RE: Worship Leaders (Full Version)

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zippty_day -> RE: Worship Leaders (4/23/2008 12:24:03 AM)

musicdad, that is a cool testimony! We just can't put people in a box. What works for one may not work for another! How boring it would be if we were all the same!

My kids were on my worship team before we moved to Mexico. We brought drums into the church for him to start with. He also was learning the sax at the time and we worked in a couple of songs for him. My other son began playing the guitar and now he's my lead man! I'm so proud of them! They've been saving up their money and today we were able to make it to a Guitar Center here in Houston where my oldest bought himself a new guitar and my youngest bought himself a new bass! They can't wait till Sunday! They both feel very strongly about worship and music. Both of them are writing new songs and we set the studio back up for them because they want to record. We've talked about not having a rock star mentality, which absolutely won't bring in the presence of the Lord, but we do like to have fun aside from ministry and the guys like to be cool! My youngest is writing worship songs to Lord and he's only 16. I'm thankful for the heritage that I have and I know the Lord has placed his anointing upon us to lead worship. My mother, now retired, was a beautifully anointed organist. I remember when I finally recognized her gift. I always knew she was talented. I said, "Mom, you are so anointed when you play." She said that her job was to invite the presence of the Lord. I've never forgotten that and it's become a part of who I am.

One Sunday, we were going over a song with another voice before service and when my son sat down at the drums and began to play the anointing fell down so strong over us that I looked at the other singer and asked her, did you feel that? And she said, "Ya! Look at me!" I'm so thankful that even when we don't feel Him, He's still ever present, but when we do feel Him, it's really exciting!

It's so exciting to hear when kids have a desire to play for the Lord! He is so pleased! I'm glad you encouraged your children and helped them find a place! What a blessing! I think it encourages everyone. Especially if the kids don't see themselves as anything special but keep that child like faith about them! It's so precious!



MusicianDad -> RE: Worship Leaders (4/27/2008 9:21:27 PM)

Yeah, and besides, where would Samual have been if they'd have had a rule against children serving?



zippty_day -> RE: Worship Leaders (4/27/2008 10:52:06 PM)

Well guys and gals, I had an interesting week and I'm anxious to share with you what I witnessed!

Monday morning early, we drove out of Guadalajara, Mexico to Laredo, Texas. Tuesday we drove out to Houston. I saw Lakewood Church from the freeway! Wednesday we drove from Houston to Powderly, Texas. According to my husband we even crossed in and out of Ok. Thursday we spent with some precious friends of ours who are retired age but after years of pastoring continue to minister as traveling evangelists. Their ministry is a faith based ministry and they see many miracles and speak to many pastors! Friday we drove back down to Laredo. Saturday we drove back home to Guadalajara.

What an eye opener I had just driving around after our conversations here on the forum. It's sickening! My heart is anxious. You all were right about the 'star metality' that's out there. It's far worse than I could have imagined. One Christian radio station we tuned into in Houston had a local pastor advertising his church in such a way that it was beyond shocking! It was all about his building. Come and see our building. My sister is a designer who had a dream. She saw trees coming through the roof and a huge wave. So she designed a building with a wave and trees coming through. Then he said their church is a church of prayer so come for a picnic in our beautiful garden. My son and I looked at one another in unbelief! It was all about the building. Nothing was mentioned about Jesus being there or about the people. Perhaps this is the new tactic to get 'believers' in the door to show them the truth of Christ's love, but it just seems wrong, wrong, wrong!

Other billboards portrayed large photos of their pastors and the competition was tight with who could have the flashest announcement.

We've had complaints by the Americans down here that our advertisment for our campaigns look like a music concert. This has been done on purpose to grab the attention of the non believer. When we are on the street we are doing whatever we can to get their attention so that we can present the love and acceptance of Christ. We use professional quality music, sometimes, dancing lights. The musicians and myself try to look like rock stars, although we couldn't be further from that, lol. Our message is clearly presented in our music and we keep ourselves pure, dressing stylish yet modestly.

In the church, we're pretty normal. Because of the experience that I have, I try to bring out the best in each musican and voice that I work with. We are trying to give our best as an offering to the Lord. Our name isn't important but His name is. We do enjoy the music from Hillsongs, Delirious, and many others. My focus has always been to invite the presence of the Lord and bring the body into unity that His presence may grace us.

Our friends are seriously concerned about the welfare of our churches. Perhaps better discussed on another forum. They aren't concerned with demonination but are concerned as I am about the bride. It seems that people still have a hard time accepting that those in leadership are just human beings saved by grace.

Lord Jesus, forgive us for wanting the glory. You and you alone are the reason that we live. Bless these worship leaders and help them to stay pure and always desire to invite your presence above all else. May they play and sing with excellence because you've enabled them to. Help them to always do their best for you and you alone. Be glorified in our lives and forgive us of our pride and selfishness. Draw us close to you that we may recieve the promise of being in charge of your courts in the heavenlies.



treasure_above -> RE: Worship Leaders (5/7/2008 10:47:46 AM)

One way people weed out of a group is by not saying anything. I think people will figure it out on their own. When people want to continue pursuing music when they aren't gifted in that area, they will be frustated by the rejection, a path they've chosen for themselves. Point them in the direction of where they can serve best, especially if there are others that 'perform' better than they do. If it's a choir, it really doesn't matter, if it's an ensamble, than it does. Rejection hurts and it all depends on how you respond. If I've been rejected for a part I wanted, then I figure God has something better for me down the road and I don't worry about it. I feel the pain for others when they are disappointed or rejected and would love to make them feel better but there are no words to say. They must find their comfort and self esteem from God.



pstrdebi -> RE: Worship Leaders (5/8/2008 2:19:02 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: funny_girl

So, here's a common scenario. A worship team is formed. The church has been established for a while and then a new person joins the team. Low and behold, they're really gifted and not only that, they're a mature believer. You, as the leader, recognize their qualifications and a short time later place this person in a deserved leadership roll. Now, you have the others, who may not be so talented, gossiping and bickering behind your back. They're upset because they've been waiting to be in that position and now this newbie has it.

How do you handle this situation?


Well... there are a lot of different opinions in here, and I only got through the first page of posts! [sm=crazy.gif]

So... I am just going to jump in here and if someone has already used this verse, I apologize!

Your scenario reminds me of the parable of the workers in the vinyard. (Matthew 20:1-18)
Although not exactly the same... in verse 15, the landowner says, "Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things?" (And yes, I know the church or it's contents are not ours, but God's) however, we are entrusted to to God in the positions He places us in. I believe if God has put you in a place o f leadership, and you are using good Godly judgement, then you have every right to act in the worship teams best interest. You can gather the team for a time of prayer and understanding... explaining why you made the decission you made. You can explain to the team how God wants them to build up and encourage this new person and God also wants us to be happy in others blessings.

And then there is the whole "parts of the body" thing. Everyone has their part. I guess the key here is to make each individual person feel that they themselves are playing a very important part... individually.

Now the horror story... because they do happen. Long before becoming a pastor I worked on the worship team as the AV coordinator. I had been in this position for a number of years and loved it. We had a wonderful Worship pastor who truly led his team by example. The church body was constantly coming against this poor guy... "the music is too loud"... "not enough hymns"..."why can't my kid play the piano"... on and on it went, and no-one in leadership stood up for this guy. They worked his behind off with little or no respect, care or love. Finall, he couldn't take it any longer, and resigned. The "leadership" was suppose to do a "worship Pastor search"... and they called upon a worship leader (by way of suggestion from a church member) to act as interim.

This person had a spirit of division, and was conniving and calculated. They had told several lies and were caught in them by the rest of the (worship) team, along with other things. Many of the team observed that there was something wrong as there was a lot of unrest and confussion in the ranks... something they did not have to deal with before with the former Worship Pastor.

As (only a couple) weeks went by, this worship leader weasled there way into the minds of the elders, convincing these (complacent) men that they shouldn't waste their time searching and spending all that money, when they were willing to take the position.

I personally was offended that the elders did not follow a correct course of action.... nor were they listening to the rest of the team regarding this persons integrity and character. I ended up resigning after they placed this person after only 5 weeks. And others did also. Not only that, but the church has developed a huge division and many have left.

Now... this person was very talented. However they were not a worship "Pastor." And they were there for the wrong reasons... not for the betterment of the church and God's glory. The church has suffered because of the carelessness of a few men.

All this to say... If God is in it... don't worry. If He isn't... be "wary wary carefo" [&o]

Blessings....
Pastor Debi



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