Just changed churches ... now what???

[tony c]

A couple of months ago, the Lord led us out of our old church, where I had been the worship leader for 14 years or so, to a new church, where I'm now a substitute for anyone on the worship team who goes on vacation, is sick, has to work, or just plain can't make it. I play a couple of times a month. The Lord told me when we left the old church that I might go a long time without picking up an instrument, that I can just rest. Relax. Selah. Get refreshed. Be led, rather than lead.

But you know what? It's HARD for me! Not that I mind not getting up at 5:00am every Sunday for a 10:30am service, but I find myself forming chords with my hands while worship is going on. I find myself singing lead vocals sitting in row #9. One time, I even started singing a worship song according to my old church's arrangement, and threw off some folks around me. Talk about wanting to find a deep hole in which to hide!

At the practices I attend (when I'm asked to fill in), I find myself wanting to "fix" some of the chords because they're wrong. I'm so happy that the worship leader is receptive to my suggestions - I think he even welcomes them, but I find myself feeling like I shouldn't say or do anything. Like, I'm not the leader, just follow. For those sports-types, I sometimes feel like the utility infielder or the 6th man in hoops.

I spoke to my new pastor, and he told me that no, I'm not prideful, I'm just anxious for whatever role the Lord has in store for me. In the meantime, just chill, and in the Lord's timing, He'll make things known to me.

I'm sure that I'm not the only person who has made this type of change, and is having a bit of difficulty settling in to the new church. I'd love to hear of your experiences, how you've dealt with this kind of change, how you feel, what kind of role you play at your new church, how has this changed you, etc., etc.

[SeanMichael]

Tony, In my experience when you have felt God's calling on your life, and in your case you know that God has called you to lead others in worship, that desire is going to stay strong. Now in your situation that might seem almost cruel because the opportunity to lead others on a regular basis doesn't appear to be present. But I am confident that our Great God already has something lined up for you! Whether it be to lead worship at the church every week, lead a small group worship in someones home, or help lead the youth band. God has something planned for you and your willing heart.
You asked if others have gone through similar experiences, and though I havn't gone through that one exactly, I feel that same desire every time I visit another church or a worship conference or concert. I want to either lead with my voice or play those drums!
Stay strong and the Lord will supply.

Sean

[Klampert]

I do have some experience in this. quite a bit actually..

My wife and I when we got married were both doing worship ministry together and when we got married had to move to PA from NY. we left our church and the ministry and we followed Gods lead. we had to search for a church and settled on one that was nice but didnt need any music help. I filled in every once in a while on lead guitar but that was it...Then we moved to St. Louis due to her schooling. We started going to a large mega church and of course no way to get involved. 3 years later moved to NC...same thing...See a pattern...next it was a job move and God told us to go to Oregon. we got involved with a church that was pretty good at the time and I was able to do lead guitar and fill in worship leading. the church ended up having some major major issues doctrine wise and God told us to leave but thats another story. Now I am in RI. I am leading worship here at a great church that is in line with what I believe...ok where am I going with this.

All of the transitions were tough on me because I wanted to minister, to play, to lead really badly. my journey has been a 9 year cycle. What I learned though has been invaluable.
I learned to wait upon the Lord. its amazing how busy we get and forget the simple thing and that is be silent (shutup) and wait on the lord...
Then the word says and he will renew Your strength.
From my experiences in bible studies and relationships and playing lead guitar instead of "leading" the Lord renewed my strength. I believe that it is because I obeyed Him all those years that he is using me in the capacity that I am today. In writing, leading, and helping other worship leaders.

An interesting thing with God is...we don't always have to choose to walk on His "path", but if we do the rewards later are much greater...Had I not done what He said to do I would not have been prepared to do the good work He has set before me right now.

My prayers go out to you. And may the PEACE OF THE LORD BE ALWAYS WITH YOU

[tony c]

Hey Joel and Sean, thanks!

Our worship leader took a little vacation, so our youth pastor, who takes over when the WL is out, ran practice the other night, and asked me to play acoustic. I also decided to grab one of the wireless mics and sing (in all my previous fill-ins, I stuck with the instruments, and avoided singing, to not have my voice clash with the WL). I had the best time at practice since I've changed churches. One of the other musicians commented on how much fun practice was! I felt more a part of a team than I have in months. Maybe because I read your journey of 9 years, Joel, and and confirmed to me that patience and obedience is what I need now, and just to keep listening to the Lord.

I used my experience to help the youth pastor with different arrangements; set up some harmonies; add new grooves to a couple of the songs; worked with the team to make more of a watercourse between songs; so forth and so on. I realized that God, for right now, has put me in a place to be a helper, an aide, a coach. Some day in the future, whether in 9 days or 9 years (do I have to wait THAT long???), God might change that, but in the meantime, be joyful, be helpful, and be at peace.

[twc_admin]

Tony -

Sounds exciting - I think all of us can relate to being in those situations ... if I'm totally honest, it's hard for me to even go to other church services where I'm just a participant ... it's hard to just "worship" because I'm constantly thinking about leading, the chord structure, etc.

I'd say that (and I feel certain you are doing this already) you should just be careful not to begin to unintentionally undermine the current leader's authority. If you come in and take the reins and "make it great", they could start feeling a bit insecure and threatened. I'm not really looking to debate whether or not that's the right response - just knowing it's a reality that the Enemy can open that door if we're not careful. As long as your posture is one of "how can I bless you and help you", and it's more of a 'do when asked, rather than ask to do" (because you may have already asked and made yourself available) .. I think you'll be OK.

If you are more competent musically and leader-wise, the temptation will be to hope the WL will see this and feel like they aren't prepared and move out of the way for you ... but who knows .. that may (or may not) be God's plan ...

I guess I'm just saying (hopefully with some love and salt to season my words, although I've just barely started sipping my morning coffee, and usually it's best for me not to speak to anyone before I've had a couple of nice cups!) ... keep the heart of the existing WL before you ... sensitive to His/Her situation, and keep yourself humble and submissive, always seeking to be a blessing and helper. As long as the WL knows you are sincere and genuine, and not just trying to work your way into the lead ... I think it could be a beautiful synergy.

for the kingdom,
Fred

[tony c]

Fred, I think you struck an important chord (pun intended) for me. As long as I keep that in mind, I'll be OK. When I first got to the church, they were asking for applications for worship team musicians, singers, sound people, graphics folks, and I told them what I did and how I could help the team. Next thing I knew, the WL was asking me to fill in on drums, then keys, the bass, then ... funny, but I think the Lord made this intentional ... the last instrument I subbed for was my primary instrument. It was almost as if the Lord was telling me, "See, others can handle this gig ... lay back in the cut ... don't you think I've got others who can do this?" I'm a real hacker on the drums, and I've got an OK right hand on keys (as long as you keep me in C's, G's, and D's) but play a terrible left hand. So, when I play those instruments, I'm by far the least talented on the team, so again, I'm being shown stuff by the Lord.

Our WL has a great heart, and works really hard at preparing for practice and for service. I've asked him what could I do to help, and as long as I honor him as the leader, and respect his authority, as well as any other substitute WL there, I think I'll be OK.

I already did several cups of java this morning (actually, this morning it was 100% organic Bali Hai Decaf, Swiss water process, of course, haha, which I roasted), but I use creme and sugar ... I had a pastor who told me, when I was VERY young in the Lord that "real Christians don't use any white stuff - they drink it black" - enjoy the rest of the pot, Fred, and have a great day!

[twc_admin]

Hey Tonc ...

Glad you "bear witness" to the post, so to speak ... and you better believe that I must be a REAL CHRISTIAN - 'cause it's always black!