Hello family! In the past fifteen to twenty years there has been so much debate on which style of gospel is the best. Traditional or Contemporary. I would love to get your preference. If you go into a record store to buy "good gospel music" would you buy MaryMary or John P. Kee? Would you rather hear "Get Up" or "Standing in the Need of Prayer?" Let me know what you think.
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Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
What Kind of Music Does God Like?
Music has been a topic of the church for ages. What's good? What's bad? What's anointed? What's of the devil? These questions have traveled through the air of the church forever. But what kind of Music does God really like?
The bible does not have a official soundtrack. Many styles, lyrics, and instruments are mentioned in the bible. We have few clues as to the styles of these songs and it doesn't seem very important.
I believe that no one music style is better than the other. However, I also believe that there are lyrics that bring glory to God and lyrics that don't. If you think about it, most of the music we have sung in our churches in the past two hundred probably bear little resemblance to the styles of biblical times. Styles reflect culture and times.
What do we know? Hebrew music was done in unison (2 Chronicles 5:13). There was no harmony; everyone played the same notes. They had large bands (1 Chronicles 23:5). This is a good indication that the music was very loud. LOL The singers were "clothed in fine linen" which indicates they had a dress code.
I believe that God loves all music and it's a matter of the heart. The strongest tool you have is your witness. I would never sing anything that would not bring glory to God. I certainly would not sing anything that would shame him. Put Kim Burrell, Larry Trotter, and Papa San side by side. Their music styles are very different, but their lyrical content serve the same purpose.
Well these are some of my thoughts about music in the church. What do you think? What has been your experience?
The bible does not have a official soundtrack. Many styles, lyrics, and instruments are mentioned in the bible. We have few clues as to the styles of these songs and it doesn't seem very important.
I believe that no one music style is better than the other. However, I also believe that there are lyrics that bring glory to God and lyrics that don't. If you think about it, most of the music we have sung in our churches in the past two hundred probably bear little resemblance to the styles of biblical times. Styles reflect culture and times.
What do we know? Hebrew music was done in unison (2 Chronicles 5:13). There was no harmony; everyone played the same notes. They had large bands (1 Chronicles 23:5). This is a good indication that the music was very loud. LOL The singers were "clothed in fine linen" which indicates they had a dress code.
I believe that God loves all music and it's a matter of the heart. The strongest tool you have is your witness. I would never sing anything that would not bring glory to God. I certainly would not sing anything that would shame him. Put Kim Burrell, Larry Trotter, and Papa San side by side. Their music styles are very different, but their lyrical content serve the same purpose.
Well these are some of my thoughts about music in the church. What do you think? What has been your experience?
Monday, July 13, 2009
Dicipline and Confrontation in Music Ministry
Often times in our music ministries, weather it be bands, choirs, groups, etc., we tend shy away from correcting people. However, when we do correct them it is in such a way that the common person will not receive it.
The best way to build is with the positive reinforcement of encouragement and communication. There are times, though, when discipline and confrontation become necessary. When these times arise you will be glad you used the first two. If you build a good relationship with those your are leading, times of confrontation will be less drama filled. I'm sure everyone has dealt with a least one bone head choir member ( wild, uncontrollable, and unsubmitted ) who refuses to follow anyone's instruction. These people need to be on an island all to themselves.
For example, if I build a relationship with my drummer, it will not be hard for him to receive a rebuke regarding his playing loud or lack of prayer. The key is to consistently encourage him so he can more easily swallow the rebuke when it comes. Because of the ongoing positive reinforcement, the relationship will be less strained by a few moments of confrontation.
Now, don't misunderstand me. Confrontation is not a fun thing to do especially it you have built a relationship with someone. However, on this side of leadership it is part of the job. I have not encountered one of my band members or singers that enjoy rebuke, but in order for the vision to continue it must happen. If it is done correctly it can build a strong worship team, choir, group, band, etc. These are a few tips that you can use when correcting someone in your group, choir, etc:
1. Do it one on one, not publicly ( Unless this person is outwardly refusing to follow the set guidelines.)
2. Specifically address the problem area, giving examples if possible.
3. Reaffirm the individual's value to you and the team.
4. Be sensitive to the individual's temperament and response to correction ( just as a parent would a child).
I hope these helpful tips will help you in your music ministry.
Shalom,
Elijah
The best way to build is with the positive reinforcement of encouragement and communication. There are times, though, when discipline and confrontation become necessary. When these times arise you will be glad you used the first two. If you build a good relationship with those your are leading, times of confrontation will be less drama filled. I'm sure everyone has dealt with a least one bone head choir member ( wild, uncontrollable, and unsubmitted ) who refuses to follow anyone's instruction. These people need to be on an island all to themselves.
For example, if I build a relationship with my drummer, it will not be hard for him to receive a rebuke regarding his playing loud or lack of prayer. The key is to consistently encourage him so he can more easily swallow the rebuke when it comes. Because of the ongoing positive reinforcement, the relationship will be less strained by a few moments of confrontation.
Now, don't misunderstand me. Confrontation is not a fun thing to do especially it you have built a relationship with someone. However, on this side of leadership it is part of the job. I have not encountered one of my band members or singers that enjoy rebuke, but in order for the vision to continue it must happen. If it is done correctly it can build a strong worship team, choir, group, band, etc. These are a few tips that you can use when correcting someone in your group, choir, etc:
1. Do it one on one, not publicly ( Unless this person is outwardly refusing to follow the set guidelines.)
2. Specifically address the problem area, giving examples if possible.
3. Reaffirm the individual's value to you and the team.
4. Be sensitive to the individual's temperament and response to correction ( just as a parent would a child).
I hope these helpful tips will help you in your music ministry.
Shalom,
Elijah
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