persecution within the team

[firenz]

Lately I have been hearing God telling me that I am to get back into an active worship ministry within my own church. I have still been involved in ministry with other churches in helping them improve musically and advising as to the direction I feel that God wants to take the team in.

I have talked to my pastor, he is a very reluctant man of God when it comes to the worship team because it is an area that the church has always had conflict in, and he is in agreement with me that I should joind the team.

The problem I have is that the team does not want to work with me in the team, the reason I am told is that "I am an excellent musician and therefore cannot worship God, I will be too performance based".
This confused me so I decided that perhaps they would need a little time to adjust to the idea.

I got told today that as a team they don't want me on there, however they would like my guidance and training that I can offer them. This to me seems ironic as surely if I am good enough to help them then why can I not be on the team.

Ultimately I know that God is in control and I know that I am walking and acting in faithfullness. All I want to do is bring Glory to God, not to me, not to the team, only God. However it appears that me being a proffesional musician means that I cannot play to Gods glory without glorifying myself.

Does anyone have any ideas on this. Maybe its the hometown prophet not being accepted I don't know. Part of me finds it very entertaining, but I am also aware that there are some serious issues here. I have done some serious self examination and prayer, I have had prayer and I know that I am in the right place.

Any suggestions as to what my next step should be, all I want is for this team to glorify God and lead the congregation in worship to the best of its ability.

 

[ZionFire]

It sounds like a case of pure intimidation to me. The lesser skilled being intimidated by the more skilled, and so coming up with some bogus reasons why it's a bad idea that you join them. What kind of music team objects to their pastor's recommendation of who should be on the team? They probably would not see it this way, but it appears that there are some pride issues at work.

Nevertheless, you have to deal with the situation as it is. So here is my thought on that: See if your pastor would be amenable to you forming a small worship-leading band and leading the worship at another function...say one of the weekly services, small group meeting, whatever. Invite the music team members, maybe just one at a time, to join with you in leading that meeting. As they get to know you, it may dissipate some of the fear and mistrust and inadequacy they may be feeling.

And by all means, go ahead and help them gain skill. They'll get to know you in the process, and that will break down some of the resistance all on it's own.

 

[vanilla8]

I agree with Zionfire, and the way to break through this situation is with humbleness and a servant heart. God may be teaching you patience through this!

 

[keyz]

Lately I have been hearing God telling me that I am to get back into an active worship ministry within my own church. I have still been involved in ministry with other churches in helping them improve musically and advising as to the direction I feel that God wants to take the team in.

I have talked to my pastor, he is a very reluctant man of God when it comes to the worship team because it is an area that the church has always had conflict in, and he is in agreement with me that I should joind the team.

The problem I have is that the team does not want to work with me in the team, the reason I am told is that "I am an excellent musician and therefore cannot worship God, I will be too performance based".
This confused me so I decided that perhaps they would need a little time to adjust to the idea.

I got told today that as a team they don't want me on there, however they would like my guidance and training that I can offer them. This to me seems ironic as surely if I am good enough to help them then why can I not be on the team.

Ultimately I know that God is in control and I know that I am walking and acting in faithfullness. All I want to do is bring Glory to God, not to me, not to the team, only God. However it appears that me being a proffesional musician means that I cannot play to Gods glory without glorifying myself.

Does anyone have any ideas on this. Maybe its the hometown prophet not being accepted I don't know. Part of me finds it very entertaining, but I am also aware that there are some serious issues here. I have done some serious self examination and prayer, I have had prayer and I know that I am in the right place.

Any suggestions as to what my next step should be, all I want is for this team to glorify God and lead the congregation in worship to the best of its ability.

oh man..... i feel ya man... I do.

I'm in a similar situation where it's been spoken that my view of excellence in "worship" is intimidating. The thing that has helped me is to address with the worship pastor what exactly my view of excellence is instead of having those define me just because I "make" them feel a certain way. I'm not responsible for how I make others feel. I am responsible for my actions towards them.

I think you need to go back and address what exactly they mean by their comment made towards you and explain to them where your heart is at after hearing them out. I also don't understand what their reasoning is for wanting you to teach them and guide them but not play with them?

It honestly boggles my mind..

 

[SGM4HIM]

It's kind of tough over the forum to give advice; we don't know why you left the team to begin with or how that made others feel at the time.
You said they felt you will be" too performance based." Some excellent musicians are performance based. But not all are. I would do some soul searching and try again to speak again with somebody on the team that you feel will give you a honest answer. I would talk to them away from a practice session, It's very hard for most people to give an honest opinion, so help them out by being calm & humble.
You may find out they are envious of your musicianship, or perceive you are performance oriented or a combination of both.
Having a "performance oreinted" style isn't bad, I seen a few that were hungry for God and have great ministries. It just maybe your Church praise team has a different Vision than you do. Take care.

 

[firenz]

Thanks all, I left the team 2 years ago as I was also running an evening church service at the time, I felt that I needed to drop some things in order to avoid burn out, I was the also the youth pastor.
One of the issues in the team when I left was that some members of the team felt that the worship leader at the time was performance based. She is another proffesional musician and has since resigned.
I realise that this is an issue that has been around since well before I joined this church. My main concern is not for myself but for the members of the team who are trying so desperatly to keep me out.
I am keeping them in prayer and I try not to let it get in the way of our friendeships (these guys are all my closest friends in the area).

I have taken Zionfires advice and my wife and I have been put in charge of organising outreach services. so there is a step foward.
The catch 22 I have is that the pastor of the church is already sick of the worship team, he is ready to go to CD's just to avoid ego's. If I go to him I think he is ready to do the switch. he has already talked to the worship team 3 times so far this year because of leadership issues.
The cool thing is that through this I feel so secure in christ, that I know I am moving in the direction that he wants me to. I have a sense of peace but I am concerned for the health of the current team. I know that when you step out in Gods will then things get tough. I do not want to be the one that is blamed for the break up of the team though, all I have done is try to move in the least intrusive way possible.

 

[Determinedheart]

All I want is for this team is to glorify God and lead the congregation....??? I'm sorry please do not take this the wrong way but this statement concerns me. It is not what I/we want like God cannot do this with out us on the team? It is surely not about us or what we think we can do to help the team be better it is about unity and surrender and letting God do what he desires.I think you have a great heart but perhaps God is trieing to show you something trust me I know that all to well Bless you

 

[keyz]

Thanks all, I left the team 2 years ago as I was also running an evening church service at the time, I felt that I needed to drop some things in order to avoid burn out, I was the also the youth pastor.
One of the issues in the team when I left was that some members of the team felt that the worship leader at the time was performance based. She is another proffesional musician and has since resigned.
I realise that this is an issue that has been around since well before I joined this church. My main concern is not for myself but for the members of the team who are trying so desperatly to keep me out.
I am keeping them in prayer and I try not to let it get in the way of our friendeships (these guys are all my closest friends in the area).

I think maybe it'd be an appropriate question to ask what they mean by "performance based". If it is a term just being thrown out then it needs some clarification and reasoning. Also, I'd ask how your actions have showed this. I'd really "force" them to back up their claims with clarity.

 

[SGM4HIM]

firenz,
Sounds like you are on track

Our church worship team has gone through a few shake ups. Just hang in there. The people that were disatisfied and did not share the Pastor's vision eventually left the team and harmony was restored. Plead with your Pastor not to go with CD's. They are ok if you have no available musicians but many find it too controlled and stilted.

My definition for "performance oriented"worship. It usually showcases only one persons talents;could be vocal or instrument. The focus shifts from God to wondering what the next "run" will sound like. Often the songs are complicated and hard for the other singers to follow, much less the congregation.

 

[firenz]

Thanks SGM4HM. you have hit the nail on the head with the performanced orientated definition. Prevoiusly the worship did showcase a singer and it ended up being just her and CD's. Songs were complicated and hard to sing. It was also very restrictive. Not that the worship leader intended things to be like that, her heart was in the right place but she found it hard not to perform, she was a natural performer.

I talked to the elders last night however, they are in agreement that I should be on the team. So I think it is about to be a like it or lump situation for the (now only 2 members) that have a problem. I wonder how that will go down. I have been straight up with everyone involved so the excuses for me not coming on keep changing.

In talking to the elders we have come to realise that the problem in the team is a husband and wife that have only just come on this year. There has been a complete change in the team so the husband thinks he is the leader, however it has been made very clear that until the team grows and develops then there will be no leader and everything is coming under the pastor. He is simply scared that I will take away his chance of being the leader. Not a job I am interested in.

Guess its just down to a personal issue between him and me. Now that the situation is under control of the church.

Detemind heart you are right. it is about surrender and letting God do what he desires, that is my whole point I guess, I know that I have surrenderd, I guess my issue is that even with the elders and the pastor all in agreement the members of the team are fighting it happening. Is that what God desires?

 

[ZionFire]

I'm sure that your offer to give your talent in another area blessed your pastor & elders. That sort of thing shows a real humility and flexibility.

Something you said:

....however it has been made very clear that until the team grows and develops then there will be no leader and everything is coming under the pastor.

This sounds very odd to me. There will always be a natural leader that emerges in any music team. There has to be. I mean, who starts and ends the songs for one thing? I could see people on the team taking turns at leading, but no leader at all? Or will your pastor be filing that practical role? Just wondering....

Be that as it may, it sounds like your pastor and elders are behind you and desire your participation, and from this point it seems to me that removes YOU from any power struggle. It is up to your leadership to establish their authority in this area. God loves that man that is afraid for his position.....you may be the instrument God uses to deal with that fear in him. And he may or may not yield to what God wants to do in him. It is a humbling and honoring thing for the Lord to use one that way. I wish you the best as I am sure you will be facing some interesting, if not difficult times ahead.

 

[firenz]

Yes I can see the confusion. The team currently takes turns at leading, week by week. At the moment there is no head of the team. No one who organizes rosters or has the responsibility churches direction in regards to worship. I guess a worship co-ordinator.

I don't see that as being a big deal, however I know that it is a role this man is trying to move into.

Thank you for all the encouragement. There have been some very wise things said. I had one of the members over for dinner tonight, it was good to be able to talk about it all. He has apologised for his judgment of me and looks forward to my joining the team, he too is shares the same concerns as I do about the team. At least I know that something is going to happen about it now. It is of little concern to me if I join the team, my concern is that the worship team is able to move forward. God is in control.

Still have to deal with the husband/wife who are very good friends of ours too. that is going to be difficult.