I really miss not having a band for our worship gatherings. And more than that... I wish we had a band that I didn't have to be in. I mean, nothing against our current lineup (Jane on keys, me on acoustic guitar and vocals, a guy on bongo's and another singer), but... I really think this is one of the changes we need to make at our church. It's one of the changes *I* need to make.
What I would like is to find a worship leader who would form the band themselves. Someone who was in love with Jesus, who knew something about music, who was a real upbeat person and could lead others. I think some people are just naturals at leading worship. And it's not that I want to have clappy-happy music all the time, but... I dunno. I'm just not that good at it, and it feels really forced, and I think it would help me be a better pastor if I wasn't also the worship leader. Plus I was spoiled playing with our old band - and it's hard to find good drummers, bass players, and guitarists.
I was taught that what one should do when trying to find a worship leader/band was to contact the local Christian colleges, and surrounding large churches to see if they had anyone interested in doing it who wasn't able to do it where they were. I just don't know how to go about doing that. I've tried a time or two, and it seems people either look at me like I'm from Mars, or they ask how much it's going to pay or something.
What I'm looking for is someone who can bring a Rich Mullins/Michael W. Smith/Chris Tomlin type of sound and aura. Oh, and it doesn't pay (but the benefits would be great). :)
So... if you know of anybody that would be interested, or have any advice... please leave a comment or have them shoot me an email.
10 comments:
This is a stupid idea, but do any of those kids sitting in the front rows of your service have a garage band? When I was in one we played mainstream rock for ourselves and never got a gig, but I think given the chance to actually play in front of people we'd'a played ANYTHING - even happy-clappy Christian music. :-) Hones the chops, ya know.
Jim,
That is certainly not a stupid idea. That's basically what our former band was. However, now we actually don't have any people like that (that I know of). Though, it's funny, my daughter's boyfriend (who sometimes reads here) is the singer in a band, and I was just wondering yesterday if his band mates were connected to any churches. But... I know how Sunday mornings are when you're young, and I don't want to overstep my bounds).
And one difference is that I'm also not just looking for people to "play" music, but I would really like to have a "worship leader." And, sure, I'd be willing to work with the right person/people, but it takes a LOT of work, and this is one thing I think it would be good if I could get away from. For instance, with our old band, we practiced once during the week, and again early on Sunday morning, EVERY week. I think a lot of people think it's just people getting up and singing and playing music. That, to me, is what's wrong with this whole "wiki" idea of doing church. Worship is important. At least it should be. And discipleship takes DISCIPLINE, and most people just don't want to deal with that.
I also want to clarify that I DO NOT want "clappy-happy" music. I really hate the worship-babe-parade of smiling faces thing. I want it to be real, and sincere, and deep....
But I'm also a hopeless dreamer. :)
Thanks for speaking up though Jim. Peace.
Maybe you should push worship back an hour to make it easier for the young 'uns to show up after Sat. night. :-)
I know how much practice it takes - Les was briefly one of the singers with the worship band at the contemporary service we go to, and they practiced every Thu. night and then again on Sunday afternoons before service. So that IS a time commitment (and one she had to give up when she returned to RN school and started working two double shifts every weekend - in fact, she's had to give up going to church at all for that matter for the same reason).
And hey, being a hopeless dreamer is a good thing in your profession I think, Padre. It's part of that whole "holy man" thing we were talking about.
Jim,
I've been trying to push the start time back ever since I've been here. I actually like your Sunday night time, but would settle for even a half hour later than what we have. People just don't want to do it for some reason. Hmm... now you're going to get me going on THAT kick again! :)
It's hard to break traditions and there may be people who want to just "get 'er done" so they can have the rest of their Sunday for work and play.
"Well, we got church out of the way - time for football!"
dad,
unfortunately for you, Drew, his band, and the possibility of his band learning to do church music, half of the band goes to IU. that's okay though, we don't want any IU students in our worship band anyway. :)
eventually a band is bound to show up at the door. God can do anything.
Carrie,
Thanks for the info. And, actually, IU fans NEED to go to church more than regular people. Hopefully someday they will all repent and be right with God. :)
We struggle all the time with recruiting and keeping band members. There are so many levels of talent, so many levels of arrogance and humbleness, so many ideas about what is a good song and what is not. It is a constant struggle and one that has kept me constantly in the band, usually as worship leader.
You know, I prefer just to sing hymns. I am in church to worship God, not to be entertained, and not definitely not to feel like the praise band's back-up singers.
Anonymous,
I have no idea who you are - or if you attend the same church as I do - but... I fail to see your point. Who said anything about not singing hymns; who said anything about trying to entertain you; who said anything about you being a back-up singer?
I like to sing hymns too - old ones AND new ones. Sometimes "how" they are done can make a huge difference though.
Post a Comment