I think most of us have heard the phrase in the vineyard – ‘everyone gets to play’. So, when it comes to raising up new worship leaders and bringing on new musicians onto a team…what criteria, if any, do you guys have for someone to join a team or lead a team?
This stems from a lengthy conversation I had with someone regarding the next generation and giving them space to play & lead others with their ‘styles’ of worship music.
Some may say ‘if they are talented – let them play and the character & annointing will follow’.
Others may say ‘well if they have good character – then they don’t have to be the best musician…let them play’.
Just curious what ya’ll think.
Discussion
4 Responses to “Everyone gets to play…but when?”
3
2 years, 5 months ago
Everyone gets to play can make for painful music not worship. The heart and love for Jesus must come first. I agree that starting to play in small group/home worship builds the gift and how to listen to the Holy Spirit. The apostles sat at the feet of Jesus for a long time before they launched out and He showed us why in the many immature reactions they had. Ministry is a balance of exhuberant grace and humility.
2
2 years, 5 months ago
This is a great discussion point Chris! For us here in Brooklyn the level people are given responsibility (including worship) is based on which direction they’re headed…
Dave S from the Boston Vineyard elegantly talks about this Centered Set approach here:
That being said, I think everyone who comes has a part to play… but that part may not be up front. If I remember right the original idea of “everyone gets to play” was that everyone can do the stuff of the kingdom (heal the sick, care for the poor, be ambassadors of the kingdom, etc), not that everyone at their current place in life is equipped to be up front.
But… the other part of “everyone gets to play”, is “the pay is the same” whether you’re the big time worship leader, or setting up chairs..
1
2 years, 5 months ago
I think the “everyone gets to play” gig can work in most cases. I have found that placing people in different areas of worship according to their gifting/ character seems to have worked for us.
I feel that you should have both talent and character if you are going to play on a sunday rotation. Give your best even if it makes for a smaller band. Set a high standard. You will draw others of that same standard and also inspire those up and coming to rally. I know when I go to a great show. I go home and play my guitar and sing. It stokes me!
If you have great character and are able to just hold things together musically… Small groups are great places to work at the craft. I’m big on people playing their instruments beyond thursday practice and sunday morning. Work at it. Pay for lessons.
If a person has hardly any skill and a killer character they can still play… in a lesson or group setting.(like a training center..)
If a person walks in who rips it up but has bad character. I’m real slow to get them going. I’d suggest becoming their friend and playing on the side with them. Hopefully God will work on their character over that season..If they can’t pull it together at least they are your friend and getting to play. 
I could go on and on. Thanks Chris for the topic.
4
2 years, 5 months ago
It’s been my experience that some graceful & healing worship can occur while accompanied by “unpleasant” music; though the goal should not be on the performance, but to excel enough on your instrument/voice so as not to be an obstacle to worship and hopefully to add to the experience.
Playing/singing music takes practice and a “focus” on the craft. If musician is willing to focus on their gifts; to grow them, I get them into the team asap. They may not be all that advanced, but given the right part, they’ll add their voice.