Problems within Youth Worship Band

[fiveironboy]

Hey...I need some advice. I've been leading worship at different parts of my church since i was in 6th grade, and now i am involved with the youth worship band. The band was pieced together by my youth minister, and we clicked really well. I play acoustic and electric guitar and sing, and another singer, we have a drummer, another guitarist, a bass, and a piano player. The problem is that I was basically told by my youth minister to lead, and that didnt scare me a lot becuz thats what i feel like i am called to vocationally. But lately the other singer has begun to try and lead. I in no way am trying to lead because I want attention, I do it because I know thats what i am called to do. But the other singer tries to lead and sometimes things go wrong because of it. Also, he likes to pray in between a lot of songs. I am all for prayer, but I don't think prayers need to take place very often during the music part of youth service. Also, he kinda makes the prayers really big word-ish and dramatic, and it can kill the moment of worship. So here is my problem. I don't know how to handle the situation because he is like the youth minister's favorite guy in the youth group. It's becoming a major issue and our youth group is moving in the direction of genuine worship, and i don't want this problem to hinder us from that. What should i do?

 

[Rich48]

I would suggest talking directly to your youth minister. Tell him exactly what you have told us here. You are very wise not to approach this person directly, at least, not now. If genuine worship is taking place, perhaps the Lord is leading in a direction that you and your youth minister did not plan. Pray about it, and follow the leading of the Lord.

Rich

 

[newlite]

um, ask god to help? whos the better singer? if they want to sing lead then why not let them? ask to switch.

im not use to bands. in church though sometimes i need to stop during a song to catch myself or ill wither into a crying puddle. that and i cant sing lead me not to publicly sing. thats why i like loud music. mabey his praying is like me collecting myself? does he pray out loud?

and the bible says make a joyful noise. it dont need to be perfect...just joyful...

 

[OnceDust]

The sound guy can help here. Sometimes people tend to be prideful when it comes to worship. I know; I was there and it took a lot of humbling for me to finally be broken of my pride. Anyhoo, my suggestion is to ask the sound guy to keep you guys about equal levels in the monitors but in the mains, but make sure your back-up vocalist is in the backround. Also, let the group do the leading. You might even do more playing and less singing--be part of the worship experience not the head honcho of it. That role is God's. Maybe talk to the band about this--if you back off, maybe the other singers will too. Don't focus so much on scripture readings, prayer in the middle of songs, and anecdotes for now. Let that come in time or until you can solve this issue.

Maybe confronting him is what you need to do if your efforts of diplomacy with the group, restructuring how you say what and when during the songs, or talking to the youth pastor about what he thinks of this issue. I have had to a few times wiith groups I've worked with and even artists I've run sound for who think they are God's gift to worship. CCM artists can have a problem with pride in thier abilities too. Your issue is common. Just pray about it and let God do the leading.

Blessings.

 

[Immanuel]

Well there isn't anything wrong with praying, but my question is: Is he praying for himself, you, or for the congregation? I know that when we do worship, the team takes turns leading, they pray, and read scripture when they are up there. Sometimes it gives such a sense of peace.

But I guess you would have to discern. Maybe this is a good opportunity to build him up as a worship leaders. I mean the bible does say that we are there to build on another up (Ephesians 4:12)

I mean I don't know what the exact problem. Unless someone has a wrong heart. Whether it's you, the guy, or whomever, or maybe no one has a problem, but praise God because every situation will only mature us. But do speak the truth in love to this fellow brother of yours. A wise man will take criticism well, but a foolish man won't, so go ahead. In the bible it talks about that you need to confront your brother first, and then go to the elders. If you feel that he has wronged you, talk to him. But speak the truth in love.

Remember worship is not all about the music. It's what's in the heart and what's in the heart will come out of our tongues, so if it's prayer, reading of scripture, or songs, so be it. Let our wonderful Lord be glorified.

Most importantly, PRAY!!!!!

 

[fiveironboy]

I never ever would downplay prayer, i just know that there is a time for a prayer just like there is a time for everything else. And i do not want anyone to get the idea that i am whining becuz i feel like he is stealing the spotlight. I am asking for advice becuz I hoesntly don't know what to do, but the one thing i do know is that i am called to worship ministry. And yes i am only 16 and only figuring true worship out, but i have grown up in church and can realize that anything that is planned out ahead of time (prayers or readings) can and will go wrong if that is not where the spirit is leading. The same with music. If I know a song isnt going to flow with the mood, I'll change the list in the middle of a service. But the point is, is that our youth group has this craving for worship, and so do i. And I don't want this small problem to get in the way of it. And lastly, I've been told i have a better voice by a lot of people in youth group who just bring it up becuz they see that something isnt right at times during worship. Luckily my dad is the church sound guy and has awesome ears which i completely trust. so its not like i am worried about whose mic is louder, i am worried that the other singer is going to go off on another tangent and prayer another bombastic prayer just to fill time. I'm worried that he will kill the moment again. That is my problem. It has nothing to do with having the spotlight, or pride, it has to do with the very hungry desire for everyone to experience true worship every sunday night.

 

[fiveironboy]

In all fairness, I should mention one more thing that might be causing the other singer to do this. Two years ago I went on a week long church event and kinda stole his girlfriend, although that wasnt really my intention, we both started feeling the same way towards each and so she broke up with him and started dating me. He pretty much hated me for a long time. But eventually i broke up with her becuz it just wasnt workin well at the time, and she eventually got back with him months later. So now i feel like he tries to outdo everything i do. maybe thats just me imaginig but i dunno. Anyways, i thought that story should be shared for everyone to understand.

 

[OnceDust]

It has nothing to do with having the spotlight, or pride, it has to do with the very hungry desire for everyone to experience true worship every sunday night.

Count your blessings because this is not the worst problem you could have, and wow...I've never heard of too much fire, but I guess everyone can get overzealous. Trust me, it happens in the most well-known worship leaders too. A certain CT and his co-leader DC and thier bands had sound checks at a recent event. DC took 10 minutes band and all. CT took 30 with the badn and about as long by himself with the sound guy making sure each guitar string sounded juuuuuuuuuust right with the EQs. The same with his voice. Juuuuuuuust right made the sound guy late to dinner for cold burgers. CT had already eaten. Talk about little respect for roadies.

Blessings