Worship Pastors Only: The Untalented and Special Music
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Wed, July 13, 2005
- Viewed 95
- (24) comments so far
OK... if you've been a worship leader longer than two weeks, you've already found out that some of the least talented singers in your church somehow think they are the most talented singers in your church. This type of individual will seek you out to do special music (usually every other week would fit their schedule). As worship leader, you know they can't sing; but at the same time don't want to tell them that they can't sing. Every been there?
I remember a Monday morning meeting with my pastor once many years ago, after a Draker-like performance the previous day. He simply said, "Don't let it happen again". (He said it with a smile but was very serious). The quality was poor. The musicality was poor. It was tough to sit through.
These situations are never easy. And, to be honest, it is one of the things I miss least about being in the worship leadership area of the church. 
How do you handle special music? Do you work through auditions? How do you tell people they're 'not good enough'? (there are a number of ways to do so gracefully, but somehow the person always reads through it back to this main point).
Finally... what was your most horrendous special music experience?
Todd
OK… all you worship leaders out there. Here’s the scenario. Well, wait. First you need to view this: VIEW VIDEO(It may take it a little to download, but it’s worth it)…
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Jan on Wed, July 13, 2005
We stopped using “special music” by soloists several years ago in an effort to increase congregational participation. When we have music in the service, everyone knows they are to be a part of it. When people who want to do special music all the time are directed towards committing to the worship team and sharing their “talent” as a group, their “excitement” wavers and they give up seeking the spotlight.
Pete King on Wed, July 13, 2005
That is a big issue especially in small churches. Of course I can recall more than my share of horrific renditions of traditional hymns. And the only thing worse is when someone who is old school tries to do something contemporary leaving everyone asking the question Isn’t that…..(fill in the blank). However, I think you have to do what Jan suggest or a slightly modified version which allows only people who can sing to actually sing. Either way you look at it, someone will get hurt. I don’t think there’s any way around it. Maybe those individuals who cannot sing need encouragement and pushed to pursue other areas of ministry. Maybe you could try asking them what other areas would they be interested in helping out in the church. Personally I don’t mind having a few who are not good singers working with me as long as they Love the Lord but I wouldn’t allow them to sing specials. I think we are only hurting their personal growth by not helping them see other areas where God has gifted them. For those of you who are music ministers out there I could sure use some suggestions on this one. It’s a real nightmare.
pmn on Wed, July 13, 2005
Music seems to be the “hot” topic no matter what aspect of worship you deal with. Here’s what has seemed to work great in our church, not without some feelings being hurt I’m sure, though they weren’t willing to admit it which you’ll understand why after I explain.
Please know that this was not a manipulative policy, it was truly our hearts desire. As a worship committee, we had to ask ourselves why we do what we do. The answer came quickly, to glorify God!! “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” Being convinced that this was how we were to approach worship it guided all decision making when it came to music selection, soloists, etc.
Many churches “fight” over what style of music should be played. In our desire to glorify God, as we listened to songs, voices:), arrangements, we asked ourselves one question “When we listen to this music, does it turn our minds/heart towards God? or do we find ourselves liking the music alot but it really doesn’t lift God up. Or, the lyrics are great, but the soloist is distracting to the message. Or, the lyrics are great but I hear the beat more than I hear the message which inevitably takes away from God being central, we do like a beat, but not one that gets more attention than God.
When everything about worship is designed to glorify and magnify God, and you explain this in your decision making, though someone may whine inside about not getting a solo etc. They certainly can’t fuss with the goal, because who wouldn’t or shouldn’t want to give God all the glory that is his!!
I hope this helps. Our people have joined in on finding ways to maximize God’s glory in our worship. It’s been awesome!! I think the jealousy and whining takes care of itself when everyone realizes that none of us will get more praise and glory than God will receive in the end. If we, however, are constant praisers of man, it’s no wonder everyone is vying for positions that will result in praise for themselves:)
Hope this helps:)
Floyd on Wed, July 13, 2005
There are at least a couple of problems with eliminating special music from our services. If the only vocal music in our services is congregational music, we are in effect saying to those musicians among us who have paid the price and have committed themselves to an extended stewardship of their gifts that we don’t really need them, and that their kind of stewardship is irrelevant. Yes, they can sing in choirs and on worship teams, and many will graciously do just that, but why do they need to go outside of the walls of the church before they can demonstrate the uniqueness and fulness of the gifts God has given them? Another problem with limiting singing in a service to congregational music is that it eliminates much musical material that is God-glorifying and edifying, but is simply not appropriate for congregational singing. I have seen some worship leaders try to lead congretations in songs that should only be done by people with more specialized and developed gifts. It has not been a pretty picture.
Andrew on Wed, July 13, 2005
Your posting brought a few things to mind, most of which I believe deal with the nature of the worship service itself and the fact that we include so many unnecessary aspects in the service. I do not see a place for “special music” in a service and I think it only promotes the problem inherent in most churches today with people not participating in all of the biblical elements of worship - singing, preaching, prayer and the reading of God’s word.
Also, I agree with a previous post that having qualified people lead is important but I would say I value a person’s spiritual qualifications over their musical qualifications. Having spent a large amount of my life performing on both sides of the sacred and secular fence plus teaching music and having multiple degrees in it, I hate it when people talk about “church gigs”, as if they are doing God a favor. Sunday morning should not be set aside for people to glorify their own abilities but, in humility, to glorify God with their lives. Nothing teaches that concept better than getting out of the spotlight instead of seeking it.
Bobby on Thu, July 14, 2005
First of all, that video is great! Funny stuff. As far as the topic of “special music” (which is a name which i’m not a big fan of either), getting rid of it does not seem like the answer to me. Yes we don’t want it to be all about an individual, but I have encountered God in some of the most amazing ways when listening to a person share their God given talent in a way that provoked me to think on and commune with God.
As far as the quality factor goes, it is important to ask what our mission is. I agree with an earlier post that we want to glorify God through quality. We should always offer God the best of what we have. I also recognize that at our church we have a huge value for reaching non-believers, and whether we like it or not, what they hear when they walk in the door affects that goal. People hear and see quality everywhere and if we don’t use that to attract the non believer, they may not take the time to listen to our message.
We recognized that our worship teams and singers are in front of our church constantly and therefore we need them also to be spiritual leaders with a humble heart as they guide our congregation in worship. We implemented an audition process for those teams not only to evaluate talent, but also to raise the bar spiritually. Since that time, we have been able to help people serve in places where there are best fit and have seen our worship community have a great impact on our overall community.
KimK on Tue, July 19, 2005
We implemented “featured music”. There is the thin line between hindering someone’s honest “joyful noise” and protecting listeners’ spirit of worship. When I was a music pastor, I made the effort to let the less talented singers go first, that way someone more gifted could follow up and help prepare hearts for true worship. And many times I was surprised by what poured out of less talented singers. My church was about 600 or so, so we definitely had an array of talent. It was not unusual for a very talented vocalist to appreciate their own voice so much so that the result seemed too much like a “performance”. (I agree with the earlier comment about “church gigs”). I’ve seen my church be blessed by someone who could barely carry a tune, simply by the outpouring of their heart and soul into a song.
Still, a fine line, but I know that man looks (and listens) to the outward, while God is concerned with the heart.
And, by the way, thanks for the video. I needed that laugh! http://www.mondaymorninginsight.com/images/smileys/smile.gif
Jason on Tue, July 19, 2005
We haven’t eliminated “special music”, but we also don’t try to fit it in each week. If the song works well with the theme, then we find the right person.
As for talent, it is the responsibility of the leader to find Psalm 33:3 type musicians (skillful). If the leader uses bad talent then he/she is letting the Church down and ultimately letting God down.
Just because someone loves to praise God with music doesn’t give them a license to share it with others. As a matter of fact, I sing to God in private 10x more than I sing to God in public.
Helen on Tue, July 19, 2005
I would like to ask for input concerning a similar situation but, with a couple of twists. A member of my congregation who is wheelchair bound, blind and very hard of hearing feels the need to join the adult choir which sings each Sunday morning at the televised service. This person is very demanding and expects to be carried (in wheelchair) onto the chancel and placed in front of the choir. Our music minister has been very gracious to allow this person to sing, however, they cannot carry a tune and often are singing when they should not be. How do you tell this type of person they are loved but, should not be in the choir? Helen
music man on Tue, July 19, 2005
I worked with a pastor recently who told me we had to get some normal people on stage. The one who were singing were too good. We needed more mediocrity!
Ann Adair on Tue, July 19, 2005
Wow! That video was hilarious! Thanks for sharing! Tough and painful topic to soooo many people.
When I had to have “the talk” with freshman music majors about their failing sightsinging/dictation/music theory grades and how they would better be suited for business or, well, anything else, it seemed much easier. I could show them that they wouldn’t be able to support themselves as a musician. In church, it’s a whole other ball of wax when you have people coming out of the woodwork announcing that God gave them this great new song they’ve written to sing for the congregation. 1. the song is terrible, 2. the singer is worse.
Here’s a question… Say you are happy about the job you are doing, you’ve spent a considerable amount of time and money sharpening your skills and developing that gift, you finally feel okay accepting compliments about your job, you genuinely feel the Holy Spirit moving within you and helping things along, you are thankful for your gifts and opportunities and relish activities in those areas you excel. I almost forgot that you REALLY ARE talented and have a heart for the Lord. Is it okay to be proud of your accomplishments? Must you point towards Heaven when people applaud (metaphorically and literally)? Is it okay to be happy about your (job) performance and say a little prayer during the “applause” thanking God that it all went well?
I don’t think I’d be remiss in saying that each of us has probably felt like this at least once, if not more frequently, and perhaps even all the time. The boundaries between martyrdom, pride, humility, false humility, submission and servanthood seem a bit blurry at times. How about “I’m so proud of my children!”? Should it be “Thanks be to God for mine offspring I begat with thee!”?
Those who are powerful agents of change are powerful targets. Does Satan provide the fuel of adrenaline to poison a charismatic leader? Does God use adrenaline to fuel the fervor of a charismatic leader? When do things change?
Maryanne on Wed, July 20, 2005
I encourage everyone to sing, even if they have trouble matching pitch. I believe music’s healing powers are for everyone, not just those who are talented. Music ministers to those who listen and those who perform as well. A disabled man who has trouble speaking wants to join our choir, and I am encouraging him because I think it will mean something to him. Giving less than stellar performers a chance to solo is good because then one has the opportunity to work with them one-on-one and help them.
Larry on Mon, July 25, 2005
We have “special speakers,” “special emphases”, “special offerings,” “special announcements,” but we can’t have “special music”? We present our best to the Lord in other areas, but we’re to hide gifted musicians in the choir among the untrained? There is no biblical basis for acting this way! Those with gift and talents should be allowed to express them for the Lord.
The problem is not the concept but the
person. If the heart of a soloist is right, they will lift everyone present to the presence of God with their music. If not, they shouldn’t be singing in the choir either! Over my 32 years in music I’ve known soloists and choir members of all flavors. The key is our own hearts being right with God so that we can lead them to the right heart and attitude with a clear conscience and purity of purpose. Yes, there is a place for soloists in worship.
As for weeding out those who want to sing but can’t, I have soloists sing for me a full week before they are scheduled to sing in church. That gives me time to coach them (if they are coachable) or to tell them “come and sing it for me again when you’re better prepared.” Some don’t come back. Some have surprised me and come back sounding totally different and ready to sing. But this is definitely a place where we must “speak the truth in love.” Yes, I have had to tell some people, “I’m sorry, but solo singing is just not your gifting.” One man was totally offended that I required him to audition, and when I heard him sing, I knew why. When I assigned his solo to somewhere other than the prime spot on Sunday morning, he left me a nasty message and left the church. Do I regret that he left? Yes. Would I handle it differently next time? No. He was full of unwarranted pride and the process brought it to light.
Every church is different, so every music ministry will be different. But there is one common denominator that Paul spoke of, “Whatever you do, do all to the Glory of God.” If that is the plumb line we use, the music and the methods will be secondary to the message.
Roy on Mon, July 25, 2005
This is a touchy subject but also one that needs to be addressed. One way I like to handle it is to have a special night of singing on a Sunday evening or during a time of fellowship. This is where the pressure is down a notch and you have time for less than talented singers. As a pastor who also sings I am very sensitive to the ability of singers. I think people should be able to sing but we do have a responsibility of making certain the morning worship service is in order. As for those who have went totally to praise teams I think you should rethink solo’s. As much as I love to preach I know how important a song can be in preperation for receiving the the message. I love the idea above of making new soloist sing for the music director before they sing for the church.
Kevin on Mon, July 25, 2005
Great video.
The communication of the text of a song should be no less important than the message the pastor gives. We don’t invite mediocre Bible teachers to address the entire congregation on Sundays, we get our very best verbal communicators. When we choose a song, we find the best communicator of the song text, from a spiritual AND musical standpoint. If the voice is a distraction, the text is lost.
Of course, there are opportunities to use ‘less than the best’ of our people. A mentally-handicapped young man blessed us all one Wednesday with his version of ‘The King is Coming’. But generally on Sundays the communication skills and the match of heart/passion/song/musicality guides our solo choices.
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