"...the person handling the projection of lyrics plays a crucial role in enabling people to engage with truth about God. If they're frequently late in putting up lyrics, show the wrong verse, leave a blank screen, or project misspelled words, that can counteract whatever good leadership you might be exercising. That's why I want that person to be humble, trained, and faithful. It also helps when they attend rehearsals."
Bob Kauflin - Worship Matters
The issue of example also applies to other musicians on the team. When they appear uninvolved or only concerned with music , they miss an opportunity to encourage the congregation. That's why I ask instrumentalists to sing as often as possible. It's helps them remember who we are focusing on.
The issue here isn't exuberance as much as authenticity. D.A. Carson put it like this:
"Some who publicly lead the corporate meetings of the people of God merely perform; others are engrossed in the worship of God. Some merely sing; some put on a great show of being involved; but others transparently worship God.
Which describes you? Are you simply mouthing lyrics? Do you only pretend to be engaged, moving your hands and bowing your head at the right moments to look "worshipful?" Or are you seeking to be a transparent worshiper - naturally, genuinely, and obviously demonstrating a desire to exalt Christ? If we want the church to be inspired by our leadership, we have to begin with an authentic example.
Bob Kauflin - Worship Matters
Most play-by-ear musicians think that being up front means you should always be playing. Wrong. Varying when we play, how loudly we play, and what we play affects how people hear the words.
The larger the team of musicians, the more each member should be listening to and making room for what others are doing. Believe me, this takes practice. Lots of it. If this a new concept, try having one instrument accompany an entire verse alone. It could be an acoustic guitar, pianist, percussionist, or synthesizer player. It may seem unsettling at first, but the effect is often dramatic.
Try combinations of instruments in rehearsal. Be clear in your direction, and insist at times that people not play. Help them see that your silence makes someone else's contribution more significant.
...the sound of the musician's shouldn't dominate or overpower the congregation. In the New Testament, the predominant sound throughout the meeting is the singing of the congregation. They are the real worship team.
∆ IN ∆ UP ∆ OUT ∆
••••••••••••••••••
craig eakright
••••••••••••••••••
