each other better and discover their superpower gift to give away in ministr?. Contact me here!
