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Worship team frustration - 4/15/2008 6:13:11 PM
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Zhi
Posts: 929
Joined: 7/31/2007
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So, we have three worship teams at our church, I'll call them groups A, B, and C. My husband leads group B, we play on group C when we're scheduled to (I play keyboards/sing alto, my husband plays guitar and sings lead when he's leading).
Group A contains the people making the schedule. They have their own group of people they play with, they play pretty much every other Sunday. It's always the same group, they practice every week on a designated night, everyone's schedules are synched, they've cherry picked their members.
Group B and C basically get different people to work with every time they play, and it's basically whoever wanted to sing or play who wasn't picked for group A. Many of them are skilled (though some of the very-skilled musicians that signed up after the schedule started and were initially on B and C were later pulled into group A). Some of them, I appreciate their enthusiasm, but they could not carry a tune if one were given to them in a bucket (this is not solely my opinion, as I noticed that their mics were turned completely off when they were singing with group C the last round). None of the schedules were synchronized, most of them have jobs that require them to work at night (hospital, police, etc) so scheduling a night is almost impossible, especially considering that group A has a designated night every single week and the church is otherwise in use for Bible study and Women's ministries and so forth on other nights. My husband's turn to lead group B is coming up a week from Sunday, and he's been trying to schedule so we get two practices in prior to Sunday morning, but group A is this Sunday so they're taking up two nights this week instead of the usual one.
So, naturally, group A sounds awesome, and groups B and C do not. I'm getting really frustrated with it. I would love for our group to sound good, but in these circumstances I'm just not seeing how it's possible.
How do I deal with this? I'm developing a horrible attitude (as I'm sure you can tell) which doesn't help I know but it's difficult not to. I think the best thing would be for group A to just play every week, but their members aren't able to, so that leaves us bands-of-leftovers to pick up on their off weeks, and with the scheduling issues and material we have to work with, the differences in the quality of the groups are getting more and more obvious and I'm getting tired of the comments on how we want quality that come up at the worship leaders' meetings. We're doing our best with what we have, but given the disparity in how group A and groups B and C are composed and allowed to work, the comparisons are really unfair, and there doesn't seem to be much we can do.
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The optimist says the glass is half full. The pessimist says the glass is half empty. The engineer says the glass is twice as large as it needs to be.
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RE: Worship team frustration - 4/15/2008 6:26:43 PM
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funny_girl
Posts: 787
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Faithfulness. Hang in their with enthusiasm. Jealousy killed the cat. Jealousy stems from insecurity. Is is possible because the team you are, team B, that you feel insecure to team A? Yes, absolutely! This is what I can recommend you to do and yes there is a huge difference between the teams but you are so needed!
There are those with natural gifts and talents and they must use them for His glory and His glory alone. We must prove ourselves to be promoted. This is your testing period and I'm cheering for you! Keep you eyes focused on the one you are worshiping. Invite His presence, that's your job. It doesn't matter if you're on team A, B or C. God loves to promote us but we must be willing to pay the price and sometimes that price is agonizing.
< Message edited by funny_girl -- 4/15/2008 6:32:43 PM >
_____________________________
"...bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as imposters; known yet regarded as unknown...poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." II Corinthians 6:8-10
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RE: Worship team frustration - 4/15/2008 6:31:11 PM
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funny_girl
Posts: 787
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We all have to start somewhere. Some get promoted faster than others and that's why it's so important not to compare ourselves to others. I remember feeling a promotion coming and running to my husband, grabbing his hands as I looked in his eyes and I said, "We must make a commitment to never compare ourselves to others." If we know we've been promoted, we can get prideful and fall. If we don't pass the tests on the road to being promoted we will miss out on all that God has for us.
_____________________________
"...bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as imposters; known yet regarded as unknown...poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." II Corinthians 6:8-10
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RE: Worship team frustration - 4/15/2008 6:34:08 PM
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funny_girl
Posts: 787
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Darlene Zschech, worship leader at Hillsongs, wasn't always the leader. When she joined she was just a member in the choir. Even though she felt called to lead, she waited for God's promotion. Now look at her, she leads the world in modern worship! I'm so glad she patiently waited for God's best.
Don't be discouraged. You've been given a great opportunity. With patience, love and your labor, mold those misfits into a beautiful team. Davids mighty men were a bunch of outcasts. LOL
(sorry for the choppy posting, I have very slow internet)
< Message edited by funny_girl -- 4/15/2008 6:42:49 PM >
_____________________________
"...bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as imposters; known yet regarded as unknown...poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." II Corinthians 6:8-10
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RE: Worship team frustration - 4/15/2008 6:34:48 PM
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Zhi
Posts: 929
Joined: 7/31/2007
Status: online
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Well, not spiritually perhaps, but in all practicality, the first thing anyone sees when they show up on Sunday is the worship team. It's the first thing they judge the church by. I don't want my team to be a factor in people deciding to not stay at our church, simply because the way teams are formed.
It's not a matter of "promoted". All teams were supposed to be on an even footing, and it just hasn't come out that way, because those who are controlling the team makeup (who are on group A) are being very unfair in the way they set things up. It's gotten continuously worse since we started this, we had a very good singer who has now been moved to group A. We were given the lady who asked to be on group A, but they rejected her... then put her on our team (she was one of the ones with the mic turned off).
I don't want to be in group A. I just want to be able to have a chance at doing well, and that means having a consistent team, not constantly having members who group A decides are good and they have room for taken away from us, and being allowed to practice on the weeks we're assigned to.
< Message edited by Zhi -- 4/15/2008 6:43:43 PM >
_____________________________
The optimist says the glass is half full. The pessimist says the glass is half empty. The engineer says the glass is twice as large as it needs to be.
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RE: Worship team frustration - 4/15/2008 6:40:09 PM
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funny_girl
Posts: 787
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You are putting way too much pressure on yourself and your husband. It doesn't have to be perfect. A good leader will give people room to grow and make mistakes.
I agree that it was pretty rude to have your worship night taken away from you. Were you given plenty of notice of the change?
_____________________________
"...bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as imposters; known yet regarded as unknown...poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." II Corinthians 6:8-10
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RE: Worship team frustration - 4/15/2008 6:42:09 PM
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Zhi
Posts: 929
Joined: 7/31/2007
Status: online
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Actually we've never been given a specific night... we can't be, because we have different people every time, so when everyone can show up is a tossup.
I've been sitting here trying to schedule, and our percussionist just shared the same frustration... and let me know that the pastor had made some comments to the leader of group A about how awesome they are and about how things would be so much better if they could play every single week. Apparently he didn't know she was in the room at the time (there's a divider).
_____________________________
The optimist says the glass is half full. The pessimist says the glass is half empty. The engineer says the glass is twice as large as it needs to be.
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RE: Worship team frustration - 4/15/2008 6:46:20 PM
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funny_girl
Posts: 787
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There's the root of your frustration right now. Having overheard a private conversation and knowing the pastor is pleased. The reality is that they can't play every week because it's too much. Rather than being discouraged, be motivated. You all can do it too! Let your group be unique with it's own sound. Continue to try and work out the schedules. Do your best and that's all that God is asking of you. It won't always be like this, I promise.
_____________________________
"...bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as imposters; known yet regarded as unknown...poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." II Corinthians 6:8-10
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RE: Worship team frustration - 4/15/2008 6:51:41 PM
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Zhi
Posts: 929
Joined: 7/31/2007
Status: online
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Actually when I wrote the original post I hadn't heard that yet. It merely adds to my frustration.
Yes, we could do it... if we could get a cohesive group of people, practice time, and stop losing people. How do you suggest we manage that?
_____________________________
The optimist says the glass is half full. The pessimist says the glass is half empty. The engineer says the glass is twice as large as it needs to be.
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RE: Worship team frustration - 4/15/2008 6:52:46 PM
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funny_girl
Posts: 787
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I could be frustrated because I came to this church we are pastoring with a full Mexican band. Most of them could record, have recorded or produce professionally. Well, now not one them is with me. But you know what? I'm so pleased with my present team. These two young men stepped up to the plate and I've been working with them. They spent a lot of time with this A team that we had and are doing their best. I could frown and say, I don't want to be in this church any more because my musicians are all gone and I have to play with these beginners. No way, I'm so pleased with my C team. Not only that, they're my sons and I believe in the giftings and calling God has on their lives. We all have to start somewhere. It's not always easy but if we remain faithful to what He's asking us to do, the long term benefits out weigh the bumps along the way.
_____________________________
"...bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as imposters; known yet regarded as unknown...poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." II Corinthians 6:8-10
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RE: Worship team frustration - 4/15/2008 6:55:58 PM
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Sadey
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Joined: 7/25/2007
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I'm sorry you have to deal with this. You could all go on strike.  That might get some attention from the powers that be to your predicatment.
Does your pastor know that goup A is the reason the other teams don't sound as good. Don't dismiss that idea that group A knows exactly what they are doing and are making sure they are the center of attention. God has a way of putting us in our place when we least expect it and I imagine goup A's time is coming. Have you ever had a big meeting with everyone there so that this can be addressed. You'll need someone strong to confront them.
Hope this all turns out so that all of you can use your gifts for the Lord.
I think you are being very nice about this. I had a music teacher tell me that the first place Satan attacks is the worship team.
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RE: Worship team frustration - 4/15/2008 6:57:08 PM
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funny_girl
Posts: 787
Status: offline
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2 suggestions,
1. You're pastor could announce a meeting for the forming of your team. Out line your requirements and people will adjust their schedules to participate. You can be flexible to a point but we can't please everyone so pick a day to practice that works for everyone and keep it consistent. In your case, that is probably the key.
2. Call a meeting with your team, team b and c if you want. Share with them your goal for the team and go for it!
You can do it! Don't worry!
< Message edited by funny_girl -- 4/15/2008 7:07:51 PM >
_____________________________
"...bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as imposters; known yet regarded as unknown...poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." II Corinthians 6:8-10
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RE: Worship team frustration - 4/15/2008 7:02:18 PM
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funny_girl
Posts: 787
Status: offline
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It's really is easier for the same musicians to play together because they can read each others body language. When personalities click they flow together better in a team.
Be encouraged, this is normal, and you're going to figure it out. I'm excited that your team will be stronger.
When I put together an event, I'm going to seek out the best because I feel they've paid the price. That's what's going on the A team. It's the 'cream of the crop' right now, but you can form a great team too!
_____________________________
"...bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as imposters; known yet regarded as unknown...poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." II Corinthians 6:8-10
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RE: Worship team frustration - 4/15/2008 7:17:56 PM
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Zhi
Posts: 929
Joined: 7/31/2007
Status: online
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They do organize our team. They organize all the teams. That's the problem.
So, they organize anyone on our team who is good and they have room for and has an open schedule, into their team. They organize the people they don't want into our teams. And, the makeup of our teams change every time we play, so it's not even a "help my team organize and schedule" thing, it's a "Who is on my team this time? Oh. I guess we'll have to organize and schedule them this week".
Our instrumentalists are all pretty good. We're having vocalist issues. I told the percussionist who we had on vocals this round, she said "But they can't sing. What happened to (good person who was singing with us)?" "She's scheduled to sing with (team A) now." "Oh. Right."
< Message edited by Zhi -- 4/15/2008 7:25:07 PM >
_____________________________
The optimist says the glass is half full. The pessimist says the glass is half empty. The engineer says the glass is twice as large as it needs to be.
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RE: Worship team frustration - 4/15/2008 7:33:26 PM
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funny_girl
Posts: 787
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Well, don't give up. Sounds like a lot of the hard work is on the A team to organize more teams and because you're not in the A team you struggle with not having the control that you wish you had. Let me encourage you. I completely understand. It's not that you aren't good enough to be in the A team it's that they are the primary team and you recognize that they are the ones that are consistent and are paying the price to get the preferred place. If Team B or C is saying, "Hey, we want to move up!" Then they too need to pay the price to get the privileges.
So much of our testing has more to do with our response than the actual problem or test. You all need to pass these tests and I promise that things will get better. Your response is your attitude. It was a good thing for you to seek out encouragement. You're alright.
_____________________________
"...bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as imposters; known yet regarded as unknown...poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." II Corinthians 6:8-10
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RE: Worship team frustration - 4/15/2008 7:35:33 PM
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funny_girl
Posts: 787
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Are there enough people that you click with to form a solid team? You can go to Team A and tell them, we've got a solid team and we want to shape it up so we have 2 solid A teams.
< Message edited by funny_girl -- 4/15/2008 7:47:07 PM >
_____________________________
"...bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as imposters; known yet regarded as unknown...poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." II Corinthians 6:8-10
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RE: Worship team frustration - 4/15/2008 7:38:35 PM
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funny_girl
Posts: 787
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I like it that you're flexible. So am I. I lead because I'm called to, but I love to sing backup and have had some great opportunities. Shoot, I'd be happy hidden, LOL
I'd love to see you be able to firm up your B team and you continue to help the C team look good while that team firms up. You all are needed. It's a lot of work and a lot of responsibility. Your church is growing and it needs to leave room for the new people to get involved too. Everything is for a season. Life is always changing.
I've had it where I was only with the pro's and now I'm with the beginners again. That's life and that's ok with me. Go with the flow.
_____________________________
"...bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as imposters; known yet regarded as unknown...poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." II Corinthians 6:8-10
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RE: Worship team frustration - 4/15/2008 8:10:27 PM
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Zhi
Posts: 929
Joined: 7/31/2007
Status: online
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We've tried to form a solid team. But, since Team A is in control, they just keep taking our people and reassigning us.
I don't care about control, I'd just like things to be... more fair. Or at least not to be blamed for lesser quality when things ARE so unfair.
_____________________________
The optimist says the glass is half full. The pessimist says the glass is half empty. The engineer says the glass is twice as large as it needs to be.
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RE: Worship team frustration - 4/15/2008 8:39:36 PM
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funny_girl
Posts: 787
Status: offline
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Perhaps the best thing then, is to set up a meeting with the pastor about having balance in the teams.
Sounds like team C and B are the testing grounds for team A. Since Team A is taking your solid people for themselves, are others being demoted to your team when they don't want them anymore? Or are they promoting people to the A Team when there is an opening?
_____________________________
"...bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as imposters; known yet regarded as unknown...poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." II Corinthians 6:8-10
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RE: Worship team frustration - 4/15/2008 8:57:41 PM
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Zhi
Posts: 929
Joined: 7/31/2007
Status: online
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It's not supposed to be a promotion thing. It's merely a matter of the fact that the leaders of team A aren't there every Sunday. The teams are theoretically supposed to be equal, according to the worship team meeting that formed them, which was about 8 months ago.
At least one of the tonally-problematic vocalists went directly to team A and asked to be on their team. She was denied. They placed her on our team and took our vocalist.
_____________________________
The optimist says the glass is half full. The pessimist says the glass is half empty. The engineer says the glass is twice as large as it needs to be.
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RE: Worship team frustration - 4/15/2008 9:31:09 PM
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funny_girl
Posts: 787
Status: offline
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It sounds like a balance problem if they're suppose to be balanced. If this has been going on 8 months then that explains a lot. I'm sorry for the frustration. Part of of the gathering to Team A is that people attract like people and what has happened over time is that your stronger instrumentalists have gravitated over to the A Team. If it's suppose to be balanced and it's not, you need to look at the leadership of Team B and C and see what's missing. If you are in leadership then you can go and talk to the leaders of Team A and work out a plan to be balanced.
As you mentioned in the OP you are having an attitude problem that you don't want to have so something needs to come to a head. It appears that without it being on purpose the A Team has surfaced. It doesn't feel good to be the B or C Team but don't be discouraged, be encouraged to step up to the plate and be an A Team.
_____________________________
"...bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as imposters; known yet regarded as unknown...poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." II Corinthians 6:8-10
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RE: Worship team frustration - 4/15/2008 9:47:11 PM
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Zhi
Posts: 929
Joined: 7/31/2007
Status: online
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It's not a matter of them gravitating. It's a matter of being handed the schedule sheets and the people you were counting on have been reassigned to team A. They don't have a choice in the matter either, you show up for the practices for the sunday you are assigned to.
_____________________________
The optimist says the glass is half full. The pessimist says the glass is half empty. The engineer says the glass is twice as large as it needs to be.
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RE: Worship team frustration - 4/15/2008 10:14:28 PM
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funny_girl
Posts: 787
Status: offline
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Reality is that your job is to submit to this arrangement and you don't like it? Do you have a worship pastor that is overseeing this arrangement? Who set this plan into action? If you're having problems with it, go and talk to that person.
_____________________________
"...bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as imposters; known yet regarded as unknown...poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." II Corinthians 6:8-10
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