Worship

From

2009-05-12T18:15:00.000-04:00

WorshipIdea: Who's Driving?
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by Don Chapman
I'm sure you've heard of a song referred to as being guitar or keyboard driven. And just like you could have a fender bender as you drive your car down the street, you could have a musical wreck in your praise band if you don't know who's in control.

A guitar driven song is generally in the key of D, E or G. You'll usually find just one or two chords per measure, whereas piano music is a bit more complex - there might even be a different chord on every beat (think of the hymnal.)

As you create your weekly praise set, decide which songs are keyboard driven or guitar driven. For instance, "Salvation Is Here" is a guitar song and "Breathe" is usually piano driven. Some songs can sound equally good on either piano or guitar. I like to group guitar songs together and keyboard songs together, as in starting sets with two or three upbeat guitar songs and tapering down to a few piano ballads.

On guitar songs, let the guitarist take control by setting the tempo and providing the momentum. The keyboardist should take a back seat, adding fills and harmonic support. If the next song in the set is keyboard driven, let the keyboardist take over the intro and establish the feel. The guitarist should drop to a supporting role, adding arpeggios or a light strumming pattern. Musicians should not get in the way of each other.

Of course, in a full band, the drummer will set the tempo and groove, but you'll still need to maintain the delicate balance of driver and passenger. You want to avoid a musical drag race -- you know, the musical power struggle that erupts when keyboardists and guitarists pound and strum for all they're worth. In the context of "who's driving," your musicians will know who's the leader and who's in the supporting role for each song. With everyone playing appropriately, suddenly your praise set will gel and all will be well.

>Bottom Line: By labeling songs as being piano or guitar driven, you'll improve the professionalism of your praise band as the appropriate instrument takes the lead.

From WorshipIdeas.com

2009-04-29T10:09:00.001-04:00

WorshipIdea: Why We Do This
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by Don Chapman
Often we worship leaders get so caught up in special events like Easter, with all the musical and technical details, that we forget why we're doing it (hint: it's not for the money!)

Below is a story from Rob, one our choir members, about his encounter with an unlikely visitor to our Easter service. I wonder how many stories like this can be told in ministries around the world - and in your church. We may never know until we get to Heaven.

I stopped in at a little gas station for gas and a soda. When I approached the counter there was a man at the register who was staring at me, with a look that made me less than comfortable. I will admit, that due to stereotyping, this was a person I would probably not associate with. Tattoos on the arms, black hair in a pony tail, jewelry on the fingers and both ears, a straggled mustache and beard - you all know who I'm referring to: that guy that hangs out in less than stellar establishments, and sends fear to those that view him.

But he was staring at me. And my first instinct was to flee. I approached the counter, set my soda down, and prepared to hand him the money that I owed, when he opened his mouth to say: "I know you." Quickly glancing around, I noticed that it was just him and me in the place, so I responded with: "I don't think I know you. But my name is Rob."

He goes on to ring me up, and says, "No, I've seen you before, from somewhere". At this point, I'm praying that he'll hurry up and ring me out so I can get on my way, but God takes over and I found myself asking him where he thinks he knows me from. He can't put it together, but I did.

"Do you go to church?" was my next question.

A smile falls upon his face, as the light comes on. He goes on to tell me that his girlfriend and her mother drug him to church on Easter Sunday, to Brookwood, and he recognized me from the choir. "You were wearing a hat!" he tells me.

Walk across the room, I'm thinking. Just walk across the room. I extend my hand and he shakes it, and I asked him what he thought of the church.

The next 15 minutes was nothing short of a miracle. I spent that time listening to the most unlikely worshipper tell me that it was his first time in church in years, and that when Steve, Tara and Melinda did "Amazed," he cried. That by the images of the movie that was showing, (A 1977 version of Jesus of Nazareth), he was blown away at the realization of the price that was paid for us. For humanity. For him. He went on to say "that last song you all did, where everyone stood up...." and I interrupted him with "Jesus Messiah", to which he added.... "yeah, that one, - well when everyone stood up, I didn't know what to do, but when my girlfriend stood up, she grabbed my hand and I was pulled up too." He went on to say, that after the service, he went to the visitor's room to find out more about Brookwood, and what he had to do to be able to come again.

He asked what he had to do to BE ABLE to come again.

I stood in amazement and watched this hulk of a man, with tears in his eyes, witness to me the love that God and Christ has for him. And he wanted to know what he had to do.

By this time, there was a short line behind me, and I actually didn't care. I extended my hand, and said "welcome home."

The issue of music

2009-03-28T23:31:00.003-04:00

If I told you I thought we need to stop singing during the worship service because it's unBiblical and merely just a tradition that has gotten watered down and pointless over the centuries, what would you say?

Excellence

2009-03-21T16:00:00.003-04:00

I've been thinking a lot about excellence lately. The NCAA march madness is going on (for those of you that don't know, that's the big college basketball tournament that's on tv that is probably on in place of your favorite cbs shows) and we're looking to whittle down all these teams and claim excellence by the fact that a team won by beating all others (some of us will claim excellence because we picked that team :) Is that the essence of excellence?
Webster defines excellence:
Excellence
–noun

1.	the fact or state of excelling; superiority; eminence:

2.	an excellent quality or feature:

hmm... an excellent quality or feature. I think a lot of times we look at excellence as just beating out all the other competition, but I think God calls us to a difference kind of excellence. There are many ways to go from here, but I'm going to focus on how we should be applying excellence in the Worship Ministry.
First, we should have spiritual excellence. What? he didn't say we should be excellent singers/musicians?.... nope. we need to start focused on the right thing. God uses people who are quite terrible at things to do big stuff. Moses was a stutterer, Paul killed Christians. We need to have our hearts focused on God... and I don't just mean on Sunday morning. This focus is throughout our entire life. If you think you can come on Sunday morning and give all to God and that's enough, well then you need to rethink why you're part of the Worship Ministry. Once we have our hearts, minds, and souls focused solely on giving God back all the talents, gifts and blessings back to Him we can start working on our musicianship.
Excellence in musicianship... what does that mean? Psalms 33:3 says we should "play skillfully" while we sing to the Lord with loud shouts (maybe we should shout more in our service? ;). Ok so just the musicians should be skilled, right? Errrr wrong! Singers should be skillful, sound guys should be skillful, video techs should be skillful, even ushers should be skillful. Everything that has breath should be praising the Lord in a skillful way.
What's that? You're not a professional musican? So... being skillful kind of bugs you? You think you're somehow inadequate because you can't do things like the pros? Skillful doesn't mean you're the best at what you do, it means that you do the best with what you have and you always look to be better. If we just keep relying on the default we'll never get better. We need to practice more, we need to keep each other accountable, we need to learn from others, and maybe we should think of trying to copy the pros (not their hairdo, their skills). We need to be humble and work as a team. We all need to do this.
Ok, homework assignment. Sometime this week after you're done with your devotions I want you to pick 2 songs that you really love to listen to on the radio, CD, iPod, whatever and I want you to listen to the subtleties. Start of by listening to your instrment/voice does in the song and maybe write it down. Then listen again to what all the other instruments are doing. It may surprise you how everything works together.
I'd still like to see more comments back here. If you're having trouble, email me (). This is a place for dialogue. Please use it (and do you're homework assignment, it'll be graded :)

On stage presence & a question

2009-03-04T14:45:00.002-05:00

So we've talked about why you worship, we talked about communicating, and now we're gonna talk about how you act on stage during Sunday Morning.

Before I start, if you think I'm singling you out, I'm not. I don't really know what you do/don't do on stage. So nothing is specifically designed to offend you or make fun of you. If you feel that I am, then that probably means you need to change whatever it is that offends you.

That being said... we've all been told we need to smile and look pleasant up on stage. If you've ever watched American Idol, they're always harping on people for not feeling the song (ok usually they're complaining about song choice, but this issue comes up too). It's true though that when performing a song a person should look like they're enjoying the song if it's upbeat or feeling the emotions when it's a sad or moving song. So shouldn't we be doing the same?

Singer usually have a tendancy to do this better than musicians (sorry musicians) because they're singing the words, not just playing notes. However, it's easy to just smile to look pleasant rather than thinking about the words we're singing. For example, "Crucified laid behind a stone" isn't exactly the happiest thing to be smiling about. Yes, because Jesus did that we have salvation, but it was quite the brutal thing, so just think about what you're singing.

Now musicians, some of you may not be able to sing and play at the same time, I understand that. However, you need to be thinking about it too. Partially because how you play for a section is determined by the words, but also people DO look at you sometimes too so sing if you can, smile when it's appropriate.

Think about what you look like up there, don't just do what you always do because it's easy.

So now the question. I would like to know what you think about how we can do things better. How can I help you be better at what you do? What do I do that bugs you? (don't be shy, I can take the heat). What can we as a church try to spark creativity and worship? Feel free to comment here or if you're not one to post here just email me.

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thanks in advance for your thoughts

Attitude

2009-02-24T17:21:00.004-05:00

Last night I felt somewhat prideful, no not somewhat prideful, most definitely prideful. I had had a conversation with my future mother-in-law and won (in my opinion). As I've been thinking about this over the past 24 hours I feel horrible for thinking that. She's supposed to see Christ in me, not some snobby jerk who just wants to prove to her that it's my choice, not hers about when and who I marry. Yeah, I was calm and that was totally the Lord, but this pride was not.

Before I talk about attitudes I have some confession I need to do first. I have not been the leader you all deserve. There are times when I get it right, but for the most part I've felt somewhat entitled to what I have. I'm not sure why, but I have. I've gotten frustrated. I've judged. I've put some of you down in my head for what I deemed as "lack of talent". I've allowed myself to somehow glorify my position and somehow think that I'm better at things than I really am. Trust me, I know how much I lack talent (I listen to myself on the recordings after the service, and there are a lot of ouch notes coming from my mouth). I've taken control of aspects of this ministry that others were in charge of and I never thought twice about how they would feel. I've pushed. I've reacted. I've sometimes allowed sin to really creep into my life and distract not only me, but made it a distraction for others.

For all of that I am sorry. You may not even know that any of this has gone on, but now you do. I truly and utterly am sorry. My attitude has not been right. You all give up your time and your efforts and abilities to come and do the same thing I do: help others worship the One and Only God. Because I get paid means jack squat. I really am thankful that all of you put in the time. We wouldn't have a worship ministry without all of you. If you didn't have God given talents and desires you wouldn't be here. Forgive me for forgetting all of that.

So as I continue in the post please remember I'm working on these things with you.

Now that we've talked about preparing our hearts for worship in the morning I would like to discuss our attitudes towards each other. This will not be as much a spiritual thing as more of a practical outflowing of our desire to create a worshipful environment.

I know 8:45am on Sundays can be early for some of you. Actually, probably most of you, especially those of you who have kids you need to get ready. When we come in I'm sure the last thing on our minds is "how can I have a good attitude towards these people I'm working with?". But I'm hoping it becomes something you think about (and not just on Sunday).

I've noticed that sometimes we react to things. There are 2 specific examples that I'm thinking about. The first situation usually comes up right after we've finished the first song and throughout it you probably couldn't hear the worship leader, your voice was too low, the keyboard was too loud, the piano drowned out everything, or heaven forbid that we heard the bass player over it all. As soon as we finish you shout "I need this in my monitor, or AHHH I NEED SANITY (ok, no I've never actually heard that one)". If you were the sound guy how would you react? I'd probably wanna tell YOU to run the sound board bucko.

Sound familiar? it should, it's happened. We should always be considerate of how we're coming off to each other at practice. Instead of all of us demanding our requests here's what we're gonna do from here on (it'll take some time to get used to this, and it may change):
1. We'll start with the worship leader (yes, because i'm the most important (totally kidding!), mostly because since I (or whoever it may be) needs to be able to direct and hear everything in our monitors
2. Vocalists. Since there are multiple of you sharing your monitor it may be hard to get a mix you all agree with but we'll try. Just calmly let the sound guy know what you need (it helps if you talk into your mic so he can hear what your asking him to change)
3. Piano. Again, same thing, just ask for what you need.
4. Keyboard.
5. Bass.
As we get more/better equipment all of this will become more routine.

Scenario 2: Joe is trying to tell everyone what's going on, but people are late, talking out in the hallway, talking on stage, etc. I encourage this kind of community. I love that we are all friends and can talk about some powerful (and some strange) stuff. But when practice starts it starts and we need everyone's full attention. As a side note, practice STARTS at 8:15p on wed. and 8:45a on Sunday. Starts, as in you need to have yo bum where it needs to be before the clock strikes those times (otherwise i'll take your glass slippers and pretty gown away). Joking aside, it wastes time when people aren't prompt. Sound/video guys should be there a minimum of 5 minutes early and realistically should be there in time to check all mics/speakers/batteries etc. Musicians should be seated and have all music out and be tuned by these times. If you're not, your attitude says "my time is more important than yours".

Ok side note aside, showing each other respect on stage is the key factor in all this. That doesn't just mean not doing things, but it also means encouraging each other. When someone does something creative that just sounds sweet, let them know you liked it. If someone looks nice, let them know it. If you think joe looks better shaved, well, ok you get the drift.

Our attitudes always need re-evaluated and I hope this helps you to think. Maybe you've noticed some other thing that you think are worth mentioning here. Feel free to email me ideas or comment. I'll be working on my attitude and I hope you'll be working on yours and through all of this we'll look back.... and worship.

Pre-Worship

2009-02-15T01:30:00.000-05:00

So it's 1am right now and I feel the need to post today (yes, i know we're past a week, hence why i call it an "almost weekly blog"). I'm sitting here thinking about worship (i know, strange concept at 1am)

Isn't it remarkable how easy it is to worship God when you're in the Word, praying, and in general just getting things right? I love those times of worship. It's like anything and everything you see and hear is calling out to God creating beautiful harmonies of praise to the one and only Creator. I read an article about David Crowder Band and some of their music is based off of sounds they hear (for instance, "O Praise Him" is based off of the hum of jet engines during travel to one of their concerts). It's so great to know that God cares about all the intricacies of life.

The opposite, however, is the pits. It can be one of the most frustrating things to try and worship when you're life isn't right. You know what I'm talking about... those days where you got angry and blew up at your spouse, the day you caught yourself eyeballing that cute girl at Chocolate World (wait... that was me), or just the day where you went to bed knowing you should be reading the Bible and praying, but decided you'd rather sleep (knowing God will forgive). There are plenty of other things, of course, but I'll let you think those through.

It's those days where it's hardest to worship. Rather than walking outside and hearing the birds sing a song to God, you're ticked that you have to scrape off your windshield.

The problem is that sometimes those days are Sundays. Since we're all worship leaders we have an added responsibility to come prepared to lead in worship... and how do we do that? well, we worship and thank God for all He is and all He has done. But we can't do that when we're wondering if the pot roast is burning or if we're still mad at our husband for not helping get all the kids ready. We need to be prepared to worship before we take the platform on Sunday morning. I'm going to call this pre-worship.

Ok let's stop, take a break and I'll tell you what's prompting this topic. I struggle with this concept of pre-worship (a lot). I drove home tonight thinking about some things that happened today and frankly asking God to forgive me for not sticking to my guns in some things today. For not taking opportunities to serve. For being lazy. I really hate disappointing God (although it seems to be a gift i have). I hate doing something i know is wrong and having that horrible guilty feeling right after, knowing i'll need to ask for forgiveness, but knowing i'm not worthy of it.

Last week at this same time I was sleeping. I had done most things right last sat. I was ready to worship God the next day and excited to do so. This week I'm having trouble getting my mind off the guilt I have and the disapointment i feel God must have (praise the Lord He's forgiving). I'm thinking about how I'll be waking up in 5 hours and how I can't wait for an afternoon nap. I'm thinking i need to post a blog, get the powerpoint done and transferred, tune my guitar (broke a string on wed.), get things ready, do this do that... you notice how God wasn't anywhere in there? Like i said last week, our motivation determines everything. My motivation is way off this week. I need to get centered on God. The rest of all that junk will take care of itself. If i'm going to lead God needs to be important not all the things i need to do before and after i supposedly worship.

So here's the challenge: take time each Sunday morning (figure out how this will work into your schedule) to quiet yourself and talk to God. Do it for more than 10 minutes, try 20 or 30 this time. Ask Him to help you lead this morning (or if you're not leading, ask him to reveal himself to you). Ask Him to help you see worship in your surroundings. Ask Him to show you ways in which you can give back to Him. I hope everyone in church would do this, but my charge is to you.

May we grow together.

the question why

2009-02-05T15:37:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone. I've decided to start this blog in an effort to communicate with you all at least once a week about different things that need to be said, or are going on, or whatever. Hopefully through this you'll be able to see my heart as a worship leader and maybe I'll be able to see yours from responses.

First off, let me say that I in no way feel adequate to be telling you all what to do or how to do it, especially those of you who I grew up calling Mr. or Mrs. However, I have been given this authority so now I have to decide what I'm going to do with it. And here is just one of my efforts.

This week I want you to ask yourself the question "why?". Not why did God let such and such happen, or why have these things been put into my life, but rather why do I do what I do? Ask yourself why you are on the worship team, why you sing special music, why you even come to church at all.

I've been finding myself wrestling with these questions and found myself not really having answers at times. I used to come to church because I'd get in trouble if I didn't (thanks for those spankings mom & dad :). Then, when it became my choice it was mostly just to save face. I honestly was doing plenty of things for a long time that God wouldn't have called righteous (and neither would anybody else), but I was still up front and still helping to lead because that's just what I've always done. Hmm... what we've always done. Heard that one before?

Why do I sing special music? It used to be to show off. It really was. Occasionally I'd rationalize it to something spiritual, but usually it was because I felt talented enough to do it. Or maybe it was just my inner rock star coming out, or my need for attention. Who knows, but it was totally the wrong motivation.

Why do I do worship team? Again it used to be for such incredibly wrong motives. I enjoyed singing, I enjoyed playing guitar, and I loved being in a band (some of you may remember those CrewmanNumber7 days). Music had become my life and worship music was still music so I played it (there's that Rock Star thing again).

But what are the answers now? While sometimes my old habits fight to come back to the surface I can honestly say that I love... and I really do mean LOVE... worshiping God on Sundays. Especially those days where my heart is right and my focus is Him (there are days where it isn't). Man, when God connects with me through a song there's just something that is so amazing. So amazing that I can feel it through all of me and it makes me so joyful. And you know what the best part is? There could be 1,000 people watching or none and I would feel the exact same way. That is when I worshiping right. When I worship right I'm able to bring others to the same point.

So now it's your turn. Ask yourselves those questions. Be honest though. Really struggle through it. If you come out the other side of this struggle with a brutally honest answer of "to bring glory to God" then praise the Lord. If not, maybe it's time to reevaluate some things in your life. I can't tell you what exactly those things are, but you know what you need to change.

So think about it this week, and remember to always take time to reevaluate your life on a regular basis. Getting into a rut won't help you change. I hope you really do take the time to think about this, I may even ask everyone during a practice (this goes for you tech guys too!) so we can see how we're doing. Remember, your motivation affects everything.