Is there a difference between a worship band and a worship team?
I was really challenged by my associate pastor with this recent question. She had spoken with an old friend who commented that they had a worship band at their church, rather than a worship team. I’m not sure what she meant by the statement, but it piqued my interest and it got me thinking, because I do believe that there is a difference – and a considerable one.
A worship band to me, is a band of musicians and singers who “perform” worship songs for the church. They may do it well, and give their best efforts, but their focus is on playing and playing to the best of their ability. Their main purpose is all about the music: the sound, how tight the band is, playing in time and being “professional” (whatever that might mean to them) and getting it right. They may pray briefly before the service, and maybe learn a new song every now and then. They are not so much focussed on worshipping, but on playing – and that’s not a criticism – just an observation of myself at times, and the team I’m a part of. They’re on a roster system and play and pray when it’s their turn.
A worship team will do all of the above but with a unified purpose. They will be passionate worshippers firstly, keen on serving God and the people, and always being on team even when not on roster. They pray for the church and get involved in worship as they play or sing. And whilst they want to do their best in every respect (being a great band and a worshipping band are not mutually exclusive) they will not fuss too much about errors, or worry about issues they can’t solve… they don’t sweat as they worship (Ezekiel 44:17-18). There is a unity of spirit and purpose.
How do you turn your worship band into a worship team?
Well, here’s what I’m going to try, to up the level of personal cohesion, love and worship within the team…
- Worship together. One of the things I often do with a team when I have the privilege of doing a seminar, is to lead them in a time of worship. Without exception, they always appreciate it. Worshipping together brings people together in unity. You can’t worship without it.
- Spend time together outside the practice – simple meals (pizza & coke is standard food for musos !), and mini retreats or team days can help.
- Take time to help them understand worship, words in songs and even some basic theology.
- Pray together – older ones teaching and mentoring the younger ones.
- Play together – have fun – make it more than music and input. Play games.
- Celebrate together. If you have been playing for a while, take some time to stop, celebrate – especially if you’ve had a busy season. Get creative.
Notice how many times the word “together” comes up. I must confess, that our team can do a lot more “together” type of stuff. We all have full lives, but with careful planning, and a commitment to worship first, team times can energise and bring us together.
Let me know what you do to build your team as a team – a group of worshippers.
If your team don’t get this blog, why not invite them to it, and get their feedback.
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Good thoughts! Even just making sure we practice together before Sunday is important because it creates space for us to catch up and pray together without the pressure of needing to get everything organized for the service. It’s relaxed and we take time to catch up as well as practice.
Agree. Team time just hanging is never wasted. I consciously connect with every person before, during and after rehearsal and service. Tiny points of connection are gold.