From Traditional and Stoic to Modern and Sublime: Baby Steps to Song–the Importance of Congregational Communication (Part 2)
We’ve been talking lately about the process involved in transforming a traditional church worship program to a contemporary one. In part one, we discussed the importance of establishing a written vision statement for your ministry. The next step in my process doesn’t involve the worship leader at all, at least on the surface. In order to make a smooth transition from “the way we’ve always done it” to a new direction, it is important that every member of your church congregation understand what the new direction will be as well as why the church leadership has chosen to make this shift.
Perhaps you’ve noticed that up to this point in the discussion, none of the things we’ve mentioned involve incorporating new music into the service. I believe that you must make absolutely sure that you have as much of the congregation as possible on your side before you try to convince them just how cool your new music can be. Your path will be much less turbulent if you get a wide support base for the changes you are trying to implement.
I recommend encouraging your pastor to spend a month or so speaking (in services and other gatherings) about the upcoming changes. He should spend a significant amount of time discussing the philosophical statement that you’ve agreed upon, and it is best if he can do this in a way that promotes discussion among the congregation. Questions should be encouraged and treated with respect, but the pastor should not allow the congregation to believe that this is a collective decision. Rather, he should emphasize (if he can do so honestly) that God is leading in this direction.
The most resistance you will encounter to change will most likely come from the older members of your congregation. Be sure to treat what they have to say with gratitude and respect. Because most of them have been Christians for a long while, they probably do have some wisdom to impart, and–on a practical level–you must understand that they are the most faithful financial support for the church. If you do not treat them with honor, it is likely that they will make your transition (and maybe your job) impossible. It is a delicate balancing act to hold to your position and still have respect for others’ opinions, but it is an act that you must perform if you want Divine blessing upon your endeavor.
Next: Defining the need–Financial issues in Worship
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Josh says:
I like where you’re going with this. Although I’m no longer a Worship Pastor, you’re so right in keeping the pastor involved and up-to-date. You wouldn’t get anywhere fast if you didn’t. Good stuff Jeremy.
June 25th, 2007 at 10:05 pm
marlowho says:
Have you read any proponents on the opposite side of your argument? Those for traditional worship? And no, I’m not talking about the Bill Rice Ranch/ PCC people. Like the Catholic, Episcopal, etc…arguments for “stoic” worship? It may help you to get a wider view on it…and not throw the baby out with the bathwater. There’s a whole lot of people out there who prefer traditional. And they feel their music is just as sublime as you feel yours is.
I say this completely respectfully-with a desire for you to not get too caught up in one side without truly, carefully considering what traditional worship really is and even what it can be before throwing it away.
July 10th, 2007 at 8:00 am
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June 10th, 2010 at 6:16 am