Imagine if you could split up the church into different venues for the singing time, and then have the same sermon delivered at the same time to all groups of people?
This exact scenario is what I encountered at a recent visit to Saddleback Church, in California.
It was great to see that this church is so keen to meet people where they are at that it seeks to deliver music that meets the needs of the congregation. It was also a clever way to deal with the need to provide overflow seating for their overflowing venue.
However, I couldn’t but help that this was market-driven ministry that had gone too far.
Read my full article at www.sydneyanglicans.net
It has become apparent to me that many church music teams play in a similar way to an under-eight soccer team.
All of the melody instruments (such as flutes and violins) usually play every verse, and they often play the same melody line as the congregation is singing. The rhythm instruments (such as acoustic guitar and bass) play with the same intensity throughout the entire song.
A better music team will play like a high-school soccer team. The melody instruments will sit back in some verses and be silent, whilst at other times they will feature strongly. Sometimes they’ll play the same tune as the congregation, but sometimes they’ll compliment the tune by playing basic harmonies. The rhythm instruments will feel happy to be ‘subbed off’ for a verse or two, and then warm up as they reach the intensity of the final stages before the final siren blows (so to speak!)
This mindset shift makes a powerful impact on a church band. It’s not impossibly difficult to achieve, but it does take a commitment by all members to not all just run around the paddock, chasing the ball.
Read my full article at sydneyanglicans.net and leave a comment!
Now that PowerPoint has become passé, what is the next big thing we should use to display our song words?
Check out my latest post at sydneyanglicans.net and give me your thoughts as to what you think is the Next Big Thing.
Anyone who knows me well will be aware that I like things to be both relational and to be professional. However, it can often be difficult to achieve both of these goals at the same time…
Read my thoughts in my blog at sydneyanglicans.net.
It is remarkable to reflect on the way in which God chose to create his universe. Everywhere we turn there is evidence of his lavish love and creativity; the boldness of a sunset… the beauty of a tulip… the brightness of the sun.
One particular area in which we see his creativity is in music. Music has the power to move people in a way that words fail to achieve. It can lift us to new heights, and take us on a journey to places unexpected.
At the 2004 TWIST Music Conference, Mike Raiter spoke of the power of the song. In referring to the wonderful Colin Buchanan concert the night before, he said that because of his gift of music, Colin could have taken our crowd anywhere. “But”, he observed, “aren’t we thankful that he took us to God!”
We know the power of music. We use it every week to proclaim God’s praises. Yet, we want to make sure we use this powerful tool to achieve the best possible outcomes.
That’s why it’s important our musicians are well trained. That’s why the TWIST Music Conference is such an important event for our musicians.
Registrations close Monday night, and the conference begins the Saturday after. Don’t miss out on stimulating teaching from Mike Raiter, terrific congregational music from some of Australia’s most gifted musos, and invaluable hands-on training in many great workshops.
Full details at www.twist.org.au. Don’t miss out!
Jodie McNeill lives in Sydney, Australia, and is the Executive Director of 
