Tips on Building a Worship Band in Your Church

In the past 10-20 years, more contemporary popular-styled music has made its way into American churches. This is an outgrowth of the "Praise" music, and "Jesus" music of the 60's and 70's. Now, one is just as likely to encounter a 5-piece rock band onstage at a church as a pipe organ and choir. Unfortunately, worship music as a style is a very divisive issue in modern American churches. But it shouldn't be that way, and doesn't have to be. God is glorified and praised, if our hearts our pointed towards him, and we worship in Spirit and Truth (John 4), not just because we're using guitars vs. hymns

As a member of worship bands for many years, I've been to many conferences and read many books on the subject. There are now a number of worship resources out there. Now worship is a buzzword and a genre of music, for better or for worse. But it all comes down to ascribing the glory and value to God that which He is due. Here are some of my ideas and experiences about playing church bands for worship services. I do also believe that this does translate to other musical experiences and to living in general.

1. Serve. Go the extra mile. Help copy music or CDs. Help wrap cables, put away chairs or music stands. You are an important member of the team. God needs you too. Just because you play piano in the church band, doesn't mean you just learn your songs, show up and punch a clock. God needs you, and so does the team.

2. Learn your part. This might seem perfunctory to say, but it bears repeating. Come to rehearsal ready to work. If there's a riff, or a harmony part you need to have down because it's an important part. Classical and jazz musicians practice hard outside of rehearsal, why shouldn't you? God deserves our first fruits, and that includes the best of the music.

3. Bring a pencil and use it! Classical and professional musicians have them in the folders and so should you. Why? Because you can't erase pen. J

4. Push yourself and be creative. Learn how to be conversant in several styles, rock, jazz, blues, country, pop, classical, Gospel. Each has their own dialect, and you will likely see them all in a worship band setting.