To answer your question what it is like in summary without going at it too long:

There are a lot of churches that do contemporary worship which require a lot of prefessional skills that the other club gigging prof do. For churches that do hymns, totally different skill set. I can start with the technique and skill sets required. We also do sets of songs and make sure the transitions are smooth from one song to the next. We make sure the flow of songs are natural and uplifting. These are all using the same basic skills and techniques as the pros.

But the most important thing to have is the connection to God. Here on earth, in practical term, we must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit movement. Holy Spirit is a real person and can communicate to us as to what songs to play and how to play it and what duration. This is the real KEY to successful praise and worship. Even if your playing skill is minimal(must still be acceptable), you can go a long way to bring the congregation to a great worship experience and connection with God.

I was not operating in this manner before until recently. When I developed a relationship with the Holy Spirit person, I started to get messages. And I tested the relationship and see if it was real. And it was. How do I know ? Holy Spirit is God Himself and as you know God is all knowing. I would get an idea about a song from the Holy Spirit that is not played often and lo and behold it is the same song that our pastor who is sensitive to the Spirit has in mind as well. We connected in this way often and we all amazed at the results. Life changed, people's turned to God and we ourselves are amazed too at the Holy Spirit awesome work. Many of our songs are prophetic in that wonderful way. Every worship is always new and meaningful and we know that we are connected to God because of His guidance and the real evidence in the real world. Even our playing techniques are improved when we flow with the Holy Spirit.

This is the REAL and right way that I and many others have found.

You can play the worship songs with many pro techniques and sound good but if the connection to God is missing - it will not be the same. It can still be uplifting but it won't be the same - not even close. There are 2 ways to do it: one with skill alone and the other with skill and the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Does that give you an idea ? Most of the churches these days do contemporary worship instead of the hymns. The older generations, many are not keeping up with the times but that is changing as well. Our older members now enjoyed the new songs more and more.

Does that give you some idea ?

Hey lukitoh,

Our worship is Spirit-lead and prophetic as well. We often make up songs on the spot given a certain chord progression. Very free form and ad lib... Much like a jazz set would be.

I've been playing this way and in this kind of ministry for over 20 years now... love it!!


Jeff

Korg4god, glad to meet another fellow musician that operates in the same way. Most if not all of our musicians at our church are gifted and anointed as well. There are actually many out there like us believe it or not. Probably many thousands.

I remembered 10 yrs ago, at a conference hosted by Maranatha music (Don Moen, etc) was packed to the gills. Songs like "Let it Rise" was big back then. Songs like Give Thanks are now like hymns eventhough it is less than 20 yrs since its release.

Even Yamaha now has special styles for praise and worship !!

Can you share some of your songs to us ?

I will do the same one of these days when I get a chance to record it.

Chas...Great minds think alike!

R.

lukitoh,

I'm in the studio right now working on original material and have not copyrighted anything as of yet, so I am not putting anything on the net or anywhere else for that matter until it's done. I'll probably release 1 -2 songs at a time as CD singles until enough are ready for the full album.

Besides originals, we also do a lot of Hillsongs, Clint Brown, Israel Haughton, etc.

Jeff

In 1972 I started directing the choir in our then small church, working for $25 a week. Today, my position has evolved into a full-time position at the same church. Our official worship philosophy requires a 'blended' approach - using the best of the traditional hymns along with the best of current worship styles. It's been quite a ride. Even tho I own and enjoy playing keyboards, I do not play in our services. I am in charge of the entire music program and we are blessed with very talented individuals who all volunteer their time and talent. (Our organist is paid) I hesitate to give more boring details about my ministry position, but if anyone has a question, I'd be happy to answer. In conclusion let me just say that I am doing what I love to do and feel it's a priviledge to serve in this way. It's very fulfilling.

Tim

There seem to be a lot of church musicians here at the SZ. Are there any other BBS that you read or contribute to? Would it be a good idea to ask Nigel for a separate forum? Just thinking out loud.

Also, I want to amplify lukitoh's message of needing to feel at one with the music. I too am not classically trained and often feel that my music is lacking in some areas. But when my congregation says to me that my music is different and special than those of other churches, it makes me feel rewarded that my talent has found its niche.

You must play from the heart and be filled with the Spirit.

[This message has been edited by cassp (edited 05-03-2007).]

Our church has almost 1000 members, no-one gets paid. only the people that clean the church. even thou I think our choir director should get paid, because of all the hard work.