One of the biggest temptations that churches have, is to listen to and copy the sounds from the larger churches. When we hear their songs on Youtube or an album, we want the songs we play to sound just like the album. On one level, this is OK as we can learn and grow from other musicians and song writers. But if we set this up as a standard that we have to copy or follow, we risk loosing our uniqueness.
Some friends of mine went to a small African village church service once in the hope of worshiping with them, and singing the songs of their culture. What they experienced was a copy of a large western church – from singing their songs, right down to the clothes they wore. A couple of them had wigs they wore to even look the same as those from this western church.
That’s an extreme – albeit real – example that we may find strange. But we often try and copy the music of other churches, hoping to replicate their sound and maybe even the response of the people.
We all want to be “contemporary” (whatever that means in your setting) but it also needs to be real. You. Authentic, because people want authenticity today more than professionalism and perfection (which doesn’t really exist). I appreciate this quote below:
“Each congregation plays the music a bit differently. Even if it plays the same piece as the group down the street, the music emerges uniquely because the musicians are not the same. Smart conductors discover the sound within their band and exploit it.”
Max Lucado and Steve Dye in “Church Unique” Will Mancini.
So, be who you are in the situation you find yourself in – whether it’s a small country hall, a school multi-purpose centre, or outside under an awning, a person’s backyard or a stone gothic cathedral (I’ve experienced all these and more). Embrace and use the skills, gifts and abilities God has uniquely given to your community to worship Him.
What is not up for grabs is an attitude of excellence. Notice I said that it’s an attitude. That means that it’s not perfection. It’s not a copy-to-the-letter of someone who may represent perfection to you. It’s doing the best you can do … yes, with intentional practice and purpose … with what you have. God desires excellence – but not a copy of someone else.
What is also very powerful is when a church sings the songs written by their own people. Songs that reflect the journey with God, of that particular community. Those songs, though they may not seem as “professional” as the recorded versions, are often embraced with a good deal of love from the church community because they know it’s written with them and their journey in mind.
This is why I birthed Song Writers Retreat which occurs at least annually (except COVID of course) with the express purpose of helping the prophetic new song that God has placed in writers to be nurtured. It’s why I work hard with my good friend and colleague Pete Wallis to produce wonderful songs that bless others and build the body of Christ. It’s exhilarating and an honour to watch and hear the wonderful musical creations that come from the hearts of people.
I encourage you to not just embrace your church’s sound and love it, but write or encourage others to write, the songs that the church sings.
Are you a song writer? Would you like to grow and explore that gift more? Then you will not do better than join us at Song Writers Retreat, click here and listen to just a few testimonies of those who have come previously.