4 Feb 2008 – About the worship training yesterday
February 4th, 2008 by Leo
We had a worship training at church yesterday. Basically the workshop was watching a few video clips by Paul Baloche (writer of the song “Above All”). Two of them was about how to play in a band by playing less – and the main theme was that the guitar, bass and keyboard should not play at the same frequency range. When the drum is added, then the guitar / keyboard should play less rhythmic styles and let the drum does its job etc. The other one was about Performance Vs Worship Leading. They are similar in a way, but the most important part is your heart. And it is something that we as worship leaders should always go back and review. We thought it was a good clip to watch.
After watching the videos, Chris asked us to go on stage and try playing a few songs. And the others (who were watching whilst somebody was playing) would try to identify the problems, try to give comments etc. Li pointed out something that both Doris and I agreed on. In fact, it was something that I emphasized over all the years that I have been leading worship. The worship leader should not sing harmony, as he/she should concentrate on leading the congregation, and the congregation pays attention to him/her whilst worshiping, following his/her lead.
From the past training and experience, we learnt that:
1. The support singers are there to support the worship leader, but it is truly the worship leader is the only one leading, and the congregation follows the worship leader.
2. Typically in a worship environment, the mic volume of the worship leader would be tuned a bit louder than the support vocalists so that the worship leader’s voice can stand out. Again, the congregation would follow the worship leader more.
3. You may argue that “the congregation already know the song”. Can you guarantee 100% of the congregation would know? What if there was a new comer? What if there was someone going to church the first time? What if someone was a new believer?
If singing harmony is what you like to do, do so when you are a support singer. When you are leading worship, you are leading. Sing the melody so that everyone can follow. Improvisation isn’t going to do good either. The band looks at the worship leader. If the worship leader wanted to sing improvisation and didn’t lead in, then the band would feel lost and the congregation would also feel lost. Sometimes, doing nothing is a great achievement.
Another important lesson for everyone who want to serve is listen to the others. It is crucial to take other advices and suggestions positively. We are serving as a body, there is noone who is more important to the other. It is no good to be self centre and act on your own. Often, when we put the focus on God and be humble, we will feel the peacefulness and happiness in our heart and see the great influences on others.