Directions, Part 3

Today I’m excited to reveal the direction of the @V21Church Worship Arts Ministry. This is part three of the series, so if you’re wondering where we’ve operated in the past, visit Part One or Part Two. In the new model, we’ll have individual bands, organically formed (opposed to assigned), each led by a band leader. Every band will look and sound different, but with the same purpose- to lead the congregation in worship of God through Jesus Christ in a missional manner, meaning we’ll have an awareness of the local culture in our day and time. Here is the breakdown:

Advantages of Missional Bands

Excellence
Currently, there are 50 active songs in the @V21Church library. In the current setup, each band plays roughly 30 of those songs. This is due to scheduling, and having the same leader for three of the four bands. Practicing and leading once a month, 12 times a year, does not give musicians adequate time to learn all 30 of those songs. However, if each group takes on 10-12 songs, and practices with the same people on a regular basis, the level of excellence will significantly improve. They can develop a set of songs together over several weeks before leading the congregation.
This is similar to being in a “normal” band. For example, The Whalewatchers currently keep a rotation of 12-15 songs that we work on. As a show approaches, we decide which songs to play, and focus on those for that show.

Organic Development
Musicians will not be appointed; instead bands will form. Musicians who share a common style, friendship, or interest can form bands with the oversight of a band leader, as opposed to being appointed to a band. Band leaders will approach musicians and talk about goals, ideas, and see if it’s a good fit on both sides.

Developing Relationships
Playing in a band allows band members to grow in community and faith with one another. In the current setup, band members only see each other once a month. Also, because people choose to be in a band, our hope is that there will be common interests that help draw people together.

Songwriting
As bands become familiar with songs and practice with regularity, they’ll have extra time to work on new songs together, even writing during rehearsals. The rehearsal prior to the Sunday will focus on getting the set ready, but additional rehearsals gives time for songwriting.

Recording
The hope is that as a band becomes tight, develops new arrangements and writes new songs, they’ll record an e.p. Each band will have a budget to manage, and can put money towards recording.

Diversity of Bands
Bands will have shared musical goals and can focus on developing a specific sound. Also, the sound won’t be limited by one worship leader, who has a certain style and range.

Multiplying Leaders
Instead of focusing on numerous bands, a worship pastor is able to focus on one specific band. The gained time allows training of numerous band leaders, and further developing the music ministry.

Hurdles to Overcome

Change for the Congregation
People resist change, even if it’s for the better in the long run. There will be grumblings about something new, only because it’s not what they are familiar with. However, people will not miss having one main worship leader if there is excellent leadership each week. This will be ensured by training and development of band leaders, and making sure a band is ready before introducing them on Sunday.

Transition
The transition to a full Missonal Band model will in essence require a time of overlap - as new bands form, the Sunday service must go on.
From now until the end of the year, the current band structure will continue while new bands begin rehearsing and preparing for the January 2009 launch.

Potentially Awkward Situation
Another potentially awkward situation arises when new bands form and current musicians do not make a direct transition to a new band. This is unavoidable, as band leaders will seek to find musicians with the skill and shared interests for the vision of their particular band. My hope is that in recognizing this ahead of time steps can be made to ensure current V21 musicians are able to find the best new band for their gifts. In addition, if any musician doesn’t join a band right away, new bands will be continually forming in late spring.

Musicians Stepping Down
For some musicians, the Missional Band structure might be more than they have a desire for or time for, and they will leave. This transition time will give others an excuse to step down if they’ve been wrestling with the decision for a while. While I don’t want to lose anyone, continuing with the current structure in order to keep everyone in the music ministry is not a valid reason. My hope is that musicians will all make the transitions into the new setup.

We’ll go into more details about band leaders, new bands, and the churchwide auditions next week. For now, have a great weekend, and please leave any thoughts, comments, feedback that you may have.