Question:
I posted earlier about finding some camp fire songs.
I was asked to put together a small booklet of lyrics so we can sing some praises while camping by the team that was organizing the camp. I put a lot thought and prayer into the selection. Our youth group has a forum and I asked for their suggestions too what songs to incorporate. I also selected a few songs that would highlight God's creation (God of Wonders, Indescribleable and How Great Thou Art) since we were in nature, a few newer songs that the both praise teams were trying to familiarize the church with and a few old hymns people could relearn. Then I got the lyrics together, format and putting them into a booklet so copies could be made for our camp trip.
When I get to camp I find out that they decided to choose their own songs and just photocopied some lead sheets from one of our praise books. I asked what happened to the book I prepared for them and the girl that did it said some of the songs were too old. I think she was refering to the 3 hymns I included out of the 25 total. About 4 of the 25 songs I put together were actually used. I got upset at this but didn't want to raise the issue that weekend cause we are both leaders.
What upsets me the most is I was asked to take care of praises by selecting the songs (I'm also playing guitar for the weekend) and it was something I put a lot of thought, effort and prayer into, but she decided that what I choose wasn't suitable. I would understand if I didn't ask the youth for suggestions but that wasn't the case and the girl that replaced my list had all opportunity to suggest what she wanted but never said anything until she decided to pull the switch.
I understand that they are just songs and people would have been happy no matter what song they choose to praise God with. What she replaced the songs with wasn't horrible either. It's just feels like the rug has been pulled out from underneath me on this one. I'm trying to imagine what would make her decide to take the list I have, deem it unsuitable and make the effort to compile her own. I haven't talked to her yet bout it since we got back but I intend to just so something like this won't happen again. I ask for your prayers and advice if something like this has happened to you because although I'm articulate now, I'm usually not like this when talking to a person face to face.
Answer:
I wish I could say it won’t happen again, but the reality is that as long as you select songs for group singing, there will always be folks who question your decision. In this case it was somebody who could change them.
Happens all the time.
I’m not sure there’s really all that much to say at this juncture. But when another opportunity arises (and it will), then communicate the point that you take song selection seriously, and that you would appreciate more collaboration in compiling the list.
Then, don’t be surprised if it happens again.
Answer:
Originally Posted by sallyjr ...When I get to camp I find out that they decided to choose their own songs and just photocopied some lead sheets from one of our praise books. Hi Sally...
Bummer. Serving sometimes includes forgiving brothers and sisters.
L *a *r *r *Y
<°)))><

Answer:
Sorry to hear that. Whenever I get angry with fellow believers i just remind myself that i need to let it go and forgive them because i'll be spending eternity with them! Whoa that sure changes my perspective.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Tony I wish I could say it won’t happen again, but the reality is that as long as you select songs for group singing, there will always be folks who question your decision. In this case it was somebody who could change them.
Happens all the time.
I’m not sure there’s really all that much to say at this juncture. But when another opportunity arises (and it will), then communicate the point that you take song selection seriously, and that you would appreciate more collaboration in compiling the list.
Then, don’t be surprised if it happens again.
I agree with Tony...but I also don't see the harm in sharing how much it hurt you to have put so much into what you did, just to have it discarded seemingly without appreciation for what you did. Perhaps you could approach the conversation from the standpoint of there being a lack of communication. It seems clear that there was a lack of communication, and if you don't talk about it now, there will continue to be. However, don't go rushing in all accusatory and stuff - I'm sure you know what I mean
Answer:
I think there is a larger issue here. If it was done to you, it will be done to others. I think that there certainly seems to be an opportunity for improved communication regarding who is doing what, and who has final say on song list or whatever. Preparing a song list is an effort and takes time. The Lord wants us to be good stewards of our time. That said, what happened is pretty insensitive and thoughtless. I do think forgiveness is needed or you will carry around a weight that the Lord wants you to let go of, but let's not lose sight of the fact that she has an obligation to treat others around her with respect and honor them.
I think you should discuss it with her. If I might suggest, try to avoid any, "You did this or you did that" statements. It usually just puts someone on the defensive. Rather, just let her know how you feel about what happened. She may not even be aware that she is a steamroller. This is not about making her feel guilty or eliciting an apology. You seem like a very committed Christian. If she does the same thing to someone of lesser spiritual insight, it could really turn them off to Christianity and that could have eternal consequences. Many many people fall into evaluating their walk with the Lord based on the behavior of Christians.
Ask the Lord to speak to her through you. If you enter into your talk with more concern for her than for personal vindication, I think your heart will be in the right place.
Answer:
My bro and I have had this squabble. A little background. He goes to Liberty Univ. for Youth Ministries and he was trying to tell me what key to play a song in and he always talks about how our youth group is this and that. He's not Free Will Baptist material, you could say. He thinks everything needs to be more modern, but that's why we had 95 tonight for VBS and we usually only have 70 kids on tuesday night, so my friends the old way still works.
Anywho, me and him argue sometimes. And he says, "Well, I think the song should be done in this key..." and blah blah blah. The key I wanted to do it in was perfect for my voice. And I also told him, Brien, my youth leader, appointed me Worship leader, not my brother. And my parents backed me up on the issue and all of this stuff.
But I would tell this woman that you were picked for the job and it wasn't right for her to come in and sweep the perverbial rug out from under your feet. It's not right. At least she could've told you in advance. And hymns aren't old. If you actually take time to read the lyrics of songs like "How Great Thou Art" then it puts things into a whole different perspective. And two, there wouldn't be modern P&W music without hymns.
And three, how could a song telling how great our God is be an "out-dated" song? Explain that one to me.