Input please – disharmony in the worship team

[AndrewCS]

We are a relatively young church (two years now) and have some challenges in the worship team area. I have recently gotten involved with the sound and sorting problems on the priority list. Just changed the mixing desk to a Soundcraft as the previous 1 was an Alto.

There is certainly a fragmentation of the worship team and we have a rotating roster which I am told is because they can’t get commitment from people to play every Sunday and therefore the musicians do not play together regularly.

I am going to step out in boldness now and say that I don’t feel there is enough prayer time spent together as the worship band/s. There is a fair bit of pushing & shoving going on and a few egos in the way.

Have been looking for a book on structuring the whole Praise & Worship team. Does anyone have any notes or can recommend and book that I can go through and perhaps offer some input on this.

There is a certain disharmony which is troubling and needs re-focusing towards God.

Most grateful for any input you offer.

Blessings to you all.

Shalom

 

[talitha]

I am not sure what a book would do for you exactly? I do pray that the Holy Spirit will give you wisdom concerning these things. I agree with you that prayer and unity are very important, and that pride must be brought down.

My team has a rotation among the singers, because there are too many available singers..... We could use another alto, though; we keep losing them...... anyway.....

I would recommend anything by Bob Sorge - I recently read Exploring Worship, and it was a very insightful and helpful book. Here's the table of contents courtesy of Amazon. I think it would be a good book for you.

hey, what kind of church do you go to? you mentioned you are meeting in a rugby hall? cool!

blessings
tal

 

[AndrewCS]

The idea of a book was maybe one that the whole team could read and use that as a reference to getting everyone focused as a starting point. The starting point as in Psalmistry, why we are doing this and the function it has in the church. This may sound very basic to some but remember it is a relatively new church.

I didn’t mention that each rotating band has a worship leader but there is not an overall leader but rather a worship coordinator.

The journey to-date has had many people offering different opinions as to how the sound should be addressed and it seems to have gotten all too personal for some individuals.

Have managed to get a sound professional coming this Sunday afternoon to go through our system and look at the building and recommend the optimum lay-out of our speakers etc.

Of course it is not all about the performance or quality of sound and maybe I have the wrong approach but viewing it as a visitor coming to our church for the very first time and the worship being pleasing on the ears.

Our church is held in a local rugby club and has bought land that is currently being developed. Going to build a 500 seat auditorium which wil probably start in three years time so it is all very exciting.

God Bless.

 

[talitha]

It would probably be a very good idea for the pastor to speak on worship (either a sermon-or-two or maybe some short sound-bite things at each service) and the importance of it; this would set a tone for what this new church believes....... and sort of an undertone for what is expected of the peopel on the team(s).

It is my personal opinion that the sound system stuff is between the worship leader, the sound person and the coordinator. Everyone else needs to let it be until things get more under-control, and if they can't let it be, maybe they shouldn't be on the team. I know how difficult it can be; I almost quit our worship team when we went to in-ear monitors. (and I would have if I hadn't discovered that I could use some non-noise-canceling earbuds from KMart in stead of the expensive ones Aviom supplied.)

The most important thing, of course, is worship and releasing the flow of the service to the Holy Spirit.

blessings on you
tal

 

[TrinaJ]

I'm really not sure what book that you could get besides the Bible. It has EVERY answer that you will ever need.
My suggestion would be to have the intercessors of your church praying about it, as well as everyone involved.
The praise team is suppose to lead the church into battle. We are known as Judah, and should see ourselves in that light.
Prayer is the absolute best thing for any attitudes that arise. Only God can lead you where HE wants you to go.

 

[SGM4HIM]

CHECK OUT DON POTTER'S ARTICLES HERE http://www.potterhausmusic.net/main.htm

I ESPECIALLY LIKE "SO YOU WANT TO BE IN THE BAND".
WHEN OUR WORSHIP TEAM WAS GOING THROUGH GROWING PAINS I COPIED SEVERAL OF THESE ARTICLES AND DISCUSSED IT WITH OUR GROUP. TAKE YOUR TIME READING, MAKES PEOPLE QUESTION THEIR MOTIVATIONS.

 

[LeadWorship]

Hey brother, and welcome!

If you are looking for guidance and instruction, you really must visit http://leadworship.com . It's Paul Baloche's website, but check out the instructional DVDs. They are simply amazing because God has gifted Paul to explain it in terms we understand. He has instructionals for every aspect of worship, and they are only $30 each.

As for the disharmony, it needs to be fixed or removed. If people cannot allow God to change their hearts, they should NOT be leading His people into a place of Worship with him.

Psalm 66:17-19 "I cried to him with my mouth, and high praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer."

The whole chapter is great, but this verse presents a vital statute. Blessings to you, brother.

 

[tturt]

andrewCS I agree with you - more prayer time needed. What about members getting there 30 minutes before practise time and spend that some uninterrupted time praying and worshiping the Lord? There would be drastic changes.

 

[yourinnervoice]

AndrewCS - Some recommendations:

What Talitha said is good about the Pastor bringing a Sermon on Worship. I've also found that when the Pastor shows up at a rehearsal, unannounced, and gives a word of encouragement (not a beat-down) it really does a lot for the teams esteem! The Pastor(s) can share their vision on what they want to see, hear and experience during P&W. Keeping in mind we must always follow their lead.

Another recommendation: Go on a FIELD TRIP with the ENTIRE TEAM! Yes! Go to other services, go to conferences, etc. and see how other teams conduct their sessions. Take the good, discard the bad. Share ideas from what you see!

 

[PastorRoss82]

Does your church have a vision statement for worship. I have found that helpful as the worship pastor, becuase it gives clear direction for our band. I think this is especially helpful, if you have several teams who lead worship. Disunity can come sometimes from not knowing where to go. The bible is clear on its vision of what worship is. Your church may already have that, but if not, I would suggest it to the pastor and see what he thinks. There is nothing wrong with boldly stating what the bible's standards for orderly worship are.
Also, it might help to lead a bible study about having a servant heart. We all need a heart check sometimes. Anyway, ask for the Spirit's guidance.

May God bless you and your congregation.

1 Corinthians 1:10
[ Divisions in the Church ] I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.

 

[OoraneeosMuse]

I have a quick reminder that even the 12 had issues and challenges as they were being transformed from glory to glory. Peter and Paul were at odds for a time and Paul and Mark as well. These issues should be in a term "expected". I want to encourge you AndrewCS to continue in love as you are and do the things the Lord is giving you peace about to do. The most important thing will be you attitude to lay down your life for them in this time and be scriptual and "real" with them. If you can, "in humility and Christlike love" go to you brothers/sisters and tell them what you see and ask for their mercy and grace in this issue I believe you will see the Lord move for the sake of His word, His name and the winning of souls.

Mat 18:15 "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.

He will always make a way,

All for souls,

wta

 

[SGM4HIM]

Good posts. I re-read the op and wonder why a need for split teams, and finding people who want to show up regularly. Our pastor is active with the worship team and has given his mission statement to us. Sounds like there may be fragmentation of purpose among team members.

Unity and pastor support are very important.

 

[AndrewCS]

I am not sure what a book would do for you exactly? I do pray that the Holy Spirit will give you wisdom concerning these things. I agree with you that prayer and unity are very important, and that pride must be brought down.

My team has a rotation among the singers, because there are too many available singers..... We could use another alto, though; we keep losing them...... anyway.....

I would recommend anything by Bob Sorge - I recently read Exploring Worship, and it was a very insightful and helpful book. Here's the table of contents courtesy of Amazon. I think it would be a good book for you.

hey, what kind of church do you go to? you mentioned you are meeting in a rugby hall? cool!

blessings
tal

Hello sister,

Thank you for this information. Looking at the TOC I think it will be a big help. I tried several local Christian bookstores with no luck and have just ordered it via Amazon.

Thank you so much.

Blessings to you & yours

 

[AndrewCS]

I am not sure what a book would do for you exactly? I do pray that the Holy Spirit will give you wisdom concerning these things. I agree with you that prayer and unity are very important, and that pride must be brought down.

My team has a rotation among the singers, because there are too many available singers..... We could use another alto, though; we keep losing them...... anyway.....

I would recommend anything by Bob Sorge - I recently read Exploring Worship, and it was a very insightful and helpful book. Here's the table of contents courtesy of Amazon. I think it would be a good book for you.

hey, what kind of church do you go to? you mentioned you are meeting in a rugby hall? cool!

blessings
tal

Hey Talitha,

At last I got the book as I could only get it in the States via Amazon. Read the first chapter last night which is exactly what I wanted.

I am so glad you pointed me to this book.

Some really exciting things happening and God is stirring me up. I will post further info once I have my final answers from the BIG BOSS – OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Hope everything is good with you sister. GOD is good and worthy of our praises.

Be blessed

 

[Sushi614]

Thanks for starting this thread. I think many of us will benefit from it just by reading it and following through on some of these info links.
We all have issues when there is a group involved. (We are are human ya know) Let's all stick together and pray for each others ministries.

 

[Alejandro]

Andrew my brother.. my prayers are with you and your church. I truly understand you since we are going through the same struggles.

During the last few weeks, I had some time to think about and lots of conversations with God (prayer and bible readings).
We had a guest in our church from Argentina.. a professor in christian leadership, and his words were many answers to my questions to God.

He started with... a leader, is rarely welcomed and often critized.
Normality is when you compare something to what it initial intention is. For example, our society is all filled with marketing, musicians being heroes and idols.. and it's normal, But it is not normal to what God has made us for. God created us to worship Him.. and being an idol is it not normal.

So many of our problems that we are encoutering at our church is because we have set our standards to the current fashion, current time, current technology, current science and knowledge.

I always tell the worship team.. that we as worshipers we have the same priviledge as Michael W Smith, Delirious, Matt Redman.. and why? Because we are all worshiping the same God. BUT.. it seams that if we were playing for Michael W smith we would think we are of greater importance.. we want to be idols and not worshipers.

In our ministry, we will have people with no interest on worshiping and lots of interest on being seen, but when trouble arrives they'll be the first to quit. Do not worry on your roster if people quit. What I can tell you is that... as long as God is there... it's all it takes. Wether it's 1 singer, and 1 guitar.. His presence will make the sounds shine and worthy. As when we have a choir, 3 guitars, bass, percussion but empty hearts, and filled with self-worshiping.. there is no worth.

The only advice I can give you for now is... concentrate on the ones who are there to worship.. as a member of the worship team talk to them with patience, with care and be firm to what God has showed you. Do not be affraid to loose people.. but be very affraid to lose God's blessing. It

Another recommendation: Go on a FIELD TRIP with the ENTIRE TEAM! Yes! Go to other services, go to conferences, etc. and see how other teams conduct their sessions. Take the good, discard the bad. Share ideas from what you see!

This is an excellent idea.. we did it once and it was a huge blessing. We all get to know each other and found what we have in common. We took a day from our practice to meet.. the forecast was so awful, raining like crazy and I thought no one will show up.. to my surprise.. they were all there. Remember that a practice is not all about music, it is so easy to play notes.. either good ones or bad ones.. but the biggest challenge is to learn to worship our God.

I have a quick reminder that even the 12 had issues and challenges as they were being transformed from glory to glory. Peter and Paul were at odds for a time and Paul and Mark as well. These issues should be in a term "expected".

Let's keep that in mind. Disharmony is part of our ministry.. but Let God interfer on each individuals heart. Firmness is a must as a leader to stop this as soon and remind them why we are here.

 

[Alejandro]

sorry.. double post

 

[AndrewCS]

Brothers & sisters,

Thank you all for your input & wisdom. I truly sense the body of Christ operating here and the AWESOME POWER of Christ at work in all our lives. All for HIS Glory and if we keep it like that and our hearts for Christ HE WILL MAKE A WAY.

You are all a blessing to me.

God bless you all.

 

[AndrewCS]

GOT to share this – today’s daily bread.

http://www.ubf.org/daily_bread_view.php?date=1185086986

Be blessed

THE MIGHTY VOICE OF THE LORD​

Psalm 29:1-11

Sunday, July 22​

Key Verse: 29:2
1. The splendor of his holiness (1-2)
No matter how powerful and great a man is, he must worship God. God is holy. He is the Creator; we are his creatures. He is splendid and beautiful beyond our imagination. We are created to glorify him. We must worship him in the beauty of holiness.

2. The voice of the Lord (3-9)
God spoke and the world came into being. He speaks to us in his written word and in his incarnate Word. The psalmist watched with awe as God displayed his majesty in a thunder storm. He sweeps away cedars of Lebanon like match sticks and shakes Mount Hermon. Fire from heaven strikes the earth; the psalmist cannot but join in the cry, "Glory!"

3. The Lord is enthroned as king forever (10-11)
God is king. He presides over history and nature. He blesses his people with strength and peace.
Prayer: Lord, teach me to see your hand and hear your voice, and give you the praise and honor due your name.


One Word: Worship the Lord

 

[AndrewCS]

June 29, 2007
Jill Austin with Larry Randolph:
"THE BREAKER ANOINTING AND ENCOURAGEMENT FOR 2007 AND BEYOND"
Recently, Larry received two important revelations from God. In the month of January, the Lord told him that the Church is fast approaching a time of recovery and restoration.

There is a window of opportunity this year to take back everything that has been lost and stolen in our lives. As with David in I Samuel 30:8, the Lord is instructing us to pursue the thief, to overtake him, and to recover all of our possessions and family members that have been taken captive.

The Lord told Larry that it's not time to be passive, but to aggressively challenge the enemy...to pursue, overtake, and recover all! The Lord also reminded him of Jesus' words in Matthew 11:12, that the Kingdom of God is taken by aggressive action, and the aggressive seize it by force (paraphrased).

The Lord also showed Larry that a time of personal visitation is coming for many people. The Resurrected Lord is going to reveal Himself to four kinds of believers, as he did in John 20 and 21.

The Lord is first going to visit the Mary Magdalenes (the disenfranchised and brokenhearted) and bring great comfort to their lives.

Second, He is also coming to visit the panic-stricken disciples (the fearful and intimidated) and fill them with the boldness of the Holy Spirit.

Third, He is about to visit the doubting Thomases (the reluctant and unbelieving) and perform extraordinary miracles in their presence.

Last, but not least, He is going to visit the Peters (the failures) to call them to fresh intimacy and re-commission their lives and ministries.

If you fit any of these categories and have been struggling with weariness, broken heartedness, intimidation, unbelief and failure...take heart, for the Lord is coming to encourage your life.
Larry Randolph
Larry Randolph Ministries
To Contact Larry, click here
THE BREAKER ANOINTING
Micah 2:13 -- "The one who breaks open will come up before them; they will break out, pass through the gate, and go out by it; their king will pass before them, with the Lord at their head." What does it take for Heaven to invade earth? It takes a breaker anointing! One of God's names in the Bible actually is the "Breaker." A breaker anointing is a catalytic deposit of the Holy Spirit where eternity breaks through into the natural realm. It is a holy invasion where the gates of Heaven are broken open with visitations of salvations, healing, and deliverance.
This type of anointing will break through every obstacle and hindrance to the furtherance of the Gospel. It shakes every shackle loose that holds individuals and the Church back from coming into their destiny and inheritance. Jesus promises that "the Kingdom suffers violence, and the violent take it by force." The breaker anointing is the core anointing of the apostolic Church for advancement.
Today there is tremendous warfare at the gates of our cities; there is a contesting at these gates to shut down the supernatural. Demonic forces often control the entry way of God's presence. For example, you may feel a tangible heaviness, a ceiling, or oppression in a service. It takes a breaker anointing to open up the spiritual atmosphere so Heaven can invade earth.
When the breaker anointing occupies an area, individuals, churches, socio-political structures, and belief systems are revolutionized. The Breaker must come to see the transformation of our cities.
Let me offer you one of my favorite examples of one who carried this anointing. Maria Woodworth-Etter was a healing evangelist in this past century. She was such a friend of Holy Spirit--as you are learning to be--that for fifty miles around her, the glory of the Lord would cover that region. She was often surrounded by a glory cloud with signs and wonders following her!
Do you want a breaker anointing? Do you want the fullness of the Holy Spirit? The Lord wants to once again manifest Himself as The Breaker. Get ready! Cry out for this anointing!

Prayer: Lord, I am going to press into this because I am hungry for all of You. What I have is good, but it is not enough. I want my life to carry a breaker anointing. I want my life to break out and confront people who are suffering so that they can be touched. I want to contend at my city gates and bring Heaven to earth!

Jill Austin
Master Potter Ministries
Email: info@masterpotter.com


Permission is granted (and you are also encouraged) to reprint these articles in hard copy form, as well as sending them to your own email lists and posting them on your own websites. We ask only that you keep ElijahList website, email contact info, and author contact information intact.