Church Politics: How to 'fit together' in a new Worship Team

Jfool · 07-13-2007, 12:31 PM

My pastor is extremely particular about our worship music. I am learning a lot from him and feel very lucky to be working with him. Without learning the hard way, I feel I have a good sense of what is appropriate in church and what is not. Our worship needs to be holy, because its for Him. That doesn't mean He doesn't want us to "kick it", but it still must be kept holy. Kudos for making a hard decision.

trpullen · 07-13-2007, 12:41 PM

I have used some very strange songs as special music to set up a point the pastor was making but not as a corporate worship tune.

**thesteve** · 07-13-2007, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trpullen

I have used some very strange songs as special music to set up a point the pastor was making but not as a corporate worship tune.

yeah...I can see that if it has an intended purpose.

we've been using soundbytes from some stuff for different part of our service (we use the theme from "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood" for our announcements) and we play surf-rock tunes (iPod or live band) before and after service to go with our "Endless Summer" theme.

but if my worship leader told me that we'd be doing Creed's "Higher" for worship I'd be doing my best to persuade him away from it.

Jfool · 07-13-2007, 01:31 PM

Definitely. The service as a whole can use lots of creative elements... worship time specifically, as in when we enter into that "special time" with the Lord, is different.

**DaGeek** · 07-13-2007, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesteve

yeah...I can see that if it has an intended purpose.

we've been using soundbytes from some stuff for different part of our service (we use the theme from "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood" for our announcements) and we play surf-rock tunes (iPod or live band) before and after service to go with our "Endless Summer" theme.

but if my worship leader told me that we'd be doing Creed's "Higher" for worship I'd be doing my best to persuade him away from it.

I would have major issues with doing anything of Creed's in corporate worship, too. That's kinda like playing death metal at a funeral. It just shouldn't be done.

**thesteve** · 07-13-2007, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaGeek

I would have major issues with doing anything of Creed's in corporate worship, too. That's kinda like playing death metal at a funeral. It just shouldn't be done.

well pick your poison...Creed, U2, Lifehouse, the Fray, whatever...I don't think I'd want to do any of them in corporate worship.

I really feel like there's enough songs out there with weak messages ("Draw Me Close" is a favorite example of this) so there's no reason to even further water down worship with songs that everyone knows are "positive".

**DaGeek** · 07-13-2007, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesteve

well pick your poison...Creed, U2, Lifehouse, the Fray, whatever...I don't think I'd want to do any of them in corporate worship.

I really feel like there's enough songs out there with weak messages ("Draw Me Close" is a favorite example of this) so there's no reason to even further water down worship with songs that everyone knows are "positive".

I'm not quite sure how The Fray gets aired on Christian radio stations (or, at least, a local one here). Agreed, though, none of those would be good for me... And as for "Draw Me Close," if it's the one I'm thinking of (the standard worship tune... "Draw me close to you, never let me go..."), I agree; it's not my favorite worship song at all. It doesn't seem sincere, and just feels weak, as you said.

gtrdave · 07-15-2007, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prayz Hym

Thanks, All. This has been a real encouraging thread. I've appologized to the Worship leader for questioning his leadership and stirring up controversy. I've prayed about my place on the team and, with patience, thought all would work out well. But, (you knew this was coming didn't you) when the leader chose 'Life is a Highway' for Sunday service I wasn't comfortable with it as a worship song. When I questioned its applicability, I was brushed off with "It will work cause everyone knows it and it has positive lyrics".

Long story short, we are looking for a new church. I'll file this experience away for 'how not to do it' in the future. Thanks again.

"life is a highway"...wow...well, I can't say that I would have followed through any differently and I pray that you find a new church that better represents Biblical Christianity more than cultural Christianity.

Symbiotic · 07-15-2007, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtrdave

"life is a highway"...wow...well, I can't say that I would have followed through any differently and I pray that you find a new church that better represents Biblical Christianity more than cultural Christianity.

two words....agreed, and amen...