This past year we've seen our worship instrumentalist team grow from 5 to 11. We even have a violinist that accompanies us periodically. With the addition of new team members and anticipation of continued growth, it was time to take a moment without our instruments and catch up on the heart and skill factors in leading worship at Grace. This morning we did just that.
Last June the vocalists on the team came together and watched the "Vocal Workshop" DVD created by Paul Baloche. This time around the band members watched Paul's DVD called "Worship Band Workshop". There are a lot of great insights on the video. One point that I found helpful a few years ago when the team watched this before the was aspect of creating space. Giving yourself to the song versus trying to outplay each other. That's not a problem our team has had, but it's one I think many worship bands start out having to dissect.
While the video was great, the discussion was even better. Before the video started, I had each member rate their individual skill level and then rate the worship team as a whole 1 - 10 (1 being stinky and 10 being amazing). I've gotten flack before from people about rating yourself, but playing skillfully and continuing to improve is an important thing in the Bible..see here for example. You can't worship or sing to the Lord with bad music. (I suppose you could, but really, why do that when you can bring God better). From this exercise turned to things we felt needed improvement and also discussed our greatest strengths. This was my favorite part of the morning. The workshop also gave me a chance to share my heart and vision for our team as well. Our biggest future anticipation...a third service. It's coming. Don't know when...but it'll be here.
Thanks to the folks who made it. I hope it was worth your time to sit and chat without the instruments in our laps. It's a privilege to be a part of this team and what God's doing here through each of you.
Get the "Worship Band Workshop" DVD here.
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