Keith Lancaster » Worship Survey / Discussion

Let Our Joys Be Known

Keith — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:16:03 +0000

Photo by A’lana Cutshall – Can we sing and smile at the same time? The short answer? If we are happy about what we are singing, we surely can! If this is true, then why do I have such a difficult time in motivating song leaders to smile? As song leaders “set the tone” in leading others, why do so many faces contradict the words they are singing?

“Come we that love the Lord and let our joys be known . . . “

How long should a Minister stay?

Keith — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:45:04 +0000

Pictured: Dan and Wendy Jacoy – As I travel the country, occasionally I’ll meet those rare and very special people who’ve become heroes to me – - I’m referring to those ministers who place deep roots with a congregation and stay for an unusually long tenure. Dan and Wendy Jacoy have been with the Tri-City church in Myrtle Creek, Oregon for 21 years. I’m excited to see that he has become an almost defacto pastor for the entire community, as people from all groups respect his work in the region. He is very active in the community and perhaps this Fall will become the mayor of the small town.

How long do you think a minister should stay with a church? Please take this poll and leave a comment here on the blog.

Questions View Results

What is your Favorite Easter Song?

Keith — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:43:13 +0000

Many songs have been written about the resurrection of Jesus. What is your favorite Easter song?

Common Song Leader Mistakes

Keith — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:14:03 +0000

What are the most common mistakes made by song leaders / worship leaders in directing congregational singing? While conducting a recent leaders’ clinic, I realized, yet again, how the same mistakes seem to be universally prevalent. After the song leaders came forward to lead one song each, I critiqued them (“in love”) and offered suggestions immediately following. My assignment seemed quite awkward, as thoughts of Simon Cowell (of American Idol) came to mind. There were many positive skills displayed among the diverse line up of leaders. However, here are some that seemed to be ubiquitous and should be corrected:

1. Never using a pitch pipe (and every leader of a cappella singing should.) If I could start with one universal wish, I’d want every leader to attain the correct pitch, every time for every song.

2. Staring at the song book (and making no eye contact with the congregation.) Take away the song book (or monitor screen), and you’ll find a host of helpless song leaders who would not know where to look.

3. Employing stale tempos – - In fact, they’re so common that often the congregation is actually leading (and inevitably dragging.)

4. Never changing the tempo (and as you know, variety is the “spice of life.”)

5. Dynamic contrasts seemed to be non-existent. Why not sing some sections softly and others loudly? Yet, we migrate to a non-expressive, predictable pattern.

6. Impossible to smile and sing? This one is right up there with not using a pitch pipe. How can you say, “Come we that love the Lord and let our joys be known” without projecting a single ounce of joy? This one change could revolutionize song leading (simply expressing joy and smiling!)

7. Body language contradicting the message of the songs. Taking the above example further, worship leaders must understand how powerful non-verbal communication is, and how our leading often undermines the message of the songs. There is no question about the winner of “words versus non-verbal communication” debate. I suggest that there is not a single leader (especially me), who could not benefit by analyzing video recordings of their leading (painful, but helpful).

Which mistake do you believe is the most common of all? (You can leave a comment to add others.)

Questions View Results

Worship Survey: Demeanor

Derek — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 17:00:00 +0000

How does the worship leader’s countenance affect other worshippers?