These are some of my conference teaching notes from the early 90’s but they are very applicable to us today.  How can we proceed with some of these?  Some of these are exercises but others are activities that will widen our scope and effectiveness.  This would be a stretch for us and is a step toward more maturity in ministry.  Can we do it?  These can be exercises but more importantly they should usher a change in our connectedness to each other and the Lord while we minister.

1. Musicians, play a simple chord progression while the singers and lead instrumentalists practice making short melodies based on this progression. 
   goals/effects:

·        Forces us to step beyond our comfort zone and requires more faith

·        Causes us to be more attentive to what others on the team are doing

·        Causes us to be more sensitive to the Spirit and more guided by Him.

·        Will provide an example for the congregation and eventually open doors for them to participate, thus, activating the three above dynamics in them

·        Will reinforce us to practice doing this in our secret place time.

 

2. Listen to the short, simple melodies of another singer or musician and try to echo or sing/play a responsive melody.
   goals/effects:

·        Causes us to be more attentive to what others are doing

·        Causes us to be attentive to how we can reinforce what the Lord is saying through another.  We must first discern what the Lord is saying or not saying, connect with it spiritually, hear what is being said to us and then step out at the right time.

 

3. Assign a verse from a Psalm to each of the worship team members.  Everyone can take a turn at singing or playing their verse while the instrumentalists play a simple chord progression.
   goals/effects:

·        Note: we have done this in the past during pre-service.  Maybe we need to revisit.  Let’s discuss how Albie or another instrumentalist can play a chord progression as we read scripture over this during the pre-service time.  That was very powerful.

·        I could see where sensitive members of the congregation would be touched by this and drawn to seek the Lord during the week to be prepared to join us in this activity.

·        Has the potential to make the scriptures come alive to members and possibly draw them into worship even before the service starts.

·        Since singing here is not required it opens doors for members of the team who are normally ‘just’ instrumentalists to be involved in a verbal activity.  This would include support staff (sound and projection personnel) no more hiding!!!

·        Speaking the Scripture is a very powerful form of worship.

 

4. Have everyone study one of the attributes of God in the Word during the week and have each of the members take a turn to express this aspect of God’s character in instrument, song (singing), scripture recitation, dance or video.
   goals/effects:

1.      Boy, this one will be stretching and definitely bring us to our knees

2.      An awesome vehicle for us to express our hearts when existing songs don’t do it at that moment.

Some additional thoughts:

1.     We need to help bring reality to the words we are singing in our worship songs.  The above activities will help in doing this.

2.     What does the cry or message of our songs say to us as we are worshipping the Lord?  Do you really mean what you are singing?

3.     We must persist in the area of worship intercession.  We have been doing well at this.  Keep it up!!

4.     Allow for more times in the service where the instrumentalists play before the Lord as worship.