What's more important, that what we say doesn't hurt any feelings? Or that what we say is the truth?
Often the two collide and one or the other will be said, but not both.
I'm on the worship team at my church - in fact, I am the team leader. Ultimately, it is my decision if we bring on another team member as a substitute or simply an addition to the band. (Although I do let the entire team decide mostly).
One of the aspects of being a musician is the desire for quality music, or at least that everyone play the same thing and be somewhat in tune. I seem to be the only one on the team who can tell someone that they don't sound good when that is the case. There are a few folks on the team who just want everyone who has the desire to be able to play. No matter how confused, noisy or off-key we are, to them, the music apparently doesn't matter. It's all about making everyone feel good and feel included in the team.
That just doesn't work for me. I want our music tight, clean and pretty. Therefore, I am looked at an an inconsiderate jerk when I tell someone that we have enough people on the team right now or that they need to practice up a bit before they get to play on Sunday morning.
Am I just a jerk? Or should quality matter when we are presenting our talents before the Lord?
My thinking is also that if someone really doesn't play well and no one tells them that for fear of hurting feelings, then they'll probably continue to not play well. It's also dishonest to sacrifice the truth for their feelings.
