Introducing New Music to Congregations

If you are like me, you spend a great deal of time praying, selecting appropriate and inviting worship music, narrowing down the selections, and finally introducing them to those whom you lead in worship. It IS a distraction for your congregation when you "spring" a song on them that few have heard. While a new song in the rotation can breath "new life" into the service, it can also alienate people and cause a bit of anxiousness.

Here is a tip:

4 weeks leading up to introducing a new tune, play a recorded version during "walk-in" time each Sunday. (Between Sunday School and Worship Service, etc. prior to service starting.) People will hear it and become subconsciously familiar with it. They probably won't have the words memorized or even know the name, but it will be less of a shock for them and a nice subtle segue into even a completely different song or style that you will be introducing. Another great benefit... you may receive feedback from it from those in the congregation such as, "I loved the song that was playing before church this morning" or a response I once got (lol), "since when do we play that rap music before church" (it wasn't rap... it had a beat and this person probably just didn't have any other way to describe it.)

Just a tip I have learned from experience! Have a great day.

Dan

Moving from Traditional to Blended

Great article that a friend of mine wrote. I can identify with all of these, having led two churches from Traditional to Blended(or contemporary-ish) services. I would have written my own list, but I couldn't have stated it any better than this.... enjoy!

The following list, although not exhaustive, details lessons we have learned through this process:
Take Your Time. This should come as no great surprise, but putting it into practice is another thing. Although we thought we were moving at a good pace, we were not. Key church leaders must take time to communicate why changes are being made and how those changes will be implemented.
Do Your Homework. We may think we know everything about leading a church, but sometimes we miss the obvious. For example, I missed understanding the music philosophy taught by past church leaders and its influence.One of my predecessors had voiced a strong conviction about not using any instruments other than organ and piano in worship. Needless to say, people who had grown up under his leadership had a hard time accepting a full orchestra, especially the drums and electric guitars.
Know Where You Are HeadedMany wonderful church members have little frame of reference outside their own church. Some may fear that a change in worship style would not be consistent with their theology or comfort level. Worship leaders must take time to educate and to explain where any change is leading.
Work to Earn TrustThe religious, political, and business scandals of past decades seem to have led to an inherent distrust of leadership in general. Though many in leadership positions call this attitude unfair (and it is), it remains a reality. Trust comes out of respect and relationship. Once trust is earned, leading change becomes more manageable.
Expect ChallengeIt would be naive or perhaps foolish to not expect challenge or criticism during a time of change. People grieve loss, not change. This should give us a better understanding during transitional times.Try to discern between legitimate concerns and petty complaints. Listen to those who come in a spirit of concern. Use that time to teach and explain why you’re making certain changes and heading in a new direction.
Transition Is a Process, Not an EventMany who answer the call to ministry want to see things happen fast. This is a good quality when casting vision, but not if change is expected overnight. Be patient. Wait on God. Wait on your people. Let God lead the change.
Call the Right PersonnelDo not overlook this. Many talented people do a phenomenal job leading music, but not everyone has the ability and temperament to lead change. Make sure any individuals or groups leading change are big-picture people who see the many facets of the church, not just the worship side.
Don’t Compromise QualityA familiar criticism of contemporary music is that it’s not “real music.” Though I understand the gist of such criticism, it is not always true. Perhaps some churches have helped perpetuate this criticism by lowering standards when singing or preparing for contemporary pieces. Make sure that whatever you do, you do all for the glory of the Lord. Give Him your best, regardless of the style.
Understand Technical IssuesWe added two large IMAG (Image Magnification) screens in our new worship center. This element alone brought tremendous new challenges to worship planning each week! Don’t forget that for every new application, someone who knows how to put it together must be behind the scenes. A bad production is worse than no production. (See lesson 8)
Be Prayerful and CarefulNever forget it is God’s church, and Jesus is the head. Don’t become trapped into thinking you have to find and follow the latest trends. Pray about the direction you should go, and let God affirm that direction. He’ll speak to people and help them understand the change. While methods come and go with every generation, the message never changes. Don’t attempt to lead a church through any change until you and your leadership have spent time in prayer.
Remember that though risk is always present, the reward of seeing lives changed by the gospel is worth all the work and worry that accompanies any change.