Hello to all my friends out in blogland! Just this past Sunday I called a meeting with my musicians and talked over several things that I feel we could benefit from working on. I believe reading what I am dealing with may benefit you and your approach to your musicians. Or if you are a musician it may give you pause to think about how you interact with the other musicians in your music department.
Here are the topics I covered in this meeting:
1. Musicians - if a singer(s) begin singing in a service and you do not know the song, there is nothing wrong with not playing your instrument during that song. What we were experiencing was well-intentioned musicians jumping in on songs they did not know, and inadvertently creating more musical chaos than positive contribution. Now I do not say this in a negative way, as my musicians all have good intentions (I have a great group I am privileged to work with) and only try to help by supporting the singer(s) with their instrument. However my message to them was this: if you don't know the song, don't play. The only exception I distinguish is the drummer (if your drummer is proficient enough it really helps most songs to have tempo and percussion involved) and the keyboarder (that is me in my department). So in my case I was talking to the bass player, electric guitar player, and saxophonist.
2. Each drummer has an assigned service to play - do not pressure the other drummers to play if it's not your service - this may sound elementary but I deal with young and zealous drummers (I have three of them) and many times they feel the need to play the drums at all times. :0) To solve this situation I have assigned each drummer a service they are the main drummer for. The only reason a drummer should be playing in a service that's not 'theirs' is if the designated drummer for that service is either absent or praying at the altar.
3. Each musician should be attempting to improve theirself outside of church services - I am working with my bass guitar player to locate an instructor to give him music lessons now. I encouraged my drummers to ask around for someone they may learn from in our community, and I myself have been talking to some musicians from a local church to identify someone I may learn from. Many church musicians make the mistake of thinking they only need to study their instrument during church services. This is fundamentally wrong; does a politician only practice giving speeches while behind the podium addressing a nation? Does the professional baseball player only practice swinging the bat while in a game?
4. During the week prior to a music/singer practice, I email out links to my musicians and singers of the songs we will be covering in our next rehearsal. They are usually Youtube links. I ask each singer and musician to listen to these music links diligently in order to familiarize their selves with the songs. That way by the time they show up to our rehearsal they are already familiar with the songs and possibly have even picked out their vocal parts. The musicians are already familiar with the intros, cuts/breaks, and moving parts to the song. In the past I have emailed out such links only to find my musicians/singers did not even take the time to listen to the songs prior to the rehearsals! This is very frustrating to me, as I put time and effort into distributing this information pre-rehearsal. So in this meeting I kindly asked all singers/musicians to make time to study my emailed song links.... Being a part of this church music department requires time at home (think homework) studying..... We will not just show up to rehearsals or church services and attempt the throw everything together in a sloppy fashion. God deserves our best!
I hope the above topics may benefit you in your music department. Do not be afraid to raise the bar of expectation for your singers and musicians!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Critique Your Music Ministry Team
Last week I did something that turned out to be very constructive and I would recommend you try it also with your praise team / choir / chorale / musicians. My pastor and I have been discussing how we may increase the spirituality of our music team and be more demonstrative while we minister. One idea we came up with was to video a few of our Sunday services and use that footage as constructive material. I had our sound man take some video footage from the sound booth (I did not tell our music team we were being filmed) and then I had it prepared into a YouTube video.
Last week we cut our music practice short so we would have time to watch the video and have discussion. Boy was it a learning experience! As singers and musicians, we normally do not have the opportunity or take time to critique ourselves and how we come across to the congregation. While we watched this training video some of our singers and musicians realized they were so focused on hitting the correct notes or playing the correct musical progressions that we were not freely involved in worship. This gave the visual effect to the congregation of us standing on the platform, stock still, hands at our sides, singing and playing instruments. Some of our singers and musicians were embarrassed and even disappointed in themselves as they realized the message they sometimes portray to the congregation. We realized that even though we were singing songs that encouraged the congregation to involve their selves in praise and worship, we weren't doing enough of it ourselves! Now that our team has viewed the video in a group setting once, I am now asking each member to watch it again in the comfort of their home. I ask each team member only to focus on themselves and not worry about what Brother so-and-so or Sister so-and-so is or isn't doing. I asked each member to ask theirself, "Am I praising/worshipping in a manner that represents my God? Would a visitor or church member feel motivated to praise or worship based on my platform behavior?" This is a self-critique exercise that will help us all understand if we are losing sight of the goal in platform music ministry: to usher in the presence of the Lord and help others in the congregation enter into God's presence with us.
I would recommend not alerting your music team when they are being recorded; allow everyone to operate in a normal fashion while you are collecting your video. I could write a whole lot more regarding this exercise and I will in future blogs. My message to you today is this: try this sometime and you will find it really exposes weaknesses in your team as they convey to your congregation. This exercise creates great teaching moments and will help everyone remember we are all one team working towards one goal, and the team needs 100% participation from everyone involved.
Last week we cut our music practice short so we would have time to watch the video and have discussion. Boy was it a learning experience! As singers and musicians, we normally do not have the opportunity or take time to critique ourselves and how we come across to the congregation. While we watched this training video some of our singers and musicians realized they were so focused on hitting the correct notes or playing the correct musical progressions that we were not freely involved in worship. This gave the visual effect to the congregation of us standing on the platform, stock still, hands at our sides, singing and playing instruments. Some of our singers and musicians were embarrassed and even disappointed in themselves as they realized the message they sometimes portray to the congregation. We realized that even though we were singing songs that encouraged the congregation to involve their selves in praise and worship, we weren't doing enough of it ourselves! Now that our team has viewed the video in a group setting once, I am now asking each member to watch it again in the comfort of their home. I ask each team member only to focus on themselves and not worry about what Brother so-and-so or Sister so-and-so is or isn't doing. I asked each member to ask theirself, "Am I praising/worshipping in a manner that represents my God? Would a visitor or church member feel motivated to praise or worship based on my platform behavior?" This is a self-critique exercise that will help us all understand if we are losing sight of the goal in platform music ministry: to usher in the presence of the Lord and help others in the congregation enter into God's presence with us.
I would recommend not alerting your music team when they are being recorded; allow everyone to operate in a normal fashion while you are collecting your video. I could write a whole lot more regarding this exercise and I will in future blogs. My message to you today is this: try this sometime and you will find it really exposes weaknesses in your team as they convey to your congregation. This exercise creates great teaching moments and will help everyone remember we are all one team working towards one goal, and the team needs 100% participation from everyone involved.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Easter Sunday Report
It has been awhile since I posted to my blog and I apologize; I will be back on my regular schedule going forward.
I am so proud of the Family Life Church music department! Sarina and I put together a choir for Easter Sunday and rehearsed three times last week. The song we chose was Donald Lawrence's "Stranger" and the choir did a wonderful job this past Sunday. We baptized eight people at the end of the service - in Jesus name! God is good!
I am so proud of the Family Life Church music department! Sarina and I put together a choir for Easter Sunday and rehearsed three times last week. The song we chose was Donald Lawrence's "Stranger" and the choir did a wonderful job this past Sunday. We baptized eight people at the end of the service - in Jesus name! God is good!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
7 Reasons Why We Worship God
Today's blog may be of use for yourself or for you to present to your worship team/choir. Since the essence of music ministry is offering praise and worship to God, it reasons we should spend a lot of time talking about it.
We live in a day and age when our time and money are spent on places, things, and entertainment. Things that take up our time, many of which are necessary. I can relate to the necessary duties: raising three boys certainly seems to vanquish almost every spare moment of my daily life outside of church, work, and sleep. :0) But regarding the non-important things we find ourselves caught up in, me must be careful not to let these things take the place of my energy and time we give to God. Having said that, here are seven reasons why we worship God:
1. He is my creator: Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."
2. He is my protector: Jude 24 "Now unto him who is able to keep you from falling, and present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy."
3. He is my redeemer: Romans 3:24 "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."
4. He is merciful: Lamentations 3:22-23 "It is the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is they faithfulness."
5. He is my healer: Psalm 127:3 "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds."
6. He is slow to anger: Nehemiah 9:17 "...but thou are a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness."
7. He bestows blessing on us: Matthew 6:26-34 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all of these things shall be added unto you."
We live in a day and age when our time and money are spent on places, things, and entertainment. Things that take up our time, many of which are necessary. I can relate to the necessary duties: raising three boys certainly seems to vanquish almost every spare moment of my daily life outside of church, work, and sleep. :0) But regarding the non-important things we find ourselves caught up in, me must be careful not to let these things take the place of my energy and time we give to God. Having said that, here are seven reasons why we worship God:
1. He is my creator: Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."
2. He is my protector: Jude 24 "Now unto him who is able to keep you from falling, and present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy."
3. He is my redeemer: Romans 3:24 "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."
4. He is merciful: Lamentations 3:22-23 "It is the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is they faithfulness."
5. He is my healer: Psalm 127:3 "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds."
6. He is slow to anger: Nehemiah 9:17 "...but thou are a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness."
7. He bestows blessing on us: Matthew 6:26-34 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all of these things shall be added unto you."
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Understanding Praise & Worship -- Part 2
Hello friends! Today's post is a little less structured and is mostly me thinking out loud.
Music is such a vital part of our everyday life. Unless you live in a cabin away in the mountains, you can't get away from it (even you, Sister Bates). :0) Just turn on the radio or watch television for a few moments -- for every news broadcast and ever commercial, there is a catchy tune playing. The past five years have been the 'reality television' age, which I am fairly sick of now..... But now music is even playing during actual programs! We are inundated with all kinds of background tracks and songs at all times. I saw this trend coming in when I saw an episode of Alias (starring Jennifer Garner) back in the mid 2000's. Now you can't imagine a television show or commercial without music.
Why do Hollywood and commercial advertisers spend hundreds of millions of dollars annually on music soundtracks, jingles, etc.? The simple answer is because through music we receive subtle messages. You have probably found yourself humming or singing a tune out of the blue and you aren't sure what made you think of that melody. Where did it come from? When did I hear it? How did it get so dominate in my mind? Music is a tool that can excite, calm, comfort and cheer.
Church music is so extremely important that the word of God devotes much time and space to instruction. David talks of singing a new song unto the Lord. It was David that played music to comfort King Saul. It was music that sounded an alarm or the charge for battle. It was music that the angels played announcing the grand entrance of our Lord and Saviour into this world. One day it will be music that God will use to sound his return to this world. Be appreciative that God has chosen you to be a conduit through which music flows to his people! It is truly a sacred calling indeed.
Music is such a vital part of our everyday life. Unless you live in a cabin away in the mountains, you can't get away from it (even you, Sister Bates). :0) Just turn on the radio or watch television for a few moments -- for every news broadcast and ever commercial, there is a catchy tune playing. The past five years have been the 'reality television' age, which I am fairly sick of now..... But now music is even playing during actual programs! We are inundated with all kinds of background tracks and songs at all times. I saw this trend coming in when I saw an episode of Alias (starring Jennifer Garner) back in the mid 2000's. Now you can't imagine a television show or commercial without music.
Why do Hollywood and commercial advertisers spend hundreds of millions of dollars annually on music soundtracks, jingles, etc.? The simple answer is because through music we receive subtle messages. You have probably found yourself humming or singing a tune out of the blue and you aren't sure what made you think of that melody. Where did it come from? When did I hear it? How did it get so dominate in my mind? Music is a tool that can excite, calm, comfort and cheer.
Church music is so extremely important that the word of God devotes much time and space to instruction. David talks of singing a new song unto the Lord. It was David that played music to comfort King Saul. It was music that sounded an alarm or the charge for battle. It was music that the angels played announcing the grand entrance of our Lord and Saviour into this world. One day it will be music that God will use to sound his return to this world. Be appreciative that God has chosen you to be a conduit through which music flows to his people! It is truly a sacred calling indeed.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Understanding Praise & Worship - Part 1
Good morning. This is part one of a discussion about praise and worship. What is it? Why do we do it? What extra responsibilities do we have as worship leaders? What does the Bible say about what I am involved with at my church? Lots of questions, all legitimate, so let's talk through some of them.
First, some important points:
1. Singing or playing an instrument in church is presenting the gospel or the good news. Every time we present the gospel is should be special, not something we allow to become routine or predictable.
2. Our preparation time is vitally important. My prayer and devotions help to focus in on the message I give. How many times have you seen a church singer or musician show up for a service just to 'do their thing'?
3. Anointed singing / playing is more than entertainment: it's a ministry. The sooner you recognize this the better!
4. When singing / playing is void of the anointing, it is ineffective! A cold branding iron has never left its mark anywhere.
5. When you are singing or playing to your local congregation, you are already acquainted with most of the audience. You must be prepared to minister with a clear concious. Your friends know you, they see you at your best and at your worst. Live what you profess and sing.
6. Perception is everything. Sometimes the first impression is the lasting one. When you have prepared your mind, spirit, and soul, the audience will feel the sincerity in what you are doing.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we will delve into these concepts further and begin validating the ideas with scriptures, personal experiences, and (true) funny church stories! :0)
<a href="http://www.hypersmash.com/hostgator/" id="ME498">HostGator promos</a>
First, some important points:
1. Singing or playing an instrument in church is presenting the gospel or the good news. Every time we present the gospel is should be special, not something we allow to become routine or predictable.
2. Our preparation time is vitally important. My prayer and devotions help to focus in on the message I give. How many times have you seen a church singer or musician show up for a service just to 'do their thing'?
3. Anointed singing / playing is more than entertainment: it's a ministry. The sooner you recognize this the better!
4. When singing / playing is void of the anointing, it is ineffective! A cold branding iron has never left its mark anywhere.
5. When you are singing or playing to your local congregation, you are already acquainted with most of the audience. You must be prepared to minister with a clear concious. Your friends know you, they see you at your best and at your worst. Live what you profess and sing.
6. Perception is everything. Sometimes the first impression is the lasting one. When you have prepared your mind, spirit, and soul, the audience will feel the sincerity in what you are doing.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we will delve into these concepts further and begin validating the ideas with scriptures, personal experiences, and (true) funny church stories! :0)
<a href="http://www.hypersmash.com/hostgator/" id="ME498">HostGator promos</a>
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Tips for Developing a Music Ministry at an Established Church -- Part 2
Here is the second and final part of this two-blog series; picking up where I left off, at number seven.
7. Develop relationships with people in the church and music department
This may seem obvious and an unspoken rule, but you would be surprised at the number of musicians/directors/singers that do not go out of their way to integrate deeply into their congregation. It can be tempting to stay in your comfort zone, to not go out of your way to talk to that elder sister that sits on the other side of the building.... Or that new family that seems a little weird. :0) But remember that half of your success on the platform is the music you present to the congregation: the other half is who you are to those people that are watching/listening to you.
8. Do not alienate your audience by only doing "your style" of music; gradually incorporate style changes
This is very important to a church, as music is like an opinion: everyone has one (or two, or thirty). There is nothing wrong with drawing strongly from a base style you are comfortable/accomplished at. You must be careful though not to find yourself singing/playing/teaching only one style of music. Not only does this limit the boundaries of your fellow singers/musicians and how much they can blossom and grow in their ministries, it is also very selfish for you to push one certain sound on the rest of the church. To be varied and comprehensive in your approach, you will need to mix up a combination of church music. I find that a good mix for me includes contemporary, black gospel, and some material that a few well-known Pentecostal choirs produce.
9. Rise above criticism
Being in front of everyone and trying to lead in worship through your voice or an instrument is no easy task. Be assured, occasionally someone will make comments to you or to your pastor that seem critical and unconstructive. Unfortunately this is part of the job! It is impossible to please everyone all the time - you are striving to appeal to the mass of your congregation in such a manner as to assist them in entering into the presence of the Lord. It is no easy task! Providing criticism isn't constant or from a large demographic of your church, you will need to brush it off and keep soldiering. There is nothing wrong with talking with your pastor when criticism comes; ask him/her to give you an unbiased opinion of your progress in your department, and ask for constructive criticism and feedback.
10. Be secure in your position (don't use it as a weapon or manipulation, but don't sweat the small stuff - you will win loyalty in time)
11. Discover new talent in your church
This is something that should be done continually. Why, you ask? Because every congregation changes here and there over time; saints come, saints go, and you will still be there doing your job. Even if you have a very accomplished, seasoned praise team / choir / group of musicians, you should always be keeping your eyes out for new talent and interest. When you find it, latch onto it and try to encourage the individual to pursue it. This will require some more time on your part, but that child that loves to bang on the piano now may be a phenomenal musician in five years. Notice I did not say it is your job to *teach* individuals with interest in your department. If you can manage this with your time and resources, that is fine. But I am a big promoter of people going out and obtaining their own training, whether it be musical or vocal. Someone who really is interested in being a part of your team will attempt to learn musical/vocal basics through school bands or private instructors. There is nothing wrong with allowing people to prove their passion for your department by expecting them to sacrifice the time and effort to learn and develop their voice or an instrument. After all - you put forth blood, sweat, and tears to get where you are, correct? There are no shortcuts to becoming a capable singer, director, or musician.
7. Develop relationships with people in the church and music department
This may seem obvious and an unspoken rule, but you would be surprised at the number of musicians/directors/singers that do not go out of their way to integrate deeply into their congregation. It can be tempting to stay in your comfort zone, to not go out of your way to talk to that elder sister that sits on the other side of the building.... Or that new family that seems a little weird. :0) But remember that half of your success on the platform is the music you present to the congregation: the other half is who you are to those people that are watching/listening to you.
8. Do not alienate your audience by only doing "your style" of music; gradually incorporate style changes
This is very important to a church, as music is like an opinion: everyone has one (or two, or thirty). There is nothing wrong with drawing strongly from a base style you are comfortable/accomplished at. You must be careful though not to find yourself singing/playing/teaching only one style of music. Not only does this limit the boundaries of your fellow singers/musicians and how much they can blossom and grow in their ministries, it is also very selfish for you to push one certain sound on the rest of the church. To be varied and comprehensive in your approach, you will need to mix up a combination of church music. I find that a good mix for me includes contemporary, black gospel, and some material that a few well-known Pentecostal choirs produce.
9. Rise above criticism
Being in front of everyone and trying to lead in worship through your voice or an instrument is no easy task. Be assured, occasionally someone will make comments to you or to your pastor that seem critical and unconstructive. Unfortunately this is part of the job! It is impossible to please everyone all the time - you are striving to appeal to the mass of your congregation in such a manner as to assist them in entering into the presence of the Lord. It is no easy task! Providing criticism isn't constant or from a large demographic of your church, you will need to brush it off and keep soldiering. There is nothing wrong with talking with your pastor when criticism comes; ask him/her to give you an unbiased opinion of your progress in your department, and ask for constructive criticism and feedback.
10. Be secure in your position (don't use it as a weapon or manipulation, but don't sweat the small stuff - you will win loyalty in time)
11. Discover new talent in your church
This is something that should be done continually. Why, you ask? Because every congregation changes here and there over time; saints come, saints go, and you will still be there doing your job. Even if you have a very accomplished, seasoned praise team / choir / group of musicians, you should always be keeping your eyes out for new talent and interest. When you find it, latch onto it and try to encourage the individual to pursue it. This will require some more time on your part, but that child that loves to bang on the piano now may be a phenomenal musician in five years. Notice I did not say it is your job to *teach* individuals with interest in your department. If you can manage this with your time and resources, that is fine. But I am a big promoter of people going out and obtaining their own training, whether it be musical or vocal. Someone who really is interested in being a part of your team will attempt to learn musical/vocal basics through school bands or private instructors. There is nothing wrong with allowing people to prove their passion for your department by expecting them to sacrifice the time and effort to learn and develop their voice or an instrument. After all - you put forth blood, sweat, and tears to get where you are, correct? There are no shortcuts to becoming a capable singer, director, or musician.
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