Re: [Worship] Secular Praise Musicians (was: Praise Band Membership) long response

[jake mccoy <jakemccoy@jump.net>]

Andrew Kerr wrote:

> -
>
> > My church elders had a real problem with me, a
> > 'recovering Catholic non-christian', leading their
> > praise team. I guess all the people that gave their
> > hearts to the Lord at our praise lead services don't
> > count? Yes? No?
>
> Be careful here. You are beginning to sound as if you
> are taking credit for the souls that were saved. I
> will give you the benifit of the doubt and assume that
> it is simply poor wording.

NO! NO!
I've often stated in earlier posts that I do NOT ever assume that I, or my
team was the reason for saving souls.
I still struggle with self-serve gas pumps, it's ludicrous to suggest that
I possess any other skills other than being a passable keyboardist.
I was referring to the fact that there are people that have been moved at
our contemporary style of service enough to be open to allow God to work
in their lives. I was saved at Hillsongs church- it was NOT because of the
band, it was because the man made atmosphere they provided served as a
catalyst  that helped to cut through all the worldly bondage that kept me
stuck and bitter. The Lord spoke to me in a way that I could understand.
This is why I get so upset at people that say that contemporary worship
formats are not 'real or valid' forms of worship. If your awareness of God
is enhanced or stimulated by high mass with powerful hymns on the pipe
organ, and a formal procession of incense and candle bearing alter boys-
then by all means, you should have your service in that flavor.

>
>
> > Can a performer actually help motivate a lost soul
> > to lay his burdens at the cross? Such a travesty
> > that would be!
>
> I think you have some issues to work through here.

Sorry, just a bit o' the Irish sarcasm.:-)


> Does more money buy a better musician? Probably. Does
> it buy a better worship leader? Not necessarily.

Agreed.

>
> You also don't find Hillsongs working for free. I'm
> not saying getting paid is bad (it usually comes as a
> surprise when my band does)

I never understood why some members have a hard time justifying paying
musicians. Especially churches with adequate funds.
Churchs pay the gas & electric company, mortgage, the pastors, the
organist,  lay staff, the landscape service.... but this validation of
financial worth often stops with the praise team leadership. I know it's a
service we do for the Lord through our church, but it can be very time
consuming- and if music is our vocation (as is mine) it can blur
professional boundaries and lead to hard feelings. I and many other praise
team directors are not in a philanthropic position where 25+ hr. a week to
prepare for Sunday services can be easily accommodated without feeling a
financial pinch as a result. (No, I don't charge rate card prices to my
church. Yes, I tithe).

> but money and great
> equipment doesn't necessarily buy the best worship
> service.

That rule applies in all all areas of life. If money equated quality,
Jaguars wouldn't have so many darned electrical problems.


> Thanks for making it to the end.

Thank you too!
God bless!


----------------------------------------------------------------------
 Worship List sponsored by WorshipMusic http://www.worshipmusic.com/ -
 Visit the Worship Resource Center at http://www.praise.net/worship/ -
 Need help with your subscription?   Contact worship-help@praise.net -
----------------------------------------------------------------------