10 Tips for Improving Your Worship Band Rehearsal

Mark Cole writes that leading successful worship rehearsals requires careful preparation and organization. Creating a conducive rehearsal space with proper lighting, ventilation, acoustics, and equipment is the first step. Additionally, scheduling musicians well in advance and setting clear expectations for attendance is crucial.

Selecting the Right Songs for Your Congregation

Choosing the right songs is another key aspect of rehearsal preparation. Worship leaders should consider factors such as God’s will, the congregation’s needs, and the band’s capabilities when selecting songs. Creating accurate and detailed charts for each song can also help streamline the rehearsal process.

Distributing Charts and Preparing the Band

Once the charts are prepared, they should be distributed to the band members in advance, along with notes on specific areas that may require extra attention. The worship leader should also take time to thoroughly familiarize themselves with the music, including the desired groove, bass patterns, vocal harmonies, and overall arrangement.

Running an Efficient Worship Rehearsal

During the actual rehearsal, it’s important to start and end on time and maintain a well-organized flow. Begin with a quick sound check and prayer, then move on to running through familiar songs before tackling new material. Throughout the rehearsal, the leader should actively listen for any issues with tuning, timing, or balance and address them promptly.

Cultivating a Spirit of Worship and Excellence

Fostering a Christian attitude and a spirit of worship among the band members is just as important as musical excellence. Treat others with respect, communicate clearly, and allow space for God’s presence to be felt during the rehearsal.

Striving for Excellence in Worship Music

Finally, worship leaders should challenge their teams to strive for excellence by practicing and memorizing the music. Regularly assess whether the chosen songs are working musically, ministering to the congregation, and ultimately glorifying God.

By following these guidelines and maintaining a spirit of worship throughout the rehearsal process, contemporary church worship leaders can create a strong foundation for powerful and effective worship services.

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Sound Like the Pros

I’ll often hear the question “Should my praise band copy professional worship recordings?” Sure you should, and here’s why:

Amateur praise band musicians tend to overplay, and copying professional recordings teaches good habits. You’ve probably experienced a praise band rehearsal where everyone is chaotically playing every chord on every beat with all their heart, soul and might. Inexperienced musicians want to be active every moment or they feel they’re not participating.

A close examination of any professionally recorded worship song will reveal that every instrument does not play continually throughout the song!

Good music has dynamics. An electric guitar lick might not appear until the second verse. Strumming might not start until the final chorus. Or everyone will jam from the start, dropping to a light, sparse bridge, then come together again for a big, final chorus. Every song is different, and every song must be played appropriately.

Asking your musicians to copy a recording will separate the sheep from the goats. From my experience, good players (and those who strive to be good) enjoy the process of replicating a professional recording because good players like to find out what the pros are doing. They want to hear if there are any new tricks they can add to their own bag (and get better in the process.)

Read an interview with any famous musician and you’ll likely hear something to the effect of “as a kid I locked myself in my bedroom and studied [insert rock music icon]’s record over and over until I could play it note for note.” Top musicians become top musicians by studying top musicians.

Players with amateur thinking tend to be uninterested in copying a pro, if not downright opposed. They also tend to have endless rabbit-trail ideas that eat up rehearsal time (experienced musicians go through the rabbit-trail phase during their junior-high garage band years. Now they just want to get the job done efficiently.)

Current praise songs should sound like they were originally recorded. With the glut of modern worship music most contemporary church congregations don’t know half the songs in praise sets as it is, so let’s not further confuse them by changing the arrangements of the songs they do know! Stick to the recordings for now, then once the song has been in rotation for a good while (and your band is solid and trained) try freshening it up with your own or an alternate arrangement.

Bottom Line: Help those players who are less experienced realize that it’s only in everyone’s best interest to copy a professional recording. They’ll grow as musicians and as an added bonus, the music will get better!

Guidelines For A Strong Worship Team

Mark Cole writes that clear guidelines and standards are essential for worship teams in any quality organization. He shares the expectations he sets for the worship teams he works with, inspired by Gateway Church’s code of conduct and his own experience.

Guidelines for Worship Ministry

Worship team members must have a growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This should be demonstrated through prayer, Bible reading, and church fellowship. They should also be committed attendees and givers at their church, regularly attending Sunday services.

Moreover, they must show technical competence in their role as a singer, musician, or audio/media technician. Singers and musicians should feel comfortable on stage and be expressive in their praise and worship before God. Faithful attendance and a commitment to practicing at least an hour per week on their Sunday songs at home are also crucial

Commitment to a Godly Lifestyle

Worship team members should live a lifestyle above reproach, avoiding even the appearance of evil. As ministers on stage, they serve as examples of what a Christian should be like. Consequently, they must consider how they treat each other and guard their hearts from impurities and pride.

The church wants to see worship team members living a victorious Christian life, free from bondage. If anyone struggles with addictions or issues, they should seek help from leadership without fear of judgment. Team members should address issues such as alcohol and drug abuse, sexual immorality, prideful attitudes, anger and rage problems, inability to submit to leadership, gossiping, stirring up strife, and living an unbiblical lifestyle before taking on any public ministry position.

Dress Code Guidelines

Dress codes may vary depending on the size and type of church. However, modesty and a dressy, culturally relevant style are key. Specific guidelines include avoiding overly tight clothing, short skirts or dresses, low-cut dresses, sleeveless tops without a covering, revealing clothing, and gaudy or oversized jewelry.

Sunday morning attire for men includes nice shirts, pants, and optional jackets, sweaters, or vests. Ladies should wear nice tops with pants, skirts, or knee-length dresses. They should avoid tight pants or leggings without a mid-thigh length top. Dark dress jeans are acceptable, but old, baggy, or ripped jeans are not. Stick to neutral tones and avoid loud prints.

Scheduling and Rehearsal Requirements

Band members and singers are typically scheduled once or twice per month based on their availability and the monthly service schedules. Arriving on time and ready for music practice is essential for presenting excellent and anointed worship music. A strong rehearsal is necessary because the more the team practices, the freer they are to worship and lead others in worship. Team members should learn their instrumental and vocal parts before attending the mid-week rehearsal.

Tips for Better Platform Presence

To improve platform presence, worship team members should practice in front of a mirror, be engaging, and make adjustments if something appears awkward. They should not let the congregation determine their level of expression. As leaders, they must always be engaged and show an example of how to express worship.

Furthermore, sincerity, worshipping from the heart, and giving a warm smile are essential, as they minister to people from all different circumstances. Musicians should stay engaged in worship, practicing ahead of time and memorizing their music to focus on worship rather than their instrument. Singing while playing and moving around the stage can help people worship.

Additionally, singers and musicians should work on developing eye contact with the congregation to help bring them into worship. Closing their eyes all the time can leave the congregation feeling disconnected.

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How to Mix Sound for Both In-Person and Live Stream Services

The CTT staff writes that serving both in-person and online congregations requires volunteer sound techs to deliver great sound mixes week after week. With churches of all sizes now regularly live streaming, there are even more demands placed on technical ministry teams. However, by following a few simple steps, any church can produce a quality sound mix for both in-person and online listeners.

Step 1: Start with Signal Levels

Begin by setting the gain on each input of the console for the ideal signal level. Each audio source should be loud and clear, with “headroom” that allows the signal to go up in volume without clipping or distorting. Put the channel in “Solo” or “PFL” mode and turn the gain up until the average signal level registers near the middle to the upper-third range of meters.

Step 2: Mix for the Room First

Craft the worship mix for the room first. Build the mix so each instrument and vocal has space while placing the worship leader or lead vocal on top. Use EQ to fine-tune the frequency balance of instruments and vocals as needed. Apply a high pass filter (HPF) to eliminate low-frequency noise from most of the input sources.

Step 3: Set Up an Aux Mix if Possible

Most analog consoles offer an auxiliary (aux) or matrix mix option, and almost every digital console has the option for multiple mix outputs. Use the main mix for the room and the aux mix for the live stream. This allows for more control of the live stream mix separate from what is heard in the room. Monitor the aux mix output with headphones to ensure it sounds good for the live-streaming audience.

Step 4: Use a Limiter or Compressor for the Live Stream Mix

Using a simple compressor or limiter for the live-stream audio mix can make a big difference in sound quality. It will reduce the dynamic range and allow the online listener to experience a more even volume level. Most digital consoles can add compression to the mix output, and several streaming software providers offer audio effects that include compression. Alternatively, use a basic analog compressor between the mixer output and the computer or streaming encoder input.

Step 5: Test, Test, Test

Every quality mix requires critical listening and adjusting. Spend time testing the live stream mix in advance by using headphones and doing several test live streams. Regularly check the live stream audio feed once you go live, both before it enters the streaming interface and on the live stream itself.

By following these five steps, your AVL team can produce a quality sound mix that eliminates distraction and facilitates meaningful, powerful worship for both in-person and online listeners.

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Five Major Developments for Churches with an Attendance Under 250

Thom S. Rainer writes that churches with fewer than 250 in average worship attendance, known as “standard churches,” account for an astonishing 92 percent of all churches in the United States. Given their prevalence, it is crucial to understand the important trends and developments that directly impact these congregations.

Migration to Neighborhood and Rural Churches

The post-quarantine era has introduced a greater desire for people to avoid long commutes and travel less for activities. Additionally, many have moved to smaller towns and rural areas seeking a quieter life. This presents a significant opportunity for standard churches to reach both new residents and those willing to attend a smaller church.

Larger Churches Growing by Getting Smaller

The multisite movement has dramatically shifted church practices over the past 20 years. The largest churches in America have grown by increasing their number of sites rather than expanding at a single location. Leaders of these churches recognize that growth must be horizontal rather than vertical, as attendees prefer smaller congregations or gatherings.

The Power of One Person in a Standard Church

Encouraging stories have emerged of one or a few people leading substantial changes in a congregation. A recent comment from a reader highlighted the impact of prayer and renewed zeal for God’s calling, resulting in increased visitors and a commitment to knocking on doors and inviting people to church.

Opportunities for Education and Training

Standard churches now have access to digital resources that provide education and training for their members. In the past, these churches had to hire people from outside the church if they wanted someone with theological training. Options like Church Answers University have made it possible for standard churches to train their own members.

The Return of Evangelism

Many standard churches are reaching and will continue to reach people with the gospel as leaders and members respond in obedience to the Great Commission. Evangelism is not limited to larger churches; it is a command for all churches and all Christians.

While some may see only problems with many standard churches, there is an abundance of hope and promise. God is not done with these churches or their members.

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How Red Rocks Worship Runs Tracks

Loop Community team member Matt Slack interviews Red Rocks Worship’s Musical Director Scott about how they run tracks during their Sunday services. Scott shares valuable insights and tips for worship leaders and tech teams who want to incorporate tracks into their worship sets.

Red Rocks Worship’s Setup

Scott explains that they use Ableton Live 11 and send outputs to their front of house via Dante. They set up their sessions with all the songs and add locators for each section throughout the song. At the end, they have the click track continue past the song and use the IAC Driver to loop one bar of click using a MIDI note. This setup allows their worship leaders to have flexibility and not be tied to a specific arrangement. They can loop sections like the Bridge until they’re ready to move on, and easily return to previous sections when needed. The team controls everything using a MIDI controller.

Dealing with Band Members Getting Off Click

When asked about what to do if band members get off the click, Scott suggests switching the loop in Ableton to 1/4 or 1/8 increments. Listen to what the worship leader is doing to determine if they’re behind or ahead, then hit either forward or backward at the next section between the clicks to lock into the downbeat. After that, switch back to one bar looping. Scott emphasizes the importance of practicing this technique on your own to become proficient.

Tips for Those New to Running Tracks

For those just starting to run tracks, Scott advises not biting off more than you can chew. Communication with your worship leaders is crucial, especially when beginning to be spontaneous and flow with tracks. Instead of going straight through the song, talk with the worship leader about spots where they might want to flow and pick out a spot or two where looping might happen. As you become more comfortable, you can increase spontaneity. Scott also recommends practicing looping at home and building sessions to gain familiarity with the process.

Pastor Jack Hayford Passes into Eternity

Pastor Jack Hayford, a giant of the Christian faith, passed away on Jan. 8, 2023, at the age of 88. Affectionately known as Pastor Jack, he left an indelible mark on the world through his ministry, teachings, and leadership.

Founding The Church On The Way

Pastor Jack founded The Church On The Way in Van Nuys, California, where he served as senior pastor for more than three decades. Under his leadership, the church grew from a mere 18 members to a thriving congregation of over 12,000 by the time he passed the mantle in 1999.

Worldwide Influence Through Teaching and Writing

Hayford’s influence extended far beyond his local church, reaching a global audience through his insightful Bible teaching. He authored more than fifty books and composed 500 hymns and choruses, including the internationally acclaimed worship song “Majesty.” As a leading voice in the charismatic movement, he served as the General Editor of the Spirit Filled Life® Bible and Commentaries.

Founding The King’s University

In 1997, Pastor Jack founded The King’s University (formerly The King’s College and Seminary). He served as chancellor for the charismatic, evangelical university before handing off the role to Pastor Robert Morris of Gateway Church. The university reports that Hayford passed away peacefully in his sleep after having dinner with his wife, Valarie, and speaking with one of his grandchildren the evening before.

Leadership in Promise Keepers and Foursquare Church

Hayford played a significant role in the Promise Keepers men’s movement and served as President of The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel from 2004 to 2009. Randy Remington, current president of the Foursquare church movement, described Pastor Jack as a “Kingdom ambassador whose influence transcended denominational, generational, and global boundaries.”

A Life Devoted to Jesus

The Church on the Way issued a statement highlighting Pastor Jack’s ability to bridge barriers between generations, socio-economic strata, and ethnicities. He was a leader in reconciliation and taught others to rely on God’s word, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, worship with abandon, and serve in their communities. Remington noted that “Pastor Jack lived a life devoted to Jesus, one which he never wavered in or strayed from.”

Continuing Impact Through Jack Hayford Ministries

Even after his passing, Pastor Jack’s kingdom work will continue to impact the world through the resources he left behind with Jack Hayford Ministries.

Pastor Jack Hayford’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the leaders he mentored, and the timeless wisdom he shared. He is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren, a growing number of great-children, and his second wife, Valarie.

Read the full article.

Last-Minute Christmas Eve Service Ideas

Planning a meaningful Christmas Eve service can be challenging, especially when done at the last minute. However, there are several strategies worship leaders can use to pull together an impactful service with limited time.

Begin by relying on familiar Christmas music and story elements that require little preparation. Using prerecorded tracks of classic carols and focusing the service around the Biblical Christmas story will allow you to devote time elsewhere. Incorporating congregational participation through a candlelighting ceremony set to “Silent Night” can create an intimate, peaceful atmosphere. Providing candles and prayers or meditations enhances the symbolism.

Additionally, leverage technology to supplement a limited program. Online resources for backgrounds, videos, dramas, and music arrangements can elevate the service with minimal effort. Most importantly, amidst the busyness take time to reflect on and communicate the true meaning of Christmas – celebrating Jesus’ birth and the hope and salvation he brings. This reminder will anchor the service for attendees.

While last minute preparations are far from ideal, remembering that the goal is to facilitate a sense of connection and joy can help reframe the planning. Despite constraints, creative incorporation of familiar elements, participation, technology, and focus on meaning can result in a Christmas Eve service that resonates with the congregation and brings them together to celebrate the season. With intention and purpose, a thoughtful service can still come together, even at the eleventh hour.

Read full article at Worshipflow.

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