How to Handle Conflict on Your Team (Without Drama) 🎭

WORSHIP TEAMS:

Let’s be real—conflict is going to happen. We’re people. We’re passionate. We care about what we do. But how we handle that conflict is what sets healthy teams apart from the ones that slowly unravel behind the scenes.

Whether you are the worship/tech director or you're a member of the team...keep reading as I share 4 practical ways to walk through conflict with honesty and health:

1. Don’t Run From It. GO to It.

Conflict doesn't disappear just because we ignore it. In fact, silence often screams louder. When we choose to avoid hard conversations, we’re not keeping the peace—we’re just postponing a problem.

Over time, what we tolerate becomes what our team sees as normal.  

The result? An unhealthy culture that slowly starts to form around frustration, confusion, and unspoken tension.

Example: If someone consistently shows up late and it’s never addressed, that behavior becomes the standard—even if you don't agree with it.

When something feels off, address it with your team or your leader, gently but directly.

2. Listen to Understand, Not to Respond.

When a conflict arises, take your defense-mode down a notch. Approach the conversation with the goal of understanding the other person’s perspective, not proving your point.

You may find that they truly have a sincere concern or issue, or that there is a deeper problem to address. It may be a simple misunderstanding.

Example: Repeat back what you hear—“So what I’m hearing is that you felt unprepared because the plan changed last-minute, is that right?” That one habit builds bridges faster than being defensive.

3. Be Proactive, Not Passive.

Healthy teams don’t sweep issues under the rug. That just builds resentment, confusion, and eventually… a full-blown divide on or between your Worship & Tech Teams. Be the kind of leader or team member who steps into the conversation early.

Don’t let days or weeks go by without clearing things up. The longer it simmers, the harder it is to resolve.

🎥 Want to dive deeper into this? Check out my brand new YouTube video: “Worship Team vs Tech Team: Fix the Divide” 👉 WATCH HERE

4. Take Ownership of Your Part.

Even if the conflict wasn't your fault, chances are there’s something you can take responsibility for—your tone, your timing, your assumptions. Ownership builds trust and models humility.

When you go first in saying, “Hey, I could’ve handled that better,” it disarms people and opens the door to real resolution.

Example: After a challenging run-through, instead of saying, “Ya'll were totally off,” try: “I realize I didn’t communicate the arrangement clearly ahead of time—I apologize for that. Let’s talk it through.”

Worship and tech teams can work together in unity—even through the messy moments. It starts with honest, healthy conflict resolution, and leaders and team members like YOU choosing to go first.

You’ve got this! 🙌