Spiritual Values
1) True Conversion - 2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.
True Repentance
The Defining Moment
What did you repent or turn from?
Made commitment to Jesus
Not to a group of people or religious system, but to the King
Can’t be shaken by events or experiences
Follow the Lord in Water Baptism (Matthew 3:12-14)
2) A Sanctified Life - 1 Thessalonians 5:23 - Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Spirit
Conscience- What we determine to be right and wrong
Soul
Mind- Thoughts
Will- Submitted and Surrendered
Emotions- Subject to Truth
Body
Actions- Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit
3) A Disciplined Life - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Disciplined in the Word of God (1 Timothy 4:13-15)
Disciplined in Prayer (Matthew 6:5-15)
Disciplined in healthy, God-centered relationships (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Disciplined and committed to the local church (Hebrews 10:25)
4) A Hungry Spirit - Matthew 5:6 - “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
Displaying an appetite for spiritual things
Having an intense desire to be in His presence
5) A Leadership Model - Ephesians 5:1-2 - Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.
Not fitting into the mold of being “just a musician/singer”
Desire to evangelize, mentor new believers, & maximize gifts you’ve been given
Refusing to get caught up in the “spotlight”
It’s not about you it’s about the family of God
Leading by example
Being present and attentive in church
Rehearsal Values
1) Corporate Rehearsal Etiquette
Timeliness
Arriving early to set up gear, sign in, so you’re ready to start on time
Prepared
Having what you need to participate in rehearsal
Musicians- gear, equipment, chord charts, in ears for avioms
Singers- lyric sheets, recorder for parts, pens for notetaking
Respectful
Honoring the designated authority and supporting their leadership.
Respectful of one another’s opinions and ability.
Faithfulness
Showing up when you’re scheduled and keeping your commitments.
You are a dependable team member!
Good Attitude
“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference!” ~Winston Churchhill
NOT Acceptable
Know it all- “So it’s A, E, B, … yeah, yeah I got it”
Uncooperative- Not contributing, stubborn, preventing progress
Inattentive- Focusing on instrument/yourself rather that what leader is saying
Daydreamer- Head in the clouds syndrome
Individualism- “I don’t know about y’all, but I did good”
Over-opinionated- Giving voice to every thought that pops in your head
Laziness- “I don’t need to know it all, just enough to get by”
Pouting- Crushed by any constructive criticism or correction from leadership
False Humility- “I’ll just never be as good as you guys”
Acceptable
Humble
Helpful
Attentive
Focused
Team Mentality
Submitted/Self Controlled
Ready to Work
Resilient
Confident
Special Note: If you are the leader, lead with authority and provide direction for the team.
Personal Rehearsal Values
1) Instrument/Vocal Training
You are responsible for cultivating your gift!
Don’t allow yourself to play/sing the same thing. Be creative and stretch yourself.
Develop your craft so you have the ability to create and excel as you minister.
Materials Available To You:
Theory Books
Video’s (YouTube, Other Instructive Sites)
Technique Development- private lessons with professional coach
2) Gear Training (Musicians)
Know your gear and what it is capable of producing.
Be creative and proactive in learning how to expand your sound.
3) Song Training
Know the song completely! (Intro, Verses, Chorus, Pre-Chorus, Bridge, Vamp, etc.)
Listen to the song over and over to find the part you’re expected to play/sing
Know every section and what you’re supposed to play/sing before you improvise.
(You can’t improvise or ad lib if the foundation of the song isn’t intact.)
Memorize the lyrics.
Knowing the message of the song is VERY important. We want to mean what we sing!
4) Ear Training
Work on identifying….
Keys
Intervals
Tempo’s
Chords
Vocal parts (alto, soprano, tenor, bass)
5) The Essentials of a Great Musician/Singer
Tone- Could you record that tone and sell it to the world?
Timing- The ability to stay in the time signature or “pocket” of the song.
Practice with a metronome or record yourself and listen back to see how you did.
Taste- Is what I am playing/singing adding to the overall sound? Is it necessary?
Technique- How’s my chord knowledge, scales, chops? Can I find the stated chord?
Performance Values
1) Unity
NO relational issues allowed on stage!
2) Physical Appearance
Stage Presence- Look alive and JOYFUL on the stage!
The excitement of worship should be seen on your face and the way you play/sing.
Clothing- Dressed modestly, clean, and excellent! (1 Timothy 2:9)
Eye contact- Use your eyes to connect and engage people as you minister.
Don’t “hide” from people by closing your eyes. We are there to lead them, so let’s lead!
Body Language- No big demonstrative moves that could distract people.
Whatever you do (jump, clap, dance, shout) should be sincere not performance.
3) Realize Your Contribution
You are VALUABLE! You are needed or you wouldn’t be here… so do your JOB!
4) Dynamics and Space
Music is just as much about what you don’t play/sing as what you do.
Allow the song to climax.
Give space when you know that is what the song needs.
We don’t give space because we aren’t sure what to play, but based on need.
5) Attentiveness
To one another- feeding off each other’s energy.
To the leader- being flexible to follow his/her direction for that moment.
Don’t get stuck in the “way we used to do it” mindset and miss the NEW thing!
To the atmosphere- every atmosphere is different and requires insight and strategy.
To the congregation- know you are leading and lead them to His presence.
6) Focus
Great worship experiences don’t just happen! They require preparation and focus!
Intentionally focusing on:
Execution of music (listening to MD, watching Worship leader)
Connecting with the people
The Destination (His presence)
7) Distractions
Sound
Don’t be distracted by what the sound system/soundman is producing.
Don’t allow in ear monitors to distract you from your goal of Presence.
People
Don’t be discouraged by the non-responsiveness of the congregation.
Don’t allow people and what’s happening in the room to distract you from Jesus.
Thoughts
Don’t let your thoughts ruin an entire worship experience.
Take every thought captive and obedient to the Word of God!
Mistakes
Mistakes will happen from time to time!
Don’t carry that defeat through the set or into the next experience. Shake it off!
Mood
Don’t
Bring baggage on the platform!
Let your mood determine your praise/worship. He’s worthy of our BEST!
Do
Create a positive atmosphere! Be a fun person to minister alongside.
Create a creative atmosphere where inspiration is present/esteemed.
Flow
Rhythm- Every service has a rhythm. Go with the flow of that particular service.
When the rhythm is broken, do your best to get back in sync.
Purpose- The goal of every worship experience is to connect with God.
Try to limit abrupt changes that will distract from what God’s doing in the moment.
The X Factor
Killer Instinct- owning your instrument (Confident/Prepared)
Ice in your veins- executing live like your rehearsal
Timing- don’t rush, lay back!
Forgetful- practice until you could play/sing it with the lights off!
Overkill- playing/singing too much. Keep it SIMPLE!