My "Problem Children"

[Smitty]

So, those of you who know me, know that in addition to playing on a worship team, and leading worship, that I also do some worship consulting.

Five years ago, I left the worship team I was serving on, and moved to another state. I went to assist my brother-in-law in caring for my older sister, who was dying from breast cancer at the time. During that difficult time, God placed me in a church and on a worship team that both educated and edified me, and made me a much better musician, and christian, than I had been up to that time, and it was there that my passion for worship consulting was ignited.

Now fast forward five years. The same church that I used to serve at has asked me to do a worship team workshop, and believe me, these guys need it! They are, with maybe one exception, the worst worship team I have ever heard. I'm not trying to be mean, just giving some background.

Here is my dilemna: I want to help these guys, and MOST of them WANT the help. The two hold-outs are the current pastor (new) and his wife (new worship leader), even though THEY are the ones who asked me about doing the workshop. They know that I have done several of these workshops, and that those workshops have been successful. I think the exact words used were "we can see how a workshop could be helpful, but we're not sure if you can help us."

Okay, so, if one of you were in this situation...how would you proceed?

I appreciate any advice or feedback any of you might care to share.

God Bless,

Smitty

[milepost13]

with attitudes like that, they're probably right...I'd tell them so, maybe in a more cordial way. If you think you can help them, then they need to believe it also, otherwise, it's probably going to be a waste.

Nate

[mikeymo1741]

I agree with Milepost.


Maybe, however, you could get them to agree to something like "look, try my recommendations, without modification, for two months, and see what happens. Maybe if the see some fruit, they would be less skeptical.


Why are they so bad?

[windbag]

It could be a couple of things. The first thing I thought was "A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country." Maybe they're more willing to take help from somebody with no history with their fellowship, than from someone familiar on a more intimate level. Or maybe they're threatened that you're trying to wedge your way into "their" ministry. From what you've related, it sounds like some sort of fear or insecurity on their part.

Is there something you could help one or two individuals with to move them along? Or perhaps you could give the pastor and his wife an idea or two to implement to show them you're qualified and non-threatening?

[yod1948]

You have been invited. I think you should accept the invitation and give them all benefit of doubt concerning how effective they want you to be.


I would just go and let the Holy Spirit take care of the details. He can handle it.

[Smitty]

Wow! GREAT feedback so far! Thanks you guys.

Mikey, they are bad because they know no tempo, other than medium fast. They do not understand dynamics, or that "less is more". The only harmony singer they have is a soprano. They do not understand about building "space" into a song, or the concept of "the pocket".

I may take one or two of them under my wing...we'll see. As far as being threatened by me, maybe so, but I have assured them over and over that I do NOT want a place on that worship team, nor am I interested in taking anyone's job (they don't pay enough :)) The only thing I am interested in is the music.

Smitty

[Smitty]

Just adding a P.S....

Even though I have had to put my plans on hold for a while...I should have my website up and running after the first of the year. It will have links to my original stuff, a link to my new blog (working on it), as well as worship resource downloads. Keep me in your prayers, guys...and girls:)

Smitty