Comments on: Worship Leader Pitfalls #2 – New Music http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/ Worship Leader, Pianist, Producer, Blogger Sun, 05 Feb 2012 06:22:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Allison http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-46257 Allison Sat, 13 Sep 2008 22:50:59 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-46257 This is great because I totally relate to the pressure to "keep up", but also feel a pull to do great songs that may not be the latest..... One thing I do is keep an updated cd for pre-service and post-service music that contains all the upcoming new songs that will be introduced for the coming months. This allows the congregation to hear the songs but it is sort of subliminal... they know it is familiar when we actually do it but they can't put their finger on how they know it..... Another plus is that I lead worship for a women's Bible study so I have the chance to pre-teach them the new songs before they are introduced to the entire body. Giving song/cd info. prior to a new song introduction is good too... some are putting links to ITunes on their sites so people can go buy the music before it is introduced. I too have the struggle of singers and musicians who feel like we drive songs into the ground; however, we do about one new song a month and rotate it in and out much like I have read the rest of you do. It is nice to know it isn't just my team feeling this way! I remind them regularly that we have to make these lyrics fresh to us each time we sing them. One way I have suggested they do that, is to be intentional about praying through what they mean to us when related to our own individual circumstances. When we have taken the time each week to apply to our present situations what these songs are saying in an intentional way, then when we actually are on stage, it brings new life and authentic emotion to some songs we feel we have heard a million times. We have a bank of about 70 but only do 4 per week. There is another bank that I pull from but pretty infrequently, so it isn't included in that count. The only time where we exceed the typical one-new-song-per-month guideline is at Christmas time....we are doing new Christmas arrangements weekly, but that is a whole different can of worms now isn't it.....:0) This is great because I totally relate to the pressure to “keep up”, but also feel a pull to do great songs that may not be the latest…..
One thing I do is keep an updated cd for pre-service and post-service music that contains all the upcoming new songs that will be introduced for the coming months. This allows the congregation to hear the songs but it is sort of subliminal… they know it is familiar when we actually do it but they can’t put their finger on how they know it…..
Another plus is that I lead worship for a women’s Bible study so I have the chance to pre-teach them the new songs before they are introduced to the entire body. Giving song/cd info. prior to a new song introduction is good too… some are putting links to ITunes on their sites so people can go buy the music before it is introduced.
I too have the struggle of singers and musicians who feel like we drive songs into the ground; however, we do about one new song a month and rotate it in and out much like I have read the rest of you do. It is nice to know it isn’t just my team feeling this way! I remind them regularly that we have to make these lyrics fresh to us each time we sing them. One way I have suggested they do that, is to be intentional about praying through what they mean to us when related to our own individual circumstances. When we have taken the time each week to apply to our present situations what these songs are saying in an intentional way, then when we actually are on stage, it brings new life and authentic emotion to some songs we feel we have heard a million times.
We have a bank of about 70 but only do 4 per week. There is another bank that I pull from but pretty infrequently, so it isn’t included in that count. The only time where we exceed the typical one-new-song-per-month guideline is at Christmas time….we are doing new Christmas arrangements weekly, but that is a whole different can of worms now isn’t it…..:0)

]]> By: Ryan http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-44649 Ryan Sun, 15 Jun 2008 19:57:14 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-44649 One other thing that could be very helpful: If you have a thriving small group ministry it would be great to introduce new songs at small groups for a couple weeks before bringing them into the congregation. That way a core group of people know the song a little bit and can help the rest of the people along with the worship team. Ryans last blog post..<a href="http://iamanoffering.com/blog/2008/06/13/extensive-interview-with-bob-kauflin-and-mars-hills-tim-smith/" rel="nofollow">Extensive Interview with Bob Kauflin and Mars Hill’s Tim Smith</a> One other thing that could be very helpful: If you have a thriving small group ministry it would be great to introduce new songs at small groups for a couple weeks before bringing them into the congregation. That way a core group of people know the song a little bit and can help the rest of the people along with the worship team.

Ryans last blog post..Extensive Interview with Bob Kauflin and Mars Hill’s Tim Smith

]]> By: Ryan http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-44648 Ryan Sun, 15 Jun 2008 19:54:33 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-44648 Fred, Thanks so much for this post! I have a tendency to want to do new songs more often than I should - especially where I am currently. I'm in a church plant that usually sings songs from the mid 80's or early 90's and they have just recently started to sing more current songs. I tend to want to "hurry people up" and get them to sing the newer songs, so this post was a great challenge and reminder to me that I need to chill a bit and enjoy the classics so that people are worshiping distraction-free. Thanks so much for this! Ryans last blog post..<a href="http://iamanoffering.com/blog/2008/06/13/extensive-interview-with-bob-kauflin-and-mars-hills-tim-smith/" rel="nofollow">Extensive Interview with Bob Kauflin and Mars Hill’s Tim Smith</a> Fred,

Thanks so much for this post! I have a tendency to want to do new songs more often than I should – especially where I am currently. I’m in a church plant that usually sings songs from the mid 80′s or early 90′s and they have just recently started to sing more current songs. I tend to want to “hurry people up” and get them to sing the newer songs, so this post was a great challenge and reminder to me that I need to chill a bit and enjoy the classics so that people are worshiping distraction-free. Thanks so much for this!

Ryans last blog post..Extensive Interview with Bob Kauflin and Mars Hill’s Tim Smith

]]> By: Tim Miller http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-43582 Tim Miller Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:31:19 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-43582 > probably 250+ songs in our database right now I have chord charts for over 1200 different songs that I've collected over the years! Four years ago our congregation did over 200 different songs. Last year we narrowed it down to under 100. We still have people in learning mode on many of the songs. A lot depends upon how many songs you include in a given Sunday. Decide how long you want to go without repeating a song. (Keep in mind that if you don't repeat a song every so often, most people have to go into learning mode instead of engaging mode when you do pull it out - which isn't all bad.) Then do the math. We're now selecting from a list of only 35 songs. Our typical service has 5-7 songs depending upon the main music block and whether we repeat our intro song or do a different one while the congregation exits. We also add a new song as special music during the offertory then include it 2-3 more weeks as part of the regular set. Including the new song, we can go about 6 weeks without repeating anything but the new song. We do end up doing some more often and some less often. We'll stick to the 35 songs for 4 months, then pick a new list, including some from the previous list to add continuity. Part of this is our priority to connect with new people "guesting" our congregation. Many come from backgrounds unfamiliar with contemporize music, so all of this is new. It's important to us that these folks can engage during their first few weeks with us rather than just observe. Throwing all new songs at them every week can get in the way. It would be different for us if we seldom had new folks and had the same old crowd who knew all the good old songs. Then we could blow the dust off whatever we want and everyone would jump right in. Besides content and style choices, I try to include at least one song that's pretty recent, a fun and inviting song, an established standard, and one that's hymnlike. It's a musician's twist to the adage: something old, something new, something borrowed, something blues... My 16 cents... -Tim Miller Walloon Lake Community Church > probably 250+ songs in our database right now

I have chord charts for over 1200 different songs that I’ve collected over the years! Four years ago our congregation did over 200 different songs. Last year we narrowed it down to under 100. We still have people in learning mode on many of the songs.

A lot depends upon how many songs you include in a given Sunday. Decide how long you want to go without repeating a song. (Keep in mind that if you
don’t repeat a song every so often, most people have to go into learning mode instead of engaging mode when you do pull it out – which isn’t all bad.) Then do the math.

We’re now selecting from a list of only 35 songs. Our typical service has 5-7 songs depending upon the main music block and whether we repeat our intro song or do a different one while the congregation exits. We also add a new song as special music during the offertory then include it 2-3 more weeks as part of the regular set. Including the new song, we can go about 6 weeks without repeating anything but the new song. We do end up doing some more often and some less often.

We’ll stick to the 35 songs for 4 months, then pick a new list, including some from the previous list to add continuity.

Part of this is our priority to connect with new people “guesting” our congregation. Many come from backgrounds unfamiliar with contemporize music, so all of this is new. It’s important to us that these folks can engage during their first few weeks with us rather than just observe. Throwing all new songs at them every week can get in the way. It would be different for us if we seldom had new folks and had the same old crowd who knew all the good old songs. Then we could blow the dust off whatever we want and everyone would jump right in.

Besides content and style choices, I try to include at least one song that’s pretty recent, a fun and inviting song, an established standard, and one that’s hymnlike.

It’s a musician’s twist to the adage: something old, something new, something borrowed, something blues…

My 16 cents…

-Tim Miller
Walloon Lake Community Church

]]> By: Matt Norman http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-43401 Matt Norman Sat, 09 Feb 2008 11:42:53 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-43401 Fred. I understand what you are saying about worship preparing people for the sermon. I completely believe that there are times when God works on individuals through the worship time rather and there are times when He works on people through the message. And, there are times when he uses the worship to prepare peoples hearts to recieve the message. That is why my number 2 goal came before the number 3 goal. I did list the in order of importance, at least as I see it. I also saw some remarks about us not catering to the worship team, and reminding them that it is not about them, or us, or ultimately even about the people in the congregation. It was this realization that led to me first getting the chance to lead worship. It was transformational moment for me. I am truly a different person since realizing that and making it a part of who I am. I remind my team often that it is not about me, and it is not about them. In fact I have even been known to tell the congregation that it was not about them either....... Fred. I understand what you are saying about worship preparing people for the sermon. I completely believe that there are times when God works on individuals through the worship time rather and there are times when He works on people through the message. And, there are times when he uses the worship to prepare peoples hearts to recieve the message. That is why my number 2 goal came before the number 3 goal. I did list the in order of importance, at least as I see it.

I also saw some remarks about us not catering to the worship team, and reminding them that it is not about them, or us, or ultimately even about the people in the congregation. It was this realization that led to me first getting the chance to lead worship. It was transformational moment for me. I am truly a different person since realizing that and making it a part of who I am. I remind my team often that it is not about me, and it is not about them. In fact I have even been known to tell the congregation that it was not about them either…….

]]> By: Fred McKinnon http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-43372 Fred McKinnon Thu, 07 Feb 2008 13:31:55 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-43372 Aaah ... well, I decided to login to our PlanningCenterOnline.Com database ... and I got tired of counting already - I was in the "L" songs and got to 100. That means there is probably 250+ songs in our database right now. They would've all been added over the last year since I came on board .. into PlanningCenter, that is ... not added as new songs. Harriet is leading this week with me, and I've got to add 3-4 more to PCO from the "Harriet Archives" ... So, when you look at a total # of master songs, it can be misleading - because some of them may NOT have been used very often in the last year or so. That master list either bulges and grows, or someone has to prune it. Let's say regardless - we want a total # of songs that we consistently "pull from" .. whether that's called a master songlist or not ... I'd say that 100 would be a good number. I get that by saying 5 songs for 26 weeks ... would be 130 songs .. and granted, we want plenty of repeats ... and room for new songs ... so this gives room for plenty of repeats. I'm not quite smart enough to calculate "if you have 130 songs and 26 weeks, with 5 songs used each week - how many times would a song repeat ... I guess it depends on the song! FM Aaah … well, I decided to login to our PlanningCenterOnline.Com database … and I got tired of counting already – I was in the “L” songs and got to 100.

That means there is probably 250+ songs in our database right now. They would’ve all been added over the last year since I came on board .. into PlanningCenter, that is … not added as new songs.

Harriet is leading this week with me, and I’ve got to add 3-4 more to PCO from the “Harriet Archives” …

So, when you look at a total # of master songs, it can be misleading – because some of them may NOT have been used very often in the last year or so.

That master list either bulges and grows, or someone has to prune it.

Let’s say regardless – we want a total # of songs that we consistently “pull from” .. whether that’s called a master songlist or not … I’d say that 100 would be a good number. I get that by saying 5 songs for 26 weeks … would be 130 songs .. and granted, we want plenty of repeats … and room for new songs … so this gives room for plenty of repeats.

I’m not quite smart enough to calculate “if you have 130 songs and 26 weeks, with 5 songs used each week – how many times would a song repeat … I guess it depends on the song!

FM

]]> By: mandy http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-43371 mandy Thu, 07 Feb 2008 13:23:10 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-43371 fred - thanks for taking the time to answer. but, let me rephrase: i was asking in terms of total songs (not just total new songs), but the master list to pull from. say, 50 songs? 75 songs? how many should we have as our total song database to pull from in a six month period? fred – thanks for taking the time to answer. but, let me rephrase: i was asking in terms of total songs (not just total new songs), but the master list to pull from. say, 50 songs? 75 songs? how many should we have as our total song database to pull from in a six month period?

]]> By: Fred McKinnon http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-43369 Fred McKinnon Thu, 07 Feb 2008 13:18:35 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-43369 Mandy - I'd be crazy to actually suggest a number, haha .. it varies from church to church. But from my experience, with a demographic that is mixed from teenage to old age ... traditional to seeker to charismatic ... on a rotation of 5-6 songs/Sunday ... I'd probably limit a "brand new song" to no more than 3-4 per quarter. Now - that being said, if the sole purpose of a "new song" is to be a "special music" - to be performed, and not necessarily designed for corporate singing ... I wouldn't include that type of songs in this mix ... those could be done more frequently, as one of your 5-6 songs ... and don't need to be repeated ever again, necessarily. Just my own $.02 ... some other churches may vary greatly! Fred Mandy -
I’d be crazy to actually suggest a number, haha .. it varies from church to church. But from my experience, with a demographic that is mixed from teenage to old age … traditional to seeker to charismatic … on a rotation of 5-6 songs/Sunday … I’d probably limit a “brand new song” to no more than 3-4 per quarter.

Now – that being said, if the sole purpose of a “new song” is to be a “special music” – to be performed, and not necessarily designed for corporate singing … I wouldn’t include that type of songs in this mix … those could be done more frequently, as one of your 5-6 songs … and don’t need to be repeated ever again, necessarily.

Just my own $.02 … some other churches may vary greatly!

Fred

]]> By: Fred McKinnon http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-43367 Fred McKinnon Thu, 07 Feb 2008 13:12:38 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-43367 Matt - No shame in just beginning. Although I can relate to your 3rd goal .. and I've heard it all my life - I've always kinda disliked it .. since when is worship the "pregame show" to the sermon? I often think worship gets minimized because people view it as a "process to prepare for the sermon". Although we are much more receptive and prone to hearing God's voice when we've spent time in worship (so that COMPLETELY validates your Goal #3) ... I dunno .. it always just rubs me the wrong way for some reason. Anyway - when those worship team members start getting bored .. true, we can (and should) bring forth new music - but just remind them that they'll often be bored of a song WAY before the congregation. I had a similar conversation with one of my players the other day .. not so much about being bored with the music, but having to play with some "less-than-skillful" other musicians ... his comment was that he just didn't really enjoy it and didn't want to play if the other musicians weren't good .. .my response was "guess what .. it's not about you"!. Merciless, huh!? Fred Matt -
No shame in just beginning. Although I can relate to your 3rd goal .. and I’ve heard it all my life – I’ve always kinda disliked it .. since when is worship the “pregame show” to the sermon? I often think worship gets minimized because people view it as a “process to prepare for the sermon”.

Although we are much more receptive and prone to hearing God’s voice when we’ve spent time in worship (so that COMPLETELY validates your Goal #3) … I dunno .. it always just rubs me the wrong way for some reason.

Anyway – when those worship team members start getting bored .. true, we can (and should) bring forth new music – but just remind them that they’ll often be bored of a song WAY before the congregation.

I had a similar conversation with one of my players the other day .. not so much about being bored with the music, but having to play with some “less-than-skillful” other musicians … his comment was that he just didn’t really enjoy it and didn’t want to play if the other musicians weren’t good .. .my response was “guess what .. it’s not about you”!.

Merciless, huh!?

Fred

]]> By: Matt Norman http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-43360 Matt Norman Thu, 07 Feb 2008 01:00:52 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-43360 Ok, first I must shamefully admit that I did not read the entire post, but here are my thoughts (those being the thoughts of a rather inexperience worship leader.) When I lead worship I have three goals; 1. to Worship God, 2. to help the congregation connect with God, and 3. to prepare the congregation to recieve the message. So my goal each week is to find music that does that. So, that being said how do I feel about new music. I think that introducing new music at a pace that the congregation can handle is important. I think that it bring new perspective to the worship. It also keeps the worship team from burning out on the old stuff too. As much as we would like it to be so, many of the people in our worship teams may not have the a relationship with God that can allow them to put their own needs aside and do what is best for the congregation, so they will get board. So, how to introduce new music. Well, my thought would be to start it as a special. Anytime I do specials, I always have the lyrics up on the MediaShout so that they can read or sing along if they desire. This gives you the chance to introduce the song to the people without any pressure on them to sing along. It also gives you a chance to gauge the resonce to help determine if you should try to add it to the set list. From there I think you do it each week for 2 or 3 weeks so that the congregation really has a chance to learn it. From there you make it a regular part of you routine until it seems not to do what it should do for those people in the service. Ok, so I say all of that from the perspective of someone who has only been leading worship since like september. So consider that as you respond....be kind. Ok, first I must shamefully admit that I did not read the entire post, but here are my thoughts (those being the thoughts of a rather inexperience worship leader.) When I lead worship I have three goals; 1. to Worship God, 2. to help the congregation connect with God, and 3. to prepare the congregation to recieve the message. So my goal each week is to find music that does that.

So, that being said how do I feel about new music. I think that introducing new music at a pace that the congregation can handle is important. I think that it bring new perspective to the worship. It also keeps the worship team from burning out on the old stuff too. As much as we would like it to be so, many of the people in our worship teams may not have the a relationship with God that can allow them to put their own needs aside and do what is best for the congregation, so they will get board.

So, how to introduce new music. Well, my thought would be to start it as a special. Anytime I do specials, I always have the lyrics up on the MediaShout so that they can read or sing along if they desire. This gives you the chance to introduce the song to the people without any pressure on them to sing along. It also gives you a chance to gauge the resonce to help determine if you should try to add it to the set list. From there I think you do it each week for 2 or 3 weeks so that the congregation really has a chance to learn it. From there you make it a regular part of you routine until it seems not to do what it should do for those people in the service.

Ok, so I say all of that from the perspective of someone who has only been leading worship since like september. So consider that as you respond….be kind.

]]> By: mandy http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-43340 mandy Tue, 05 Feb 2008 17:07:22 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-43340 fred, can you give us an idea of how many songs to have in a master list? say we do five or six songs each sunday. how many should we have in a six-month rotation? fred,
can you give us an idea of how many songs to have in a master list? say we do five or six songs each sunday. how many should we have in a six-month rotation?

]]> By: Sojourn Music » Blog Archive » Sing A New Song To The Lord … But Is It Too Much For The Congregation? http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-43326 Sojourn Music » Blog Archive » Sing A New Song To The Lord … But Is It Too Much For The Congregation? Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:13:27 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-43326 [...] McKinnon wrote a great blog column recently.  This is an unprecedented time in the history of songs written for worship.  Digital [...] [...] McKinnon wrote a great blog column recently.  This is an unprecedented time in the history of songs written for worship.  Digital [...]

]]> By: Fred McKinnon http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-43317 Fred McKinnon Mon, 04 Feb 2008 17:19:40 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-43317 Ronnie - Once a week - yeah, I can imagine that being fun for the band, but not for the congregation .. I'd be willing to bet if you slack off so much new stuff, you've got enough to get you through the next 6 months .. .and you'll see an increase in corporate participation, which should be your goal for a corporate worship service. God bless, Fred Ronnie -
Once a week – yeah, I can imagine that being fun for the band, but not for the congregation .. I’d be willing to bet if you slack off so much new stuff, you’ve got enough to get you through the next 6 months .. .and you’ll see an increase in corporate participation, which should be your goal for a corporate worship service.

God bless,
Fred

]]> By: Fred McKinnon http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-43311 Fred McKinnon Mon, 04 Feb 2008 15:58:23 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-43311 Hey Everyone, This is some GREAT discussion about new songs in our set lists! I love hearing you all talk about how you do it .. the frequency, how many times you do it, when you bring it back, etc. ChrisfromCanada - love that line about making history .... Amen to that! I'd say a song like "How Great is our God" has done that, for sure! Older isn't necessarily better - we need the new stuff, for sure ... it's just when we get so overloaded with the "new" that nothing is comfortable or familiar anymore ... we can't get past the surface. Keep the discussion rocking! Fred Hey Everyone,
This is some GREAT discussion about new songs in our set lists!

I love hearing you all talk about how you do it .. the frequency, how many times you do it, when you bring it back, etc.

ChrisfromCanada – love that line about making history …. Amen to that! I’d say a song like “How Great is our God” has done that, for sure!

Older isn’t necessarily better – we need the new stuff, for sure … it’s just when we get so overloaded with the “new” that nothing is comfortable or familiar anymore … we can’t get past the surface.

Keep the discussion rocking!
Fred

]]> By: Lewis Moore http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-43308 Lewis Moore Mon, 04 Feb 2008 03:25:02 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-43308 I try to introduce one new song every month. About one half of the congregation are seniors so I try to put 3 songs on the list that they would relate to and two more contemporary songs. I also do a lot of originals during the offertory. I try to introduce one new song every month. About one half of the congregation are seniors so I try to put 3 songs on the list that they would relate to and two more contemporary songs. I also do a lot of originals during the offertory.

]]> By: Ben http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-43299 Ben Sat, 02 Feb 2008 21:24:10 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-43299 Cha-ching! You hit it Fred. I had someone comment recently on my blog for doing a song that is two years old for the first time. My goal isn't to keep up with all the other "cool" worship guys out there, but identify with what is working in my local church. Excellent thoughts man! Thanks! Cha-ching! You hit it Fred. I had someone comment recently on my blog for doing a song that is two years old for the first time. My goal isn’t to keep up with all the other “cool” worship guys out there, but identify with what is working in my local church.

Excellent thoughts man! Thanks!

]]> By: Debby http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-43298 Debby Sat, 02 Feb 2008 18:33:00 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-43298 i think you have hit the nail on the head fred, constant change can rob a congregation of it's touchstone songs. one of our congregations favorite songs is Amazing Grace sung to the tune of the Eagle's Peaceful Easy Feeling in a medley kind of way. it's from the 1980's i believe, at least thats when i became familiar with it. we do it about once every couple months, usually as our offering song and walk out. they sing like mad! and the band loves it too. i hope we never give it up... ...something we did last year was really productive and fun was what we called Band Jam. we let everyone in the band and praise team bring a song as long as there was sheet music and something to listen to and we worship planners had a list of songs we had set aside as something we wanted and then we pared down the list to 10 songs and gave everyone a cd of those 10 about 2 weeks before the date of the Jam. we had a great evening of fellowship, food, music and fun. we actually learned 9 of the 10 that evening, had a great time together with no pressure or time constraint as we have at a regular practice session. we then had 9 new songs to put in services where they fit the theme and we spaced them out about 1 or 2 a month with a couple repetitions each before adding them to the regular play list. when we gave the cd's to the band and praise team to start listening to we also put one in the booth and used it regularly for pre/post service music. it worked beautifully on every level. i think you have hit the nail on the head fred, constant change can rob a congregation of it’s touchstone songs. one of our congregations favorite songs is Amazing Grace sung to the tune of the Eagle’s Peaceful Easy Feeling in a medley kind of way. it’s from the 1980′s i believe, at least thats when i became familiar with it. we do it about once every couple months, usually as our offering song and walk out. they sing like mad! and the band loves it too. i hope we never give it up… …something we did last year was really productive and fun was what we called Band Jam. we let everyone in the band and praise team bring a song as long as there was sheet music and something to listen to and we worship planners had a list of songs we had set aside as something we wanted and then we pared down the list to 10 songs and gave everyone a cd of those 10 about 2 weeks before the date of the Jam. we had a great evening of fellowship, food, music and fun. we actually learned 9 of the 10 that evening, had a great time together with no pressure or time constraint as we have at a regular practice session. we then had 9 new songs to put in services where they fit the theme and we spaced them out about 1 or 2 a month with a couple repetitions each before adding them to the regular play list. when we gave the cd’s to the band and praise team to start listening to we also put one in the booth and used it regularly for pre/post service music. it worked beautifully on every level.

]]> By: From the Feed Reader | Consuming Worship http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-43297 From the Feed Reader | Consuming Worship Sat, 02 Feb 2008 18:16:41 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-43297 [...] Fred McKinnon’s Worship Leader Pitfalls #2 - New Music [...] [...] Fred McKinnon’s Worship Leader Pitfalls #2 – New Music [...]

]]> By: Vicki Biltz http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-43282 Vicki Biltz Sat, 02 Feb 2008 04:25:22 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-43282 We are in the slow process of introducing older songs. Although I will on occasion introduce a brand new recording (David Regier's All Glory, from Song Disc 64) we just introduced Everlasting God, and Word of God Speak was several weeks ago. When we do a brand new song, we often do it as an opening and then in the worship set, and then the following week. Then we skip a week and do it again. By this time everyone has picked it up and is going for it. This is how we have done it since starting our congregation 7 years ago. We had a diverse mix of people, and this has worked very well for everyone. We are in the slow process of introducing older songs. Although I will on occasion introduce a brand new recording (David Regier’s All Glory, from Song Disc 64) we just introduced Everlasting God, and Word of God Speak was several weeks ago. When we do a brand new song, we often do it as an opening and then in the worship set, and then the following week. Then we skip a week and do it again. By this time everyone has picked it up and is going for it. This is how we have done it since starting our congregation 7 years ago. We had a diverse mix of people, and this has worked very well for everyone.

]]> By: Ronnie http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-43281 Ronnie Sat, 02 Feb 2008 03:13:04 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-43281 Thanks Fred. That's really thought provoking. We've been trying to introduce about one new song a week lately. Many of them are offering songs (listen only), but it's still a lot. I emailed the entire band, and some of the church staff, encouraging them to read the blog and send me their thoughts. I'm curious to hear the responses. Especially from our "bored" lead guitar player. He practices every song for hours on his own and is constantly wanting to learn new stuff. Thanks Fred. That’s really thought provoking. We’ve been trying to introduce about one new song a week lately. Many of them are offering songs (listen only), but it’s still a lot.

I emailed the entire band, and some of the church staff, encouraging them to read the blog and send me their thoughts.

I’m curious to hear the responses. Especially from our “bored” lead guitar player. He practices every song for hours on his own and is constantly wanting to learn new stuff.

]]> By: Joe http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-43280 Joe Sat, 02 Feb 2008 02:21:17 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-43280 We tend to introduce no more than one new song a month, and then we include it for 2 or 3 weeks to nurture familiarity. The rest of the songs likely vary significantly from great hymns of ages gone by as well as contemporary familiar songs. I am not the song selector, but I have noticed that some new songs are gone after the third week, but some come back a month or two later and fit well with the message or the worship set. We tend to introduce no more than one new song a month, and then we include it for 2 or 3 weeks to nurture familiarity. The rest of the songs likely vary significantly from great hymns of ages gone by as well as contemporary familiar songs.

I am not the song selector, but I have noticed that some new songs are gone after the third week, but some come back a month or two later and fit well with the message or the worship set.

]]> By: Matthew Daniel http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-43279 Matthew Daniel Sat, 02 Feb 2008 00:10:35 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-43279 Sorry, not the worship pastor (that was me), the senior pastor wanted new songs frequently. :) Sorry, not the worship pastor (that was me), the senior pastor wanted new songs frequently. :)

]]> By: Matthew Daniel http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-43278 Matthew Daniel Sat, 02 Feb 2008 00:08:51 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-43278 EXCELLENT POST! I just came out of a situation where the worship leader wanted a new song just about ever week. It was really, really tough on the crowd. I also used a technique described above with playing it in my pre-service mix (though most only here the last song as we're the only folks there 3 hours early :) ). I usually did a new song two week in a row, then every other week for 6 weeks. Can't get much more practical than this! FANTASTIC POST! EXCELLENT POST!

I just came out of a situation where the worship leader wanted a new song just about ever week. It was really, really tough on the crowd. I also used a technique described above with playing it in my pre-service mix (though most only here the last song as we’re the only folks there 3 hours early :) ).

I usually did a new song two week in a row, then every other week for 6 weeks.

Can’t get much more practical than this! FANTASTIC POST!

]]> By: Chris http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-43272 Chris Fri, 01 Feb 2008 19:14:31 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-43272 Fred I hear what you're saying - I'm not sure I've ever met someone who tried to introduce a new song EVERY week! That sounds like overkill! I try to do 3 new songs every quarter - about once a month but not locked in. We'll do the new song 3 weeks in a row, give it a week off, bring it back and then it becomes part of our repertoire. Also means we kill a song about every month, too. Got to be fair :) Not sure I agree with the "older is better" vibe that I'm getting from the comments. I agree that familiarity is important but that can quickly turn to mundane routine. Doesn't mean old songs aren't important - we use songs that span the last 200 years or so of church history here - but there is also a very strong desire to be writing songs for the next generation. It's important to value history, it's also important to create history! Fred I hear what you’re saying – I’m not sure I’ve ever met someone who tried to introduce a new song EVERY week! That sounds like overkill!

I try to do 3 new songs every quarter – about once a month but not locked in. We’ll do the new song 3 weeks in a row, give it a week off, bring it back and then it becomes part of our repertoire. Also means we kill a song about every month, too. Got to be fair :)

Not sure I agree with the “older is better” vibe that I’m getting from the comments. I agree that familiarity is important but that can quickly turn to mundane routine. Doesn’t mean old songs aren’t important – we use songs that span the last 200 years or so of church history here – but there is also a very strong desire to be writing songs for the next generation.

It’s important to value history, it’s also important to create history!

]]> By: Kevin Eades http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/comment-page-1/#comment-43271 Kevin Eades Fri, 01 Feb 2008 19:10:10 +0000 http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2008/02/01/worship-leader-pitfalls-2-new-music/#comment-43271 Wow Fred! Amazing post! To comment on what Shannon said since I am the youth. I think part of it is the youth listen to every genre of music and have songs from all those genres memorized. We love to listen to a different style of music. That being said I do agree we change what music is "cool" every few weeks. Looking forward to reading the comments :) Wow Fred! Amazing post!
To comment on what Shannon said since I am the youth. I think part of it is the youth listen to every genre of music and have songs from all those genres memorized. We love to listen to a different style of music. That being said I do agree we change what music is “cool” every few weeks.

Looking forward to reading the comments :)

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