Every worship leader knows the panic: your drummer just moved across the country, your guitarist can only play twice a month, and you’re desperately wondering if you should hire that talented guy from the local bar band. Before you make that call, there’s a lot more to consider than just musical chops. Should you focus on growing talent within your church walls, even if it means starting from scratch with beginners? Is it okay to pay outside musicians, and what happens when they don’t share your spiritual values? What about that brilliant college student who could fill in but isn’t a believer—mission opportunity or potential distraction during worship? This piece cuts through the confusion with practical strategies for building your team the right way.