Re: [Worship] Age minimum

["Kellie Mzik" <mzik@msn.com>]

I have a 12 year old drummer who is quite good, and a 15-yr old keyboard
player who plays "behind" my main keyboard player, as she continues to
learn.  Both are a great asset and are greatly blessed by being able to use
and develop their talents in this way.

Several have mentioned "if they have the talent," and I think that's
important.  But there is something else to be considered.  Do they love the
Lord?  Do they grasp, on an age-appropriate level, the importance of what it
is you are trying to accomplish here?

That, to me, is even more important than their talent level.  I have a teen
who sings on occasion who has such a heart for Christ and worshipping God
that it brings tears to my eyes.  One some songs, she just can't get it in
tune, others -- she's fine.

I've been told that she "just can't sing."  But, wow, does she worship!  At
the tender age of 13, her voice is still developing, and she may yet turn
out to be a very good, even great singer.  I'm not going to crush her spirit
at this age and tell her she can't sing.  I think it's part of my job as WL
to encourage and train her.  On the songs that she just isn't getting, I
meet with her and try to help her get it.  If she still can't, I'll have her
not sing on that one, and give her some hand percussion.

Bottom line:  When you incorporate kids, remember that they are still
developing, physically, spiritually, emotionally,-- in every way.  They
aren't just "little grown-ups."  The encouragement or discouragement that we
offer them now can have HUGE effects for years to come.

-Kellie

(case history:  when I was a kid (11 yrs old), I tried out for our Christian
school choir.  The choir teacher told me that "there are some people's
voices that God just does not want to hear," and she sent me away. I didn't
sing again, even in the shower, for almost 20 years.  Then I went to an a
capella church, and sat behind a woman, now a dear friend, who sang alto so
beautifully (and strong enough to cover me up, thankfully), that I was
inspired to just copy what she did.  Now I'm a WL, and very kind people tell
me that they love my voice.  I've even been asked to record.  How sad that I
lost 20 years of expressing worship in song because that teacher forgot how
much kids take our words to heart.)

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