Pre Service Music

[marmadd]

Hey all - I am looking for some input on this. I am under the direction right now to play only music that is "lyric free" before our services because "music with lyrics is distracting from conversation."

This poses a couple of problems: first, it's hard to find anything to play that's not mind numbing slow prior to our typically upbeat, high energy worship. The contrast is dramatic. Second, I used to use that time to subliminally introduce some new music to the church!

So, please give me your thoughts on how to counter this. I have tried to find some research that goes against the idea that lyric-less music is better or something along those lines. Any ideas?

[myers_ryan]

My advice would be to not try and prove yourself right with research. That will only hurt your cause. I would suggest that you go to whoever it is giving you direction and explain to them the reasons behind doing what you were doing. Maybe you could even strike a compromise where you play instrumental some and music with lyrics other times. Going into any argument with the intent of proving your point, though, is a recipe for disaster and relationship tension. (Just ask my wife

[David Good]

We used to do pre-service worship music with lyrics but found it was confusing people as to when worship "actually started". We found either people would stand up and start worshiping (which isn't bad) or they would just tune us out and when we actually started worship it would take several minutes to get them to stop visiting and start worshiping. We actually stopped doing pre-service music altogether and just play upbeat worship music from CD. We are planning on starting pre-service announcements so we can get that out of the way before worship starts.

[myers_ryan]

Oh my bad, I thought you were talking about playing Pre-Service music from a CD.

[marmadd]

I am talking about playing a CD, not having the band play. Our band does start playing about 5 minutes before service starts. We have found that this helps to draw people in from the lobby area and get things going.

I am not looking to have an argument with those that are giving direction, but am hoping to get some real, solid evidence together as to why this is not the best idea. I suppose I am dreaming! Anyhow, thanks for the input. I do plan to address it and hopefully come to some sort of happy medium.

[Louis]

Well, my two cents... If you are being told by pastor/elders/ those in authority, I guess you have to respect that. I would try to provide a sound rationale to convince them otherwise and hope for the best.

I use lyric based music for pre-service (I still use the word prelude). It is a great opportunity for the praise team to try some more challenging music, songs that may not be best congregationally, but ones that perhaps people know from the radio. We Aldo use it as a chance to teach new songs.

I prefer people preparing their hearts for worship before the service rather than conversing. We have fellowship time after the service for that.

Also, if lyrics are not projected, won't that give people a clue not to sing?

[yod1948]

I use some instrumental music from a worship team at a church in Germany for this same thing. These two guys (Walter and Olaf) each write music specifically for prayer time called "tabernacle music"

It's beautifully inspiring music that creates a relaxed and holy atmosphere for prayer...and perfect for background music anytime.



I prefer the simple solo-piano pieces of Olaf Krueger for prayer time, but Walter Grund has also created more complex guitar-based tabernacles songs.

Olaf Krueger - Olaf Krüger on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads

Walter Grund - http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/wa...nd/id274672480

[milepost13]

It is impossible for any of the rest of us to give you any real data that you could use because every church/culture is different. What may work in 95% of all churches might not hold true in your church. You will need to do research in your own church if you want to present a good argument.

Having said that, I have never seen or heard anyone complain about our using any kind of music before our services. My only parameters to our sound techs on the music they choose is that it be stylistically similar to what our band plays, that it be high energy, and that it not be so loud that people cannot carry on a conversation with others.

[fccworship]

what do you think of recording your worship team playing music without lyrics. then play that...that will give you guys some practice, and get the congrigation hearing the songs. you can even pop up the name of the song, and artist on the screen. "you are now listening to...by..."
not my favorite way to go but better than nothing.

[travisvwright]

but am hoping to get some real, solid evidence together as to why this is not the best idea.

One of the things I learned in management and sales training is you never win anything by vanquishing the opposition. Examples:

Bad = "Your way is bad and mine is good."
Good = "Your way is good and mine is better."

It is foolish to waste yourself looking for ways others are wrong. Suggested new research topics,

"Being able to worship with a New song when it is familiar vs. learning a New song that is unfamiliar"
"Upper bound of decible levels required for casual conversation"
"The ability of music to set needed moods"
Etc.