Worship

Everyone's comments on the Church Musings post got me thinking, and I am always trying to find new ideas and ways to do my job better (For those who do not know me, I am a Worship Pastor at the Church of Pembroke Pines).       

Along with building parking lots, committees, and the mind set of paying people to do the mission work we are supposed to do ourselves, i noticed that anther problem we all (or maybe just Amy and I) share with First Baptist Pompano is the music. I haven't really asked why..... so i am now.

So really, whats wrong with it and what should we change/add?

and to the other people who do not go to First Baptist Pompano and who blog on this blog, what are the things you don't like about your worship music at your church, or what are some ideas or thoughts on what you would like to see in the music?

Posted by: Jimmy

Comments

[amy]

I just read this little poem in a catalog and I think part of what's missing in "music worship" is the complete surrender described here. If our goal is glorification and reminding people of God's perfect love, then nothing short of our best should be offered - and I think that means cutting stuff out that isn't working, practicing, not trying to do "too much," but always striving to do more. That is not to say that God can't work with imperfect music, but it's more about a heart attitude - is this the best we can do? Is turning on this track and handing someone a mic and a music stand really the best we have to offer? Or are we taking the lazy way out?

The Musician's Prayer
Lord, Please bless my music,
may it touch the heart of one's soul
May using it to glorify you always be my goal.
Let it be a constant reminder of the power of your love
and remind us that you're always watching from above.
May others see the beauty in every note they hear
and when they hear my music
may they feel your presence near.
Lord, I ask for your guidance in all that I do,
an pray that you'll make my music an instrument for you.

Technically, however, I think distraction-free music (and worship) is aided by songs thoughtfully performed in middle-range keys that maximize participation, with the mix focusing on the lead singer so there is an easy voice to follow. I think it would be interesting if all "worship bands" had some kind of quality control person who attends practices and is a guinea pig for new songs and who will honestly say what's working and what isn't. Professional musicians have a producer - why shouldn't we?

[G8r Matt]

Good thoughts Amy. I love the idea of a Guinea Pig/Producer...a Guinducer Pig if you will. I really believe something like that would make things really good - as long as this person didn't have an ego issue and make practices mizerable...

[JC Ryan]

This is an interesting concept. I'm curious though - in the music industry isn't the producer the guy who suggests adjustments and additions, etc so that the music will sell better? I always got the feeling that this was the guy who diluted the creativity of the artists in favor of something that appeals to the masses. I could be wrong though.

[Jimmy]

yeah Jc your right, thats why band get producers so they can make sure their stuff is marketable. But going on to what Amy said, thats one of the things i love about the church i'm working for is our main Worship Pastor wants to be that backround producer type guy who leads people up within the church to play/lead in the worship.

[amy]

I think the label reps (or really bad producers) are the ones who stifle the creativity- in most cases, I think, good producers are more like "sound quality managers", who have an ear for the potential of the music and bring out the best of it. Of course that translates to more record sales too...

[amy]

Oh, and another thing. What I'd really like to hear is a little vintage SCC.

[Jimmy]

hahahahaha i heard about that

brad told me and i laughed so hard

[g8r Matt]

Saddle up your horses folks!