Leading Worship by Example

Hopefully people aren't watching me the entire time they're praising God, but I never know when they'll happen to glance in my direction. When they do, I want my example to inspire them to look to the Lord as well.

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

June Worship Gathering Part Two

OK...

So here's the skinny:

Who: Worship Team and families
What: Worship Team Family Gathering
When: Saturday, June 28 - 11:00am - 2:00 or whenever
Where: Franke Park outside the Zoo
Why: Cause it's nice outside and we need to get together
How: Bring a dish to share and eating gear/drinks for your fam...

Carry in lunch at Franke Park. Bring a side dish to share, drinks and eating gear for your family. I will bring a cold meat assortment, bread and my guitar and we can eat & sing a bit and then just hang out and have fun - maybe even walk through the zoo.

Oh yeah, anyone have outdoor games (frisbees, football, soccer, whiffle ball/bat/bases, jarts, etc)?

If it's raining downtown, stay home and we'll schedule a rain date later.

craig

Adjust Your Musical Arrangements and Volume

Came across these words as I was reading my latest book, "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.

I know we've discussed this before, and we are growing in this area. I'd really like us to focus through the summer on this as a musical team.

I hope you realize how much I love serving with you all. Your hearts and desire to lead people in humility is seriously attractive. I hear many comments about how people appreciate the transparency in what we do - no one of us is looking for personal glory. I am proud of you all.

This concept from the book is right up the Philipians 2 alley.

Be humble. Consider others as better than yourselves.

Congregational singing takes precedence over any one of us being heard. This concept refined will only increase our leadership abilities with the people.

Let's work ourselves toward being invisible in their eyes and visible in His only.

June Worship Gathering

hey gang,

how about this time around we get out of the building all together?

i'm thinking with family, thus the early contact...

we can cook out (hot dogs/brats/burgers), play some flag football (anybody get us some flags and stuff for that?),  frisbee golf (could use gear for this as well), swim, etc...

ok, next. 

anyone have a good place to do all the above...i used to use a place east of new haven called stillwater camp...does anyone know where that is or if it still exists?

finally, mark your calendars for saturday, june 28, 10am - afternoon-ish...the mexico team is just getting home the previous saturday (the date on which the gathering would normally fall)...

that's it for now, UNLESS - you want to grab some grub with me in the near future and plan this baby...then, let me know,

thanks,

craig

ps...i am going to set up an email subscription to the "GraceNotes" blog and need everyone to register so i can post these things in the future and be sure you all get the posts...there are still a couple of posts that need some attention - specifically the one about moving rehearsal day/time...thanks

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"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks."

 

Aubrey Anderson in Motorcycle Accident

Hey gang,

Please pray for Aubrey Anderson. Kent called me today and tells me that he was in a terrible accident while returning from Indianapolis. Kent was on his way to see him when he called. I will fill you all in as I discover details.

Thanks,
craig

Worship Gathering Agenda Items

This past Saturday some of us gathered to discuss the next two chapters in Dangerous Act and a few other things:

1) Rehearsal day change (see post below).

2) Brief service review post Edge. Immediately following the Edge service we will meet for 5-10 minutes in the "green" room to touch base about whatever is on our minds from the morning. Thus far we've laughed more than talked, because I am so professional. I just don't want a week or more to go by and we not discuss things that need to be discussed. Basically it's a chance to help you discuss how I can make things for a win, win... win for all of us.

Additionally, we ate some very good pizza, that my system didn't care to contain past the two hour mark - more on that in person, if you wish...

Lastly, at this point the gatherings have not been mandatory and I understand when you have an occasional conflict, but please try to make these gatherings, especially since they are scheduled every fourth Saturday each month. Thanks.

FYI, I see these gatherings as important for several reasons:

1) I place tremendous value on the entire team getting together socially (as some of you have also noted).

2) Many times I would like to relay certain information to the whole team in person for a variety of reasons.

3) This is a time for us to focus on the growth and development of our souls through discussion and interaction with Scripture and other God - focused material. Having these discussions ensures that we are coming before God and the people He's entrusted us to lead, knowing who we are serving beside. It's important that each of us are open, honest, and authentic in these settings. We do not always have to agree, but we do need to have an honest thought. It is a great opportunity for confession and accountability.

4) This is our team, not "my" team. This is a chance for other members to step into a leading role in a very safe atmosphere.

Thanks,
craig

Rehearsal Day Change: Part 2

Ok...

I've heard from 8 of you here and a few of you in real world conversations, so let's discuss the following:

What are the pros and cons of moving rehearsal to Sunday morning from 6:00am - 8:30am (summer hours)? 6:00am - 8:15am (fall - spring)?