So I guess this is not the first time this issue has been discussed! Firstly, I want to point out that I don't really think that these two elements (with regards to worship) are in competition with each other. Secondly, I am not entirely sure that I have anything profound to say on the matter but I would love some feedback.
Over the past few years of leading worship my primary goals in arranging the songs were: a) ensure that people can come with us during the time of worship, and b) excellence in terms of our standard of playing. As I look back now I am wondering whether my need to pull the reigns at times with the band in terms of creativity, was maybe a cover up for my self-perceived lack of creativity. I have been on a new journey in this area since August last year when I realised that I had no confidence in the fact that I was made in the image of a creative God. I am growing in this area but still have my moments of doubt and despair yet I am convinced more than ever that God has made me a creative person.
It is a real privilege being part of a worship band where we can explore our creative ideas and push the boat out a little. It has been a great lesson for me to see that people can and do still engage with God when it doesn't sound like the latest Hilsongs, Vineyard or Delirious record. And yet as I discussed in a previous post, our leading is all about loving and pastoring the people we have been given the honour of leading to God through song.
I want to be able to embrace and work out the unique creativity God has given me in the songs and music I write but above all I want to serve the church and provide a way for people to meet with Him no matter how much time it takes to make the song interesting or how many creative ideas have to go on hold (or even get ditched) because it's about Him not me.
The question is how do we balance the two or do we even have to?
As a band we are trying to be as creative as possible whilst keeping in mind that we want the church to be able to pick up the songs and enter into worship. I am encouraged that the church are engaging and that maybe we are doing ok so far.
So, tell me your thoughts on this one!
6 comments:
"a cover up for my self-perceived lack of creativity"
This has been my experience as well. I also have stuggled with being the least musically competent in the band but being the "leader".
It is so hard to accept your level of gifting and also your calling as "leader".
I am learning to function within a band of geniuses as the one who leads us into a place where their giftings are released.
Nice one
First and foremost, you are not one of the least talented in the band, just to re-affirm you in that. Dave, i welcome your comment on releasing the genius.
I think in terms of the balance, it depends what your intention behind any song is. If its in terms of worship, are they first and formost to serve the church? Are they solely designed to worship God with every bit of being in our body, giving literally the all and the best we can into the song?
I dont think accessibility has to sacrifice creativity - i think what is great sometimes is when a song gets birthed out of what a body of believers is experiencing/going through during a particular time (e.g. Walls) which helps the c/Church put into song their experience at that time.
hmmm..dont know if any of this added to what you said but there you go!
I absolutely agree that we should give our all and our best to a song but my primary purpose in writing is to give the church songs for people to express their lives of worship to God. I think in this case as a worship leader my concern is to ensure that I bring songs that people can catch the hang of in term of lyrics and melody. If they can't then I have failed.
Absolutely agree, one does not necessarily have to sacrifice the other but I'm open to the fact that it might in some cases as that has been and continues to be my experience.
It's certainly an interesting discussion and I appreciate your comments.
I guess for me it's shown beautifully in contrasting someone like Chris Tomlin with Dave Crowder.
Chris Tomlin is dominatins the world with his easy catching melodies but Crowder is a better musician/ songwriter by far. His meladies and lyrics are much less accessible.
For personal worship I prefer Crowder, for leading worship I love Chrissy T as the whole world can sin his songs.
Am i making sense. dyagetme?
Indeedy.
I love the story behind the Crowder band - their music was birthed through their church community who desired to see students engage with God. Their sound (you would hope) is a product of this connection (and nothing to do with what the buying public want?) and as such has been informed by this.
We shouldn't just be creative for creativity's sake in corporate worship terms, i totally agree.
An interesting question - do you tailor you 'set' to suit who you are trying to help in worship? e.g. if you are playing at a youth even or your playing at a men's conference?
Interesting point about Crowder & Band. I have to say that I actually think it is pretty accessible. If I stick any of their albums on I can sing along very easily. I'm not a huge fan but I can appreciate some of what they do.
I think in terms of sets for different event - yeah, you keep the people in mind but to be honest alot of the time I feel like doing certain songs- that may be God's leading or it may just be that I like them and I can connect with them. I think that if you are passionate about the song you are singing then people are likely to follow no matter what gender or age. It might be the arrangement of the song more than anything else that you'd adjust.
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