Tips on Building a Worship Band in Your Church

In the past 10-20 years, more contemporary popular-styled music has made its way into American churches. This is an outgrowth of the "Praise" music, and "Jesus" music of the 60's and 70's. Now, one is just as likely to encounter a 5-piece rock band onstage at a church as a pipe organ and choir. Unfortunately, worship music as a style is a very divisive issue in modern American churches. But it shouldn't be that way, and doesn't have to be. God is glorified and praised, if our hearts our pointed towards him, and we worship in Spirit and Truth (John 4), not just because we're using guitars vs. hymns

As a member of worship bands for many years, I've been to many conferences and read many books on the subject. There are now a number of worship resources out there. Now worship is a buzzword and a genre of music, for better or for worse. But it all comes down to ascribing the glory and value to God that which He is due. Here are some of my ideas and experiences about playing church bands for worship services. I do also believe that this does translate to other musical experiences and to living in general.

1. Serve. Go the extra mile. Help copy music or CDs. Help wrap cables, put away chairs or music stands. You are an important member of the team. God needs you too. Just because you play piano in the church band, doesn't mean you just learn your songs, show up and punch a clock. God needs you, and so does the team.

2. Learn your part. This might seem perfunctory to say, but it bears repeating. Come to rehearsal ready to work. If there's a riff, or a harmony part you need to have down because it's an important part. Classical and jazz musicians practice hard outside of rehearsal, why shouldn't you? God deserves our first fruits, and that includes the best of the music.

3. Bring a pencil and use it! Classical and professional musicians have them in the folders and so should you. Why? Because you can't erase pen. J

4. Push yourself and be creative. Learn how to be conversant in several styles, rock, jazz, blues, country, pop, classical, Gospel. Each has their own dialect, and you will likely see them all in a worship band setting.

5. Learn how to read music - even just a little. It will help you in the long run. Most worship bands function on charts and lead sheets, which take a modicum of musical acumen to read. If you can't read music, don't be embarrassed...ask someone to help. We're all in this together. If I went to the doctor's office, I wouldn't ask for a self-taught surgeon if you know what I mean. J

6. The 100% rule (Maranatha). Say you're a member in a 5-piece band. You have 20% of the sonic space if you will. Use it to it's fullest. Learn the song, and it's spaces. Play the spaces. If that means you ride on two notes for a verse, or don't play AT ALL for a verse, that's what it takes.

7. Be a team player. Goes without saying. Church is not your own personal stage. We're all there, congregation and us, to worship the living God. Don't be gratuitous, just because you are a gifted singer or a guitar player, doesn't mean that you get all the solos all of the time. Be thankful that you have the privilege to worship the God of the universe. Believe me, that's enough to be thankful for. He deserves it.

8. Be teachable. Most importantly, this comes back to #1. None of us knows everything. If you start to think that way, you're in trouble. There is something to be learning in every minute of every day. Ask questions. Never stop learning. Put yourself in the humble position of being teachable.Many churches in America have contemporary-style church services. This is not your parents or grandparents church any more, so to speak. Many churches have worship arts divisions now, with music, drama, technical and other ministries. God called us to serve, and this is what it's about. Playing in a worship band at church is far different than gigging at your local talent show or dance. You are now playing for an audience of One. God bless.