Builders & Gardeners Pt 2

Last week’s post reflected on the contrast between a builder and a gardener. In short, we leaders tend to be builders, but we need to nurture our gardener side.

In response to that post, my dad continued my thoughts with this:

Builders deal with dead things to create new things.
⁠Gardeners deal with living things as they observe God's creative work.

⁠Gardeners nurture people's hearts without interfering with the transformation process of the heart.

⁠Builders can raise structures up at will and raze them down to build new structures at will.
⁠Not so with gardeners. They cannot destroy living things and raise them up at will.

⁠The gardener's job is a heart-transforming job.
Not so much with builders.

⁠The builders' job is a work of beauty.
⁠The gardener's job is a work of the heart.

⁠Builders interfere with dead things to create new structures.
Gardeners watch God at work with nature.

⁠Builders deal with structural systems.
⁠Gardeners deal with live ecosystems without disturbing the process.

⁠A gardener's job is akin to a shepherd's, whose primary duty is to nurture sheep.

His reflection then led me to think of this phrase:
We need a builder’s hand but a gardener’s heart and mind.

Here is what
Builders use resources to create new structures.
Gardeners work with living things, nurturing and cultivating what they have and what already exists.

A builder’s hands bring order and form, raising something tangible and visible.
A gardener’s heart allows life to flourish, providing care and patience for natural growth.

Builders control the process, shaping their environment according to a plan.
Gardeners cooperate with the process, responding to the needs of plants and the rhythms of nature.

We need a builder’s hand to shape, design, and create.
But we also need a gardener’s heart to nurture, care, and trust in God’s process of growth.

A builder’s success is seen in the finished product—the structure stands as proof of their skill.
A gardener’s success is seen in the ongoing health and fruitfulness of what they have nurtured.

Builders can work quickly, following a clear blueprint and timeline.
Gardeners understand that true growth takes time and requires patience, allowing life to unfold.

A builder’s hand is strong, precise, and purposeful, crafting new things from raw materials.
A gardener’s heart is attentive, gentle, and responsive, fostering life without forcing it.

The builder focuses on design and execution, bringing visions to life.
The gardener observes, protects, and allows God’s natural processes to flourish.

Building can be a powerful act of creation but must be guided by a gardener’s sensitivity to life.
Gardening is an ongoing act of stewardship sustained by patience and watchfulness.

In ministry and worship leadership, we need the discipline and structure that a builder provides. But above all, we need the gardener’s heart—to nurture community, be patient with God’s timing, and cultivate an environment where the Spirit can move freely.

The builder's hand helps us shape, organize, and create structure—crucial for executing plans and managing logistics. The gardener's heart prioritizes patience, care, and attentiveness—reminding us to listen, wait, and let God guide growth.

Ultimately, this balance combines the builder's strength with the gardener's care. In worship leadership, it means planning while staying open to the Holy Spirit. It’s about creating environments that thrive with life because they are grounded in - ironically, the fruit of the Spirit - love, peace, patience, and a deep connection to God’s presence.

I've booked my flight and hotel. I’m excited about this upcoming worship conference. It’s a different one! Rather than a big conference with speakers and concerts, this is an intimate setting where you can be seen and heard, get your questions answered, and gain a fresh perspective on any worship challenges you are facing.

If you want to come, let me know - text me at 905-447-9630 and I may have a discount code for you!!!