November 2012
We began by opening the floor at the beginning for feedback leaders have heard over the last few months. We won't bow down to complainers, but we will honor those in our community by listening to their comments.
Brad Coulter
"It’s been brought to my attention, the last time we practiced, the worshipers felt the youth, their view of the youth was that they play, once their job is done, they get in their cars and drive off. The feeling was that the rest of the church bends over backwards for the youth music style, but if they’re going to get in their cars and drive off, then we’re done with it."
"It’s been brought to my attention, the last time we practiced, the worshipers felt the youth, their view of the youth was that they play, once their job is done, they get in their cars and drive off. The feeling was that the rest of the church bends over backwards for the youth music style, but if they’re going to get in their cars and drive off, then we’re done with it."
Gina
"The day we had the music extravaganza, I heard from more than one person how wonderful it was to see the different age groups, the different instruments, the different styles."
"The day we had the music extravaganza, I heard from more than one person how wonderful it was to see the different age groups, the different instruments, the different styles."
Ken
"I’ve heard people comment about the combination of services. It’s very good, they like all the people together; different age groups and styles and music."
"I’ve heard people comment about the combination of services. It’s very good, they like all the people together; different age groups and styles and music."
Mary
"Make sure you plan music a worship experience that can be appreciated by all the generations."
"Make sure you plan music a worship experience that can be appreciated by all the generations."
Jewel
"Suggestion: I would love to see us incorporate different kinds of artistic pieces – skit, monologue, something to movement.; things that mix it up and add creativity. I think art speaks to us at a different level."
"Suggestion: I would love to see us incorporate different kinds of artistic pieces – skit, monologue, something to movement.; things that mix it up and add creativity. I think art speaks to us at a different level."
Donette
"It had been mentioned to Sam Heier and I and we promised we would bring it up at the September meeting, a young couple at our church mentioned they love our church but they keep having to sit further and further back because they’re tired of looking at the girl’s short skirts."
"It had been mentioned to Sam Heier and I and we promised we would bring it up at the September meeting, a young couple at our church mentioned they love our church but they keep having to sit further and further back because they’re tired of looking at the girl’s short skirts."
Roy
"Music is a mood setter. You can’t just come into church and expect to get filled up. As long as were’ setting the atmosphere it will touch people. You will always have some touched and others not. The success of a program involves a variety. If I don’t like the music, I’ll like it next week. We need to look at this: we are in the house of God. When you are performing on a stage, we are putting forth the best side of our music for the people. You want to do your best. The last thing you want is for the mood of the music to be affected by something you are doing/wearing. Your presentation has a lot to do with how it comes across. It’s not a specific song, as much as it’s “what’s the atmosphere?”
"Music is a mood setter. You can’t just come into church and expect to get filled up. As long as were’ setting the atmosphere it will touch people. You will always have some touched and others not. The success of a program involves a variety. If I don’t like the music, I’ll like it next week. We need to look at this: we are in the house of God. When you are performing on a stage, we are putting forth the best side of our music for the people. You want to do your best. The last thing you want is for the mood of the music to be affected by something you are doing/wearing. Your presentation has a lot to do with how it comes across. It’s not a specific song, as much as it’s “what’s the atmosphere?”
Brad
"I’ve been recently in several other churches, and one thing I’m reminded of, the person who is worshiping, we need to remind them that we are about to enter into the spirit of worship. I’ve seen everyone in the spirit of worship even if they don’t know the songs because they are in the spirit of worship. The words aren’t so important, or if I’m being entertained. It’s less about the speed, the sound, the loudness, the kind of instrument;, it’s about God meeting you no matter what the music is."
"I’ve been recently in several other churches, and one thing I’m reminded of, the person who is worshiping, we need to remind them that we are about to enter into the spirit of worship. I’ve seen everyone in the spirit of worship even if they don’t know the songs because they are in the spirit of worship. The words aren’t so important, or if I’m being entertained. It’s less about the speed, the sound, the loudness, the kind of instrument;, it’s about God meeting you no matter what the music is."
Gina
"It’s been brought to my attention by the young people in my house that they would like younger people, younger music."
"It’s been brought to my attention by the young people in my house that they would like younger people, younger music."
Jan
"I teach the little kids; it’s beautiful to hear them sing with all their hearts."
Gina
"It’s been brought to my attention by the oldest member in my house that some people like to sit."
Donette:
"Ran into a large group (15) from Palo Cedro church that I asked they have cut ties with music in our church. They feel like they are lost in the music world. One by one all these other couples came up and they said, “What’s with the music? We don’t come anymore.” ------- didn’t want to sing with Donette because she didn’t’ know any songs – said she doesn’t listen to k-love. The Blakely’s the cooblers, etc. there’s a big group of 50 – 70 year olds who said they are done. They’re not coming anymore. They feel like music is being crammed down their throats."
With comments/complaints out of the way, we can focus on plans for the future."Ran into a large group (15) from Palo Cedro church that I asked they have cut ties with music in our church. They feel like they are lost in the music world. One by one all these other couples came up and they said, “What’s with the music? We don’t come anymore.” ------- didn’t want to sing with Donette because she didn’t’ know any songs – said she doesn’t listen to k-love. The Blakely’s the cooblers, etc. there’s a big group of 50 – 70 year olds who said they are done. They’re not coming anymore. They feel like music is being crammed down their throats."
Roy
"What happens is people come because they have a commitment to the church. I don’t see the commitment in the younger generation. Some people feel like they put their heart into the church, and they are just being thrown out for the younger generation."
"What happens is people come because they have a commitment to the church. I don’t see the commitment in the younger generation. Some people feel like they put their heart into the church, and they are just being thrown out for the younger generation."
First, a few thoughts on the church culture of the past
The early church written of in Acts 2 is described with words like "signs and wonders" and "breaking of bread" and there was no talk of church services or music. Interesting.
Then there are the grand churches and cathedrals with ornate stone work, stained glass and high ceilings. I think of these services as very reverent and quiet with chants and candles and the clergy dressed in robes.
I think the early Adventist Church was created messier and wilder ways than we would like to admit. I've read one letter where Ellen White describes a camp meeting where there was a raucous loud noise made with an organ, three fiddles, and a big bass drum.... Wild times. Reminds me of a camp meeting that happened not too long ago...
In the next 50 - 70 years Adventist church culture blended with other christian church culture more than we would like to admit. I imagine we took a lot of cues from the methodists, presbyterians, and baptists. I associate things like pianos and organs, ugly stained glass, quiet sanctuaries with shag carpet.
Megachurches like Saddleback and Willow Creek were birthed 15 or 20 years ago. Megachurches provide several identical services each weekend with a polished rock band, light show, video clips and glossy papers with sermon outlines and fill in the blank study guides. If you had popcorn and soda it would be a sweet show!
In the last 20 years or so, some Adventist churches have clung to their roots while others have tried to copy the megachurch model with a "come as you are" mindset. I think of churches like Glenn Sayers Natomas Crossroads or the Mission Catalyst church Epikos in Washington. Other Adventist churches have created a high church kind of feel with very formal traditions, polished sermons, and grandiose gestures.
We have to also consider the cultures of the churches in our community.
Bethel church is the largest. They meet in a room that can be converted into a basketball court.
Church Culture: Who are we? Who do we want to be in 5, 10, 200 years?
In this information age, every organization has to be able to reinvent themselves overnight to answer to tomorrows culture. If an organization or company refuses to change, they will disappear. Think of Hostess, Borders Books, Blockbuster Video, Olan Mills, Mervyns.
Are we really willing to change to answer to the culture of our community?
Are we doing this church service thing for ourselves or the greater community around us?
We all know that God never changes, but how has our approach and understanding of Him changed over the years?
Several people suggested incorporating as many different elements as possible into a worship service to speak to as many unique individuals as possible. For example, on any given weekend one band member should wear a suit and tie, while another wears jeans and a tee shirt. A 100 year old song should be included in each set as well as a new one. Diversity in instruments should also be used each weekend.
In this information age, every organization has to be able to reinvent themselves overnight to answer to tomorrows culture. If an organization or company refuses to change, they will disappear. Think of Hostess, Borders Books, Blockbuster Video, Olan Mills, Mervyns.
Are we really willing to change to answer to the culture of our community?
Are we doing this church service thing for ourselves or the greater community around us?
We all know that God never changes, but how has our approach and understanding of Him changed over the years?
Several people suggested incorporating as many different elements as possible into a worship service to speak to as many unique individuals as possible. For example, on any given weekend one band member should wear a suit and tie, while another wears jeans and a tee shirt. A 100 year old song should be included in each set as well as a new one. Diversity in instruments should also be used each weekend.
Brad responded
"We have to look at the change that you’re talking about. It’s not about wrapping 27 different cultures together and make everyone happy, because we can’t do that. It needs to be, what is God saying for us? What is he calling us to? Humanity has the tendency: if we don’t know what’s going on, we don’t understand it, we demonize it. God is using each church to reach a certain group of people, we just have to decide, what are we going to do, and how is God going to lead us?"
"We have to look at the change that you’re talking about. It’s not about wrapping 27 different cultures together and make everyone happy, because we can’t do that. It needs to be, what is God saying for us? What is he calling us to? Humanity has the tendency: if we don’t know what’s going on, we don’t understand it, we demonize it. God is using each church to reach a certain group of people, we just have to decide, what are we going to do, and how is God going to lead us?"
Randy said
"I’ve significantly changed my thinking. We used to think church was supposed to attract people. I think that is a misunderstanding of what church is all about. What we are going through right now, a launching of people into the community; getting them involved in an impactful way is what we are about.
"I’ve significantly changed my thinking. We used to think church was supposed to attract people. I think that is a misunderstanding of what church is all about. What we are going through right now, a launching of people into the community; getting them involved in an impactful way is what we are about.
Gary
"You’ve asked a lot of questions, and I think they’ve been answered especially in the series. I like the idea that it’s a big target. The key is to be tolerant and accepting. It’s not about coming and saying “I like this, I don’t like that;” it’s about sharing what you’ve experienced during the week.
"You’ve asked a lot of questions, and I think they’ve been answered especially in the series. I like the idea that it’s a big target. The key is to be tolerant and accepting. It’s not about coming and saying “I like this, I don’t like that;” it’s about sharing what you’ve experienced during the week.
I like what Randy did with bringing Christian up
and introducing him to the congregation.
Jodel
"I keep thinking about the service where so many were involved. It wasn’t that there were so many generations; just that there were a lot of people. The more people are involved, the more you feel like a family; it gives people responsibility, they want to be there.
Brad
"Have each team bring a song that is hymn-like in their set. “This is the style we are going for, but we’re going to incorporate this type of music too.”
"Have each team bring a song that is hymn-like in their set. “This is the style we are going for, but we’re going to incorporate this type of music too.”
Roy:
When each group puts together songs, if we’re going to do new songs, let’s just do one. So people know what they’re singing. Could we create a list of songs?
When each group puts together songs, if we’re going to do new songs, let’s just do one. So people know what they’re singing. Could we create a list of songs?
Cheryl:
Music touches everyone differently. It doesn’t matter the genre. Even within the generations there are different days. Don’t’ even tell people to stand. Let them do what they feel comfortable doing.
Music touches everyone differently. It doesn’t matter the genre. Even within the generations there are different days. Don’t’ even tell people to stand. Let them do what they feel comfortable doing.
Gina
I can’t put my finger on why, but at The Midst I feel comfortable sitting or standing, being on the rug, standing on the side, there’s an atmosphere..I don’t feel that way in the sanctuary, but I can’t explain why.
I can’t put my finger on why, but at The Midst I feel comfortable sitting or standing, being on the rug, standing on the side, there’s an atmosphere..I don’t feel that way in the sanctuary, but I can’t explain why.
Roy: Change is offensive if it comes in quickly.
If you can do it a little bit at a time.
September 2012
Music Ministry Directives for the next season
Preserve Diversity
Especially in regards to instrumentation, generational inclusion, and genre differences
Find Consistancy
Consistency in purpose, excellence, and connecting points
Develop Collective Repertoire
Best of PC, formula for introducing new, and archiving old
Develop Music Culture
How our church sings, what to expect at the New Community Gathering
Equip Musicians and Leaders
Board advocate, moderate blog, maintain church instruments, leadsheets
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