Question:
I've been having trouble lately when I lead in my school and youth groups, especially around the 7th-8th grade (which I only do like, once in a blue moon) and that is getting people to sing. I know that people in the congregation reflect what is seen onstage and we have a lot of energy up front. Even when it's songs they've heard many, many times (Like "Here I Am To Worship") they don't sing out. It was very depressing two weeks ago when I stopped for an a capella chorus on that song and I only heard voices next to me. How can I help these people be excited about worship?
Answer:
Slip some ritalin in the juice cups
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Haha, that could become a possibility sometime soon.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Kenny C. How can I help these people be excited about worship?
The have to be excited about the One that they're worshipping.
Once they're in that frame of mind then they'll worship anytime and anywhere.
Answer:
Originally Posted by gtrdave The have to be excited about the One that they're worshipping.
Once they're in that frame of mind then they'll worship anytime and anywhere. We have a winner!! Yep that is about the size of it I have been in Churches where there was no additude of worship at all and it is quite frustrating! Thankfully where I am now that is NOT a problem ! It REALLY makes you appreciate being in a Church like Cathedral when you have been in the dessert !
Answer:
1) Ask them what songs they like / want to sing.
2) Play those songs.
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I've tried that before.
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Originally Posted by Kenny C. I've tried that before.
And I'm guessing it didn't work?
That's because it's not about the songs.
From one of John Piper's teachings:
"...true worship comes from a heart where God is treasured above all human property and praise, and it aims to inspire the same God-centered passion in the hearts of the congregation."
I encourage you to read the whole page or at least this part:
http://www.desiringgod.org/library/s...87/110187.html
When people cross that bridge from careless worship to treasuring God "above all human property and praise" is when they sing...even if they can't sing a note on key, they don't care and yet still sing, making a "joyful noise".
Answer:
i think it's really a maturity thing a year or two ago i did the same thing during worship time but now that i've "grown up" a lot more this past year worship has become something very important to me and one of the things i look forward to at church
so basically what i'm saying is with time the kids will mature and take it seriously you just have to wait patiently till the time comes
good luck with that! youth worship is a tricky thing i know first hand
Answer:
Originally Posted by rockerclb i think it's really a maturity thing a year or two ago i did the same thing during worship time but now that i've "grown up" a lot more this past year worship has become something very important to me and one of the things i look forward to at church
so basically what i'm saying is with time the kids will mature and take it seriously you just have to wait patiently till the time comes
good luck with that! youth worship is a tricky thing i know first hand Maybe I'm being picky or out of line, but don't underestimate today's youth like that please. I don't think that this is a maturity issue at all. It is a heart issue. There are adults who do not sing in church. There are adults who do lip service because that is what is expected of them. There are adults who whole heartedly are worshiping the Creator because they are aware that despite anything and everything else, He is worthy and that is reason enough. Youth can and do worship.
Frankly, if the only people worshiping are on the worship team, can worship for now. Let the youth know why you are doing it. Do a series of teachings on who God is and what He is worthy of. Teach them about worship, teach them about God, then try introducing worship songs that they want to do.
Instead of asking us what to do about it, get on your face before God and cry out on their behalf. Seek Him. Let Him lead you and the youth in learning to worship Him in spirit and in truth.
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Originally Posted by passinthru Frankly, if the only people worshiping are on the worship team, can worship for now.
I was going to say something similar, but phrase it as "get rid of the music". Find alternative ways to worship God. Go out and serve people or something.
How close-knit is this group? Are they close enough that everyone knows that they won't be made fun of if they hit a wrong note or enjoy singing enthusiastically? I know I didn't feel like that growing up. High school chapel wasn't "cool," so sitting back with kind of a detached attitude was the best way to fit in. Eventually, I learned not to care. Failing that, is the group big enough that they can be relatively anonymous? That can help.
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Do you have backing vocalists?
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To answer the first question, yes it is a very, very close knit group.
And yes, I usually have about 3 or 4 backup vocalists.
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Are they enthusiastic? Do they look like they are worshipping God and with all they have?
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I'll admit, they aren't always very enthusiastic. I know that I am and two of the singers usually are but sometimes it's a bit stagnant. I try to go up with this mindset and try to instill it in them: The congregation reflects what they see on stage.