Differences between playing in a 'performance band' and a 'worship band'

Well this is quite the controversial subject (church musicians being involved in secular bands) but I am not here to debate the subject today.  I am only here to compare / contrast the unique nuances and demands on both the church musician and the secular, or "gigging" musician.


Many church musicians play in secular bands – performing in pubs & clubs or function bands etc.  So what distinctive qualities does being a worship musician require that are different for a ‘performing’ musician and vice versa? And can one environment benefit from skills developed in the other? Well, church musicians primarily exist to help the congregation engage with God in worship, whilst gigging musicians primarily exist to entertain the crowd (although for a Christian gigging band there may also be the desire to use music to present the gospel and glorify God).


We’re striving for excellence in both contexts but the application may be a little different.  The table below outlines some of the traits that make musicians effective and how they apply in the respective environments.

	Church musician	Secular musician
Flexible in the moment	Very important given that you might play with different musicians each week, and worship times can be unpredictable, with unforeseen changes to song lists and song formats, and having to adapt to contributions from leaders and congregation.	Probably less of a priority for a gigging band who will agree a set list, rehearse it and deliver it exactly as agreed – every time.
Technically proficient	It’s certainly desirable to be as good as possible on your instrument. However, many worship songs are quite straightforward harmonically & rhythmically and can played very well by an intermediate player.	Depends on your band. If it’s the Backstreet Band, then don’t worry about it! However if your covering Stevie Wonder or trying to sound like Dirty Loops you will really need to know your chops and have practiced many hours.
Well Rehearsed	As well as being clued-up on basic arrangements for the songs you’re going to be using at church, it’s good to ‘practice spontaneity’. Look at how you might transition between songs be prepared for the unexpected!	Usually you’ll need to know exactly what you’re playing in every bar of every song – including the exact sounds that guitarists and keyboard players etc will use. The rehearsal almost becomes a drill where you get the song arrangements in your head perfectly.
Authoritative & confident	Less experienced musicians can tend to be a bit apologetic and weak in the way they play. Even if you lack confidence, play your instrument with conviction (that’s not the same as LOUD), and don’t be scared about making mistakes. We all do.	An audience will be unimpressed by a group of muso’s who look shy. If you’re well rehearsed, you can go out and engage the audience – they want you to!
Able to memorize	Having a large repertoire of worship songs in your head so you don’t always need the music in front of you is very liberating especially if you’re suddenly asked to play an unplanned song.	Unless you’re in an orchestra, it’s generally unacceptable be using written music at all in a gig – it looks amateur. Memorize the set!
Rock solid rhythmically	Certainly a good goal for all church bands – practice having drums and bass working tightly with a steady tempo – perhaps use a click. The other musicians should lock in to provide a stable foundation for the worship song.	It’s generally a great compliment if your band is called ‘tight’ – not only do you lock in with solid drums and bass, but every riff, lick, change and transition is perfectly executed to delight the audience.
Creative	Finding new and interesting arrangements for worship songs can breathe fresh life into them. The tried and tested arrangements are fine but a bit of creative thinking (especially with your own church in mind) can be very welcome.	If you’re in a covers band, then emulation is more important than original ideas. However, if you’re playing your own stuff, then it’s vital to be interesting and inventive, or the punters won’t come back.
Able to improvise	Really useful in a church context to add variety, and roll with the unplanned moments. But avoid jam sessions in corporate worship services.	Not necessary if you’re only playing predetermined arrangements, but really useful when initially creating arrangements, or if there’s more of a jazz/improvisational element to your sound.
Able to read music	Always an advantage, although chord charts tend to be more helpful in the church setting. Note-for-note playing of the songbook arrangements tends to sound very flat and uninspiring, so take cues from the score but don’t rely on it.	Well, the Beatles apparently couldn’t read music and they seemed to be moderately successful. But they did have George Harrison who could. Draw your own conclusions!
Entertaining	In church the goal shouldn’t be to entertain the congregation. Some would identify that as a ‘problem’ with modern worship leading styles. However, being demonstratively passionate about what you’re singing and being a ‘lead worshipper’ seems fitting. Heart attitude is everything.	Eye contact, physical movement, passion, eloquent banter, using space on stage, putting the audience at their ease. Yes to all of that if you want them on your side.
Sensitive to the Holy Spirit	Very important if you hope to lead a congregation and help them engage with God’s presence. It goes deeper than just being gifted at your instrument.  Spend time with God in private and it will show in public.	Everything we do as Christians should be part of our worship, including ‘secular’ gigs. I still want to bless God with my instrument wherever I’m playing.
Of good character	If you’re the best drummer in England, but never show up to rehearsals and meetings on time, or if you’re consistently sinning in your personal life, then I would rather not have you on the worship team. Character is every bit as important as gifting. Church is not a good place to realize your rock star fantasy.	Many successful secular bands are populated by people whose lives are a total mess, but as Christians we are called to spread the seed of the gospel everywhere, to be salt and light and to influence our culture for the glory of God. That means living lives of purity, wherever music takes us.

Should Church Music Ministers be Paid? Part 1

Should Church Music Ministers be Paid?  Part 1

Greetings from blogland!  Our discussion today combines the biblical with the practical; ancient customs and scriptures versus twenty-first century application.  I know of pastors who follow this blog and if you are a pastor reading this, please proceed with an open mind.  I understand opinions on this subject vary dramatically and I believe I am able to be objective as I write this as I have lived on both sides of the fence: paid and not paid.  I am certainly not asserting that my opinion is the final word on this topic:  I am only presenting my findings after much research and experience.  Having said that, let us delve into the question at hand to learn what the Bible says regarding compensation for music ministers.

Who in the Bible was compensated for church music ministry?

The tribe of Levi!  We commonly refer to them as the Levites.  This tribe of Israel was hand-picked by God.  The Levites are our biblical model for this topic and the Bible has a lot to say about their significance.

Aaron was the individual chosen by God to act as the head of the Levites.  Aaron was a Levite (Exodus 4:14) and we read of his ordination in Leviticus 8:1-12.  Aaron's sons and extended family would multiply and serve as ministers of everything found in the church, including music.  (Numbers 18:1-6).  God was teaching his people how to worship him.  To do so, he needed ministers to oversee the operations of the tabernacle.  These men were called priests and Levites, and they could only be members of the tribe of Levi.

In I Chronicles 6:31-47 we have documentation of David appointing temple musicians.  Verse 31 and 32 clearly tell us:  "These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the Lord after the ark came to rest there.  They ministered with music before the tabernacle".  (NIV)  The men named in verses 33 through 46 were all Levites.  I Chronicles chapter 23 names the men David appointed (all Levites) and we learn in verse 5 he appointed (four thousand) musicians.  Wow!  And I Chronicles 15:16-28 tells us David appointed signers and musicians to join him in leading the procession of the ark of the covenant.  Now that we have established that the Levites were the chosen people to minister in music let us discover how they were paid.

How were the Levites compensated?

Okay, this is the fun part.  Show me the money!  Numbers 18:21-24 answers the question  of the blog - yes the biblical model as prescribed by God does order music ministers to be paid.  The original model in the old testament has music ministers paid from the offerings collected of the Israelites.

Not only did a Levite's compensation come from offerings, they were also provided housing!  In fact whole cities (48 cities in all) and suburbs were designated by God to be set aside just for Levites.  God provides the details to Moses in Numbers 35:1-8.

Additional supporting scriptures

Lest I only reference old testament scriptures let's take a look into the new testament also.  In Luke 10:7 Jesus says "...the labourer is worthy of his hire."  Jesus told his disciples to accept hospitality graciously because their work entitled them to it.  Ministers in the church deserve to be supported, and our responsibility is to make sure they have what they need.  There are several ways to encourage those who serve God in his church.  The church should support ministers emotionally, by showing appreciation, and through financial support.

In I Corinthians 9:4-10 and verse 13 Paul discusses the compensation of Christian workers by the church.  The church has the responsibility to care for its pastors, teachers, and other leaders.

Who gets paid?

The answer to this question as it relates to your local congregation is varied.  First we must realize the Levites had the support of an entire nation and therefore they enjoyed an enormous 'bank' from which to withdraw from.  In our current-day world of Christianity in which Christians are very segregated due to many denominations, your pastor's 'bank' or resources from which to compensate you with may be severely limited.  In the day of the Levite musicians and singers, the entire nation of Israel was of one group or 'denomination'; thus the land was unified in its compensation to the Levites.

Add to this the fact that most leadership in Christian denominations today (on a country-wide level) do not implement organized compensation for their pastors, let alone music ministers.  This is very unfortunate and a topic of discussion in and of itself.  In fact the reason God instituted the model of compensation in the manner He did shows us the importance He placed on music; God gave instructions to Israel regarding payment for music ministers and priests together and in the same breath.

Nevertheless in our churches today a local congregation may only be able to afford to pay one individual - usually the head coordinator/director of the music department.  Larger congregations with more resources may choose to pay multiple people - singers and/or musicians both.  This seems to follow reason:  more resources provide more options to leaders and financial decision makers of a church.  And after all other costs need to be addressed besides just clergy and the music ministry.  As it is natural for a dedicated church musician to understand the biblical precedent for compensation and so desire it, many vocalists and musicians find their way to large congregations that are able to more freely offer payment for services rendered.  Note to people who criticize singers and musicians who may relocate to one of these larger congregations: this does not necessarily mean the music minister has "sold out" or given in to the love of money.

Remember, as established earlier in this discussion, the seek such support (from the church) is rooted in biblical precepts.

In Part 2 we will discuss two more vital questions pertaining to this discussion.  Stay tuned!

Why Should We Worship Jesus?

Greetings to all my friends in blogland!  Today I am very excited to kick off the first in a five-part series titled, "Why Should We Worship Jesus?"  Last month it came to me that as participants in various types of music ministries, we often use the word worship interchangeably with other terms.  For example, worship service, worship music, a time of worship, etc.  But exactly why should we worship Jesus?  And how does worship affect each of our respective ministries?  Come along with me as we explore worship and how it is vital to our calling.

Why Should We Worship Jesus?  (Part 1)  by Nathan Kesler

What Worship Is Not

We will define what worship is but we must first define what worship is not.  This is because there is a tendency among some Christians to define worship too narrowly and thereby overlook the fullness of what worship is according to scripture.  First, worship is not something solely by Christians or "spiritual" people.  Rather, because everyone was made to worship God, everyone is in fact a worshiper whether or not he or she has any religious or spiritual devotion.

Second, worship is not merely a style of music.  In conversation I often classify Christian music by genre.  For example, I refer to albums by Hillsong as 'contemporary praise and worship', an album by Selah as 'traditional praise and worship', a Gaither Homecoming album as 'southern gospel' and a Ricky Dillard album as 'black gospel'.  But in reality a song from any genre of Christian music is essentially worship music - only arranged and presented in different venues and contexts.  If you have been involved in church ministry for any length of time you undoubtedly have witnessed spirited debates between those promoting one style of Christian music over another, usually in the context of corporate singing.  Sadly, such conflicts can reduce the concept of worship to little more than a style of music or preferred kinds of instrumental accompaniment.  When the Bible speaks of worship, it does include God's people gathering to sing praises to God (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16), but worship is also something much bigger than simply singing or musical tastes.


Third, worship is not something that is connected to a time and place.  In John chapter four there is a discussion between Jesus and a woman who is uncertain of where and when worship is to occur.  Jesus responds to her by stating that worship is an ongoing, unbroken life of communion with God empowered by the Holy Ghost and informed by the truth.  Therefore, while worship does happen in specific places at specific times, such as Sunday services at a church building, worship is not limited to any time or place.  Rather, worship is to exist as a ceaseless lifestyle of God's people in every time and every place.



Fourth, worship is not something that starts and stops.  Church worship services may start and stop but the worshipful life of a Christian is to continue unceasingly.  As has been said, if you will not worship God seven days a week, you do not worship Him one day a week.

Stay tuned for my next post in this series.  Now that we have discussed what worship is not we will discuss what worship is.

Hello to all my music ministry friends and acquaintances.  First I would like to apologize for my lengthy absence since my last post.  Truly I have been through a season of difficulty, self-examination and change (with the help of the Lord).  I would like to echo Paul as stated in Philippians 3:13-14:  "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (KJV).

Today I would like to touch on the passion we all share as Christians who have been called to some aspect of music ministry - whether it be vocal, instrumental or the leadership of such ministry.  Ephesians 4:1-3 is my focus for today and it reads:  Verse 1: "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, Verse 2: with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love."  (KJV).

For the sake of this discussion let us consider our respective music ministries as the spiritual vocation we have been called to in this text.  Ephesians 4:1 in the NIV says, "As a prisoner of the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."  If Paul had not thought it important for us to walk worthy he would not have appealed to us in this manner.  In verse two Paul proposes we do this by exercising lowliness, meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love - endeavoring to keep unity and peace.

In other words, by being humble, gentle, patient, understanding and peaceful.  We could fill volumes discussing applications of these precepts as they pertain to our lives and our music ministry callings.  For today though let us turn our focus inward and examine the application of the aforementioned attributes as they pertain to service within the walls of our churches.

Ask yourself these questions:  When I attend a music/vocal rehearsal what is my demeanor?  Do I strive to create a positive, joyful atmosphere? Do I give my team the impression I know it all?  Do I come across as a microphone hog?  Would others feel my instrument/voice is usually louder and overbearing as compared to the others?  Do I end up singing the majority of song solos?  And ultimately if I wasn't a leader in my department would I desire to serve someone just like me?

I will be the first to admit during the past twenty-two years of involvement in church music ministry I have been guilty of such behavior at times.  Thankfully the Lord has taught me maturity over time and allowed me to minister in a variety of denominal settings and culturally diverse venues.

Ask yourself: Prior to ministering in church services do I spend time in prayer and spiritual meditation?  Is my mind focused and determined to enter into the presence of a holy God by offering my sacrifice of praise and worship?  For that matter, what is my motive behind taking a place behind an instrument/mic?  Do I give less effort if I am ministering before a congregation of ten people or ten thousand?  And ultimately am I living a life worthy of this musical calling He has placed in my heart?

Once we have examined ourselves let us humbly bring these questions of personal introspection to our church's music departments.  Encourage each member of your music department to examine themselves and to be accountable to Jesus.  Finally, allow Jesus to continue being the center of our music ministries.  As the Colorado Mass Choir titled an album, "God Gets the Glory".

Don't lose sight of your department's role in the grand scheme of things

Hello, the title of this post is a little different... It may even seem contradictory.  But in a few minutes you will understand where I am coming from in this post. 

Yesterday I sat down with an older gentleman in my office to complete a business transaction.  In casual conversation I learned he was a Christian and he told me which church he and his wife attend in Houston, TX.  He was very animated and excited about his church and I complimented him on this.  I always feel it important to convey to others your enthusiasm for your church; this is often the first step in that person wanting to know more about your church.  After all if you are excited about going there, your excitement ignites curiosity in their minds to know more.

I continued to discuss this gentleman's church building project, size of the congregation (around two thousand), and many other facets of this work.  When I questioned him about his church's music program he explained they only sing acapella and there aren't any instruments utilized in his church.  I am familiar with Christian organizations that do not use music in their services so this was not a shock to me.  However I was surprised when I asked him their service times.  He very happily let me know that his church conducts services seven days per week!  I asked him more about this and he explained that in the early church services were held around the clock and sometimes spontaneously - and his congregation feels that by conducting services every day of the week, all members have ample opportunity to be in services.  I could only agree to that. 

What's the point of me relating this account to you?  Here is what I realized and what I've been thinking about the past day or two: this man's church is well-attended, is a huge organization with churches in numerous countries, and does not utilize music in their services.  Furthermore they hold services seven days per week.  If this man is very excited about his church and is inviting others, maybe us musicians/singers/worship leaders need to step back and realize that not every one of our Sundays must be 'perfect' from a musical standpoint.  I know there is a habit to get pulled into the performance mindset for Sunday or midweek services - after all, we only provide much music for one or two services per week and we want everyone in the congregation to feel God's spirit and respond to the Holy Ghost.  So we have a tendency sometimes to over think each worship service, each song, every aspect of every service.  When you compare all the music we provide for each of our services vs. the Christian who attends a church with no music or very little, and you still see that Christian growing in Biblical knowledge and understanding, you are forced to realize that as minstrels/worship leaders we just need to focus on ushering in the presence of the Lord into our services -- and not be over focused on who sings the verses to this song, or which pianist is playing for this song....  

Please understand I am not advocating sloppiness or a lazy approach to our ministry -- only reminding you to realize that God doesn't *need* any one of us to accomplish his work -- we only are allowed to assist in ushering the presence of God into our services.  And since this is the case, why be preoccupied with having a perfect studio sound when we should be worshipping and praising God with our whole hearts (not our performance facades) as we sing?  After all, God inhabits the praises of His people - let's set the atmosphere for God to show up!  Let us refocus on what is important when we minister to our congregations.

Tips for Developing a Music Ministry at an Established Church -- Part 1

These are some tips that may help you if you find yourself in a church that is established (not a new work) and you feel the need for further development in your department:

1.  Discover the pastor's vision

Numbers 11:16-17

"And the LORD said unto Moses, gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand with thee.  And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone."

In order to follow the God-given order of the church, you as a singer/musician/music leader must learn the heartbeat of your pastor.  This will allow you to modify your approach to assist him in achieving some of his goals and fulfill his vision as it pertains to the music department.  Your pastor needs your help!  Even if it seems that he is not interested in sharing his vision or his burden for music, it is your responsibility to make the sincere effort to develop your relationship with him.  I worked hard at this during my seven-year tenure as the Music Minister at Phoenix Revival Center in Phoenix, AZ.  The result of my labor was a very close, trusting, personal relationship with my pastor at the time.


2.  Hold up the hands of your leadership

Serve your leader(s)!  It should not matter if your leadership is musical, involved first hand in the music department, or if they do not seem to express an interest at all in your efforts (this is very diffult to accept, I know).  As a member of the ministry team, you should strive to visibly support your pastor and ministerial staff - it is crucial that your congregation see this on a continual basis.  Make your leader(s) look good!   :0)   Defend your leadership from unfounded or vicious attacks from others.  Your pastor and his wife endure untold attacks from the devil and from misguided saints alike.  They need you in their corner, backing them up.

3.  Blessing and anointing flows down from the head

Psalms 133....   The Lord commands a blessing on the head of your spiritual life - your pastor!  Your pastor is the head of your ministry, because God has given him authority over your ministry.  As such, you need to submit yourself to the head...  Where the head goes, the body follows.  I believe this also includes your pastor's wife as well.  I always try to make a concerted effort to have dialogue with my pastor's wife - she is the lady that does many behind-the-scenes things you will never know.  Shift your perception of your pastor's wife, and envision the anointing flowing down from both his and her heads.

4.  Being in submission to your authority puts you in line for a blessing!

Hebrews 13:17....   "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."

In order for God to elevate you, you must always be submitted to the head.  You must also not be prideful.  Always remember, whether you are a singer/musician/director: there is always somebody just around the corner that is much better than you!   Stay humble.   :0)


5.  Have a long-term and short-term plan (where is the department at now and where do I want it to go?)

There is nothing wrong with making a three-month, six-month, and twelve-month checklist and putting it somewhere visible as a reminder.  The refrigerator is a sure-fire location!   lol

6.  Don't initiate changes too quicky (avoid offending people)

This rule may apply to you in varying degrees depending on your local congregation.  It is normal for an immature, unseasoned musician/director/singer to want to change things overnight and "fix" things that you perceive to be broken.  SLOW DOWN when you make major changes in the music department.  Remember that the item that in your opinion is "broken" has been the source of great blessings to a number of the saints!  Change is good, providing it betters the music department and benefits the majority of saints in the church.  Sudden change is usually not the greatest approach and can alienate you from a base in the congregation that you really need on your side -- the older/senior saints!   :0)    What?  That doesn't make sense, you say....    But yes it does and from more than one facet.  The Bible commands you to respect your elders....  There are immediate and long-term benefits for you if you do just that.  Also realize that the older, mature, established base of your congregation are the same ones who pay the majority of the offerings/tithes/sacrificial giving in your church.  To alienate them and to have them ringing the pastor's phone off the hook regarding YOU isn't your best recipe for success.  I have experienced this for myself - take my word for it.    :0)

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