Question:
Hello All,
This is my first post and I'm glad there is a place like this.
I have been playing guitar for 29 years. I say this to say I'm pretty good and I've had lots of experience. I know when silence is the best note to play as well as when to play soft and sweet or let 'er rip!
I've been playing in the praise band of my church for about 9 month's now. This is my first time playing for God instead of in the world and I pray my heart is in the right place. I make it a point to praise God and give Him all the glory at all times.
I am struggling with a few issues and I don't know how to deal with it. Or if I should.
Issue #1) Another guitarist started the same day as me and he's an OK guitarist. He's been playing about five years but he has very little experience playing with others. I have very good rhythm and lead skills and I understand how important it is to learn the material, play the instrument to best compliment the overall praise team, be sensetive to everything going on around us and remeber this is for others and not for me.
We usually find out what we are going to play for service about 1 minute before we start. I have made "Cheat sheets" for the songs I don't have charts for and have to wing it for others. There's a lot of songs to learn! My counterpart never learns the material and solo's the entire time. This does 2 things: 1) It doesn't compliment the music and/or the overall worship team. 2) It leaves no room for any other's, including me, to express ourselves when either the music calls for it as written or when the spirit leads us.
Not much is being said to him about this at the moment as we are in between band leaders. It is a source of frustration for me that I am praying is not my ego. Any Advice?
Issue #2) Our sound system is set up so that the keyboardist controlls the band mix from the stage. The main sound board/person controlls the choir and monitors and overall band level. Before I joined the band I noticed the other guitarist was never heard. Now that I'm in the band I see why. The stage mix is pretty good. I play through a Carvin Legacy Head and 2x12 cabinet. However, there is no way the mix can be controlled by someone on the stage. The sound person musty be able to control the band mix. I have been told by several people, including my wife, that I might as well be playing air guitar. I've even been told I need to turn up by the band leader but this will do nothing for the sound in the sanctuary. There have been times that my stage colume was very loud and I couldn't be heard out front.
Again, it's not about me, I know. But how can Gd use me to minister through my playing if knowone can hear me?
I've mentioned this to our temporary band leader but nothing is being done about it. I understand authority and I submitt to that authority. But it makes me feel like I am putting a lot of work into something that I must not be needed at.
Please pray for this situation to be resolved and I would appreciate any advice.
Thank you and God bless!
Answer:
First, welcome to CGR. Hope you’ll stick around.
You raise some good, and unfortunately, common problems with volunteer groups.
Issue #1: Try something like, “Hey, let’s switch lead and rhythm on this song.” See where that gets you.
Issue #2: We sometimes have this problem, too, even though the band mix is controlled from the floor. Is there any way the keyboard player can go out and listen during part of the rehearsal? Maybe someone else can fake it on the keys a bit while he checks it out.
Another option is to see if the service can be recorded from a live mic in the pews. That’s always an eye-opener.
Since you’re in between leaders, I think you’re wise to exert a little patience with your fellow players. Lots of times, a friendly suggestion can get the ball rolling toward a resolution.
Answer:
hi lol anyway i kind of have the same problem as you on issue #2. But unfortunately im the inexperienced kid. lol anyway people say they cant hear me outside when they're listening but its plenty loud on the stage. Id try to get them to mic my amp(i've been advised micing my amp is a good idea), but they say the acoustics of the church would carry my sound out, i couldnt say anything of course because they're alot more experienced etc. i just get really frustrated sometimes. So i guess im in a bit of the situation lol, but instead i guess im not graet, lol maybe not even ok since ive been playing for only near to 2 years.
lol im supposed to be helping but sry hope other ppl can help u and me. til then p.u.s.h.(pray until something happens)
Answer:
Originally Posted by JCWarrior We usually find out what we are going to play for service about 1 minute before we start.
This is problem #1. You need to get your music sooner, period. Even teams that I've seen that were comprised of total professionals were given the music in advance so that they could prepare themselves musically in order to not be distracted by the music and just simply worship.
Are we to give God our very least?
Has He given us His very least?
Originally Posted by JCWarrior My counterpart never learns the material and solo's the entire time. This does 2 things: 1) It doesn't compliment the music and/or the overall worship team. 2) It leaves no room for any other's, including me, to express ourselves when either the music calls for it as written or when the spirit leads us.
Problem #2. Is your counterpart there simply because he happens to play guitar or is it because he has a heart to serve the Lord and serve his team?
If it's the latter then he should be spoken to about his current ability to create distraction instead of compliment and he should be directed and guided in how to improve his playing so that the team is of one accord.
If it's the former then leadership needs to get their act together in how they decide who gets to lead worship. I, for one, am really getting disturbed at how carelessly the role of music ministry is being mishandled by today's church leadership.
Originally Posted by JCWarrior Not much is being said to him about this at the moment as we are in between band leaders.
Problem #3. Not having a leader is perfect form for chaos. Please see the world outside and their unwillingness to simply follow God as example #1 (or I can look at my former life apart from Jesus if I need proof). Still, there's a head pastor there, I assume? This is now his job or that of other pastoral staff to initiate and follow the conversation so that positive change can occur.
People keep doing the same thing and yet expect different results...
Originally Posted by JCWarrior Again, it's not about me, I know. But how can Gd use me to minister through my playing if knowone can hear me?
Problem #4. I sympathize with you. Yes, it's not about you or me or anyone else but it can sometimes feel like it when we're up in front of a lot of people and there seems to be something bothering us...it must be bothering someone else, yes?
First thing I would say (and I don't have this all figured out, Praise God) is that our first duty as ministers of music is to worship God. He's why we sing, He's why we shout, play, bow down, kneel, pray, smile, dance, etc...our very breathe comes from Him so to worship Him is of the highest priority.
Next, we're serving God in our role. We're coming before Him and saying "God, I'm here. What shall you have me do? How shall I serve You?"
Next, we're serving our team, our church family and anyone else who may be in attendance. How can we best serve them? How can we truly serve them in a way that models exactly how Jesus served the disciples in John 13:14? It's a 'first is last, last is first' mentality that we should be living in.
If no person hears you, God does. But there are mix issues that can be resolved so that everyone is heard without anyone standing out nor anyone causing distraction nor anyone being 'lost in the mix' but they take time and trained ears to adjust and correct. Those kind of issues also, assuming the mix is being lorded over by another, are best dealt with once the person who currently has control over them knows that they're going to be dealt with by a person who is trustworthy to fix them and by a person who serves from a place of humility.
Not knowing more about your situation than what I've read here, I know little of the persons involved on your team so I don't know if they're having a problem letting go of areas of control or any of that but, ideally, if they have a heart for desiring the best for the ministry, they'll gladly give up control to someone who is willing to step-in.
Overall, I'm going to sum up the whole of what you're experiencing right now due to a lack of strong, focused, God-led leadership.
Get that straightened out and things will begin to change for the better.
But regardless, He is worthy so praise Him.
Answer:
Originally Posted by gtrdave This is problem #1. You need to get your music sooner, period. Even teams that I've seen that were comprised of total professionals were given the music in advance so that they could prepare themselves musically in order to not be distracted by the music and just simply worship.
Are we to give God our very least?
Has He given us His very least?
Problem #2. Is your counterpart there simply because he happens to play guitar or is it because he has a heart to serve the Lord and serve his team?
If it's the latter then he should be spoken to about his current ability to create distraction instead of compliment and he should be directed and guided in how to improve his playing so that the team is of one accord.
If it's the former then leadership needs to get their act together in how they decide who gets to lead worship. I, for one, am really getting disturbed at how carelessly the role of music ministry is being mishandled by today's church leadership.
Problem #3. Not having a leader is perfect form for chaos. Please see the world outside and their unwillingness to simply follow God as example #1 (or I can look at my former life apart from Jesus if I need proof). Still, there's a head pastor there, I assume? This is now his job or that of other pastoral staff to initiate and follow the conversation so that positive change can occur.
People keep doing the same thing and yet expect different results...
Problem #4. I sympathize with you. Yes, it's not about you or me or anyone else but it can sometimes feel like it when we're up in front of a lot of people and there seems to be something bothering us...it must be bothering someone else, yes?
First thing I would say (and I don't have this all figured out, Praise God) is that our first duty as ministers of music is to worship God. He's why we sing, He's why we shout, play, bow down, kneel, pray, smile, dance, etc...our very breathe comes from Him so to worship Him is of the highest priority.
Next, we're serving God in our role. We're coming before Him and saying "God, I'm here. What shall you have me do? How shall I serve You?"
Next, we're serving our team, our church family and anyone else who may be in attendance. How can we best serve them? How can we truly serve them in a way that models exactly how Jesus served the disciples in John 13:14? It's a 'first is last, last is first' mentality that we should be living in.
If no person hears you, God does. But there are mix issues that can be resolved so that everyone is heard without anyone standing out nor anyone causing distraction nor anyone being 'lost in the mix' but they take time and trained ears to adjust and correct. Those kind of issues also, assuming the mix is being lorded over by another, are best dealt with once the person who currently has control over them knows that they're going to be dealt with by a person who is trustworthy to fix them and by a person who serves from a place of humility.
Not knowing more about your situation than what I've read here, I know little of the persons involved on your team so I don't know if they're having a problem letting go of areas of control or any of that but, ideally, if they have a heart for desiring the best for the ministry, they'll gladly give up control to someone who is willing to step-in.
Overall, I'm going to sum up the whole of what you're experiencing right now due to a lack of strong, focused, God-led leadership.
Get that straightened out and things will begin to change for the better.
But regardless, He is worthy so praise Him.
Awesome answers. Much appreciated.
The former band director was under our Pastor of Music Ministry. He used to control the band mix from the stage and he had the responsibility to manage the affairs of the band. He recently left after being with the church for quite a while. God promoted him to his next level and this meant leaving the church on very good terms.
This was just a couple of weeks ago so the person that stepped in has a big job to do, including playing keys (which is what he did) as well as singing and trying to manage the affairs of the band. These issues were there, however, the entire time and were not caused by him leaving.
The band has had only one "Band" specific rehearsal since I've been with them. We allways rehearse with the choir. This means the musician's must know there parts coming in and be able to transpose if the ke changes. Band specific rehearsals are much needed to establish order, learn material together, experiment with and get a good stage mix and house mix and learn to gel with each other.
The manner of discussing these issues is very sensetive. I did mention to the current director that several people have mentioned they can not hear the guitars and she agreed that we need a good sound check. I guess we'll need to wait until we get our new, full time director.
I believe the other guitarist is sincerly there to praise God. However, I remember when I was his age and how easy it is to get caught in the moment and have the desire to be in the spot light. God bless him, I know he means well. I'm very careful not to say things that might discourage him. I also pray that God humbles me as well.
I'm certain the current director is eager to get a new director and hand those responsibilities. I just hope I can keep my attitude focused on the purpose and not these issues.
Pray for us!
Thank you for your advice.
God Bless!
P.S.
JeS-PK-KrN89,
Your input is much appreciated. Use these experiences to help you grow. Humble yourself and remain open to learning from those around you with experience. The gentleman I have been discussing asked me for advice once perticular to playing in a and enviroment. I told him sometimes the best note to play is silence. You have to ask yourself "is what I'm playing complimenting the music"? It's not all about us as guitarist.
Practice and learn the material well. You will grow so much as a guitarist and musician even though the music may seem simple at times. Really listen to it and learn to voice those chords correctly, not just by playing 1st position or 5 chords. Listen to Hillsong, many inverted chords and complex melodies.
Answer:
I wanted to share this as well. It's an excerpt from a piece that my pastor sent to me yesterday written by Rick Muchow.
I'm going to forward the entire article to my team but I wanted to share this part with you, dealing with distractions:
Lack of confidence can be a distraction. Lack of confidence can spring from several causes including being unprepared, a lack of skill, or from a fear of being in front of people. Singers and musicians must know their words and learn their music. Many singers struggle with words. The worship team members need to be free to express their hearts of worship, which can only happen after they know the songs. The music itself can get in the way if the worship team member isn't comfortable with the music. David putting on Saul's armor comes to mind. Saul's armor served him very well, but there was no way that little David, the shepherd boy, could use it. He just was not prepared to wear it. He wasn't strong enough. Had he tried, the armor would have hurt David rather than protected him in his efforts against Goliath. Songs not well rehearsed are uncomfortable to sing and equally a hindrance to team members trying to lead a congregation in worship.
And always good to be reminded of the following:
Christ's presence in someone's life will be their greatest treasure. Nothing else compares to that. An effective worship leader spends more time worshipping off the stage than on it.
I pray that your church is blessed with a bold and yet humble leader soon.
Answer:
Originally Posted by JCWarrior P.S.
JeS-PK-KrN89,
Your input is much appreciated. Use these experiences to help you grow. Humble yourself and remain open to learning from those around you with experience. The gentleman I have been discussing asked me for advice once perticular to playing in a and enviroment. I told him sometimes the best note to play is silence. You have to ask yourself "is what I'm playing complimenting the music"? It's not all about us as guitarist.
Practice and learn the material well. You will grow so much as a guitarist and musician even though the music may seem simple at times. Really listen to it and learn to voice those chords correctly, not just by playing 1st position or 5 chords. Listen to Hillsong, many inverted chords and complex melodies.
Thanks a bunch, though these experience bothered me sometimes they also helped me grow. I believe ive devloped my skills faster because of all the others hepling me and matured more than i can hope for in that it doesnt bother me as much anymore. Thanks alot again and i am and will continue to practice not just for me but the other people in my band as well thanks again.
Answer:
I have walked into situations as a substitute where I've had very little or no practice, but we at least have lead sheets (chords and Lyrics, with Melody) for all the music, or at the very minimum chord charts. I make it a point to show up at least an hour before the service starts and run through the music at least once (preferrably with the other musicians and singers). The worship and praise band I play with regularly at my home church rehearses 1 night a week, working on music for that week, as well as getting things ready for future use. Rehearsal is the time to work out who plays rhythm, and who plays lead on which tunes, work out sound issues, etc.
You should try as an experienced guitarist to take the newbe under your wing. Let him know that a good lead player compliments the singers and works licks into the breaks, he doesn't play continuously. I would (if you can't get the whole group together) suggest that you and him get together, and work out arrangements between the two of you, on some of the tunes you do regularly. He should be open to wanting to work with you to improve his musical offering for the church. If he isn't willing then shame on him, becuase his heart isn't in the right place. When I had been playing for only 5 years if someone of your experience level offered to work with me, I'd be thanking you profusely and asking when we could start.