Every once in a while I'll get a note from a worship leader searching the internet for answers and looking for some advice with a struggling worship team or music transitions. I guess it's because I failed many times that I have the ability to relate with some folks...or I've got a lot of people decieved into thinking I've got my act together.
Back in March I received a note from a worship leader struggling with how to make it through a music style transition. When you've got folks who long for the days of the pipe organ and hymns with no relatable or relevant music that can inspire and engage those under 50, it's a difficult process and can make you feel quite helpless. This worship leader didn't want to give up. I asked her if I could share her story here and she said please do! Here's her follow up email to me after our back and forth conversation beginning last March.
Dear Pastor:
My name is C-----e and I hope you remember me. I am very grateful for your
emails. I just wanted to update you on the progress at our church and our music
program. We started a praise band and praise team some time ago but, as I had
mentioned, we were stuck with the organ which the new (younger) worship
committee and trustees wanted to phase out. We had de-funded the pipe organ more
than a year ago and it was deteriorating and we had not hired a new
organist.
All of this has allowed the band to perform more and more often. I can't
tell you the how the level of enthusiasm has built as time is going by. There
are more and more younger families appearing on Sunday mornings. Momentum simply
built week after week.
The band and worship team has grown too. It is amazing to see the energy!
There are those (mostly older) who are unhappy with change. This has been offset
to some extent by having the band play arrangements of the old hymns which the
older folks are familiar with. We are developing some tension along these lines
however. But, with our Pastor's blessing, as of last week we crossed the point
of no return! I did not expect it to happen so soon
With the help of the worship committee and the (very enthusiastic) youth
group, the organ was "gutted" to make space for the band and praise team to
store instruments, equipment, and so on. It had been nearly a month since it
played at all and people were getting used to the idea that it was in very bad
shape and that organists are hard to find as well.
The younger folks for the most part seem like they would be happy never to
have to hear it again! I wonder if others have this same experience as we have.
Younger people not only don't connect with the organ but are repelled or annoyed
by it.
Any way, this congregation is now firmly on the path of no return and while
we have lost some members so far, we have also gained a number of families. It
is so awesome and inspiring to hear the band fire up every Sunday! We are
committed to bring new folks to Christ. Those who are unhappy have less
progressive churches in the area which they can attend. I will let you know how
things continue to develop. We are developing many new programs to reach out to
our community.
Thank you for your inspiration!
God Bless,
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