Two and a half years. You pour everything into it, can't imagine how you could ever live without it, and yet, in an instant, God gives you an ending you never saw coming. He takes it away, and pulls you away. I had always wondered, what would it be like to see someone else leading the team I had prayed so hard for God to bring? God took care of that as well. When He tells you to leave, you leave. You don't look back.
Does it feel good? No. Is there ever proper closure? No. When you stand up for what is right, what is biblical, there rarely ever is. In many ways, it is easier for me than other worship leaders I imagine. God called me out of my normal life as an economist to do something extraordinary for Him. In an instant, He returned me to that life.
I return to songwriting, playing in odd gigs, and sitting around the house jamming. Just like before. I do not desire to jump back on the train. Everything lasts for a season. I am eternally grateful that God let me have that season. Peace to all. - Ron
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
To worship song writers: write something I can use
The more I've been in my role as a worship leader (2 years now) the more I have tried to branch out and do non-traditional songs from non-traditional authors (traditional being Tomlin, Redman, Hillsong) who everyone has pretty much done to death and then well beyond. The more I branch out the more I realize why these artists are so often the go-to guns on a Sunday morning: they write songs that can actually be done.
My big 6, not so magical, elements for what makes a successful worship song.
1. Make a point. Make the point not be about you but God. Not 5 points, one or 2 at the most.
2. Don't get too clever with the key changes. Sure it makes you an individual, but your job is not to throw the congregation off. Most worship leaders listen to something and think "could my congregation get this on one take?" If not, bye-bye.
3. The main elements HAVE to be able to be played by everyday musicians. Am I saying dumb it down? Not really but maybe. Think of the guitar runs in Salvation is Here or Happy Day. Easy as pie yet totally invigorating.
4. This is related to #3. Effects should be optional to add value only. If the drummer needs to run through an evolving filter to make it work, it ain't happening.
5. Do something unique in the song. A cool but short instrument pattern, a building and evolving bridge, cutouts, fades/builds, stop slams, whatever. Just strumming an acoustic for 4 minutes is boring and has been done to over-death.
6. Now the biggie. Wait for it.... Make it so that most people can actually SING IT!!!!!!! Worship songs are not a test of vocal range (I'm talking to you Planetshakers (who I love)). People can't worship if a doctor needs to be called in to inspect their damaged vocal chords. Oh and most worship leaders don't have the range to sing 2 octaves apart which degrades the song. And none of this goofy cadence stuff, where you cram 3 words into an offbeat, yes Dave Crowder, you are offender numeral uno.
Do those 6 things, and actually write a catchy song, and you may actually write something worthwhile.
If you want me to judge something you've written, contact me through this blog. I am a fair and very honest music critic. Thanks for reading, if anyone actually ever does. - Ron
My big 6, not so magical, elements for what makes a successful worship song.
1. Make a point. Make the point not be about you but God. Not 5 points, one or 2 at the most.
2. Don't get too clever with the key changes. Sure it makes you an individual, but your job is not to throw the congregation off. Most worship leaders listen to something and think "could my congregation get this on one take?" If not, bye-bye.
3. The main elements HAVE to be able to be played by everyday musicians. Am I saying dumb it down? Not really but maybe. Think of the guitar runs in Salvation is Here or Happy Day. Easy as pie yet totally invigorating.
4. This is related to #3. Effects should be optional to add value only. If the drummer needs to run through an evolving filter to make it work, it ain't happening.
5. Do something unique in the song. A cool but short instrument pattern, a building and evolving bridge, cutouts, fades/builds, stop slams, whatever. Just strumming an acoustic for 4 minutes is boring and has been done to over-death.
6. Now the biggie. Wait for it.... Make it so that most people can actually SING IT!!!!!!! Worship songs are not a test of vocal range (I'm talking to you Planetshakers (who I love)). People can't worship if a doctor needs to be called in to inspect their damaged vocal chords. Oh and most worship leaders don't have the range to sing 2 octaves apart which degrades the song. And none of this goofy cadence stuff, where you cram 3 words into an offbeat, yes Dave Crowder, you are offender numeral uno.
Do those 6 things, and actually write a catchy song, and you may actually write something worthwhile.
If you want me to judge something you've written, contact me through this blog. I am a fair and very honest music critic. Thanks for reading, if anyone actually ever does. - Ron
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Worship Leading and Self Promotion: Is it Right?
When it comes to worship leading I can say that I have a "no agenda, agenda". I am not fulfilling some regular gig musician wannabe void and I am not out to further myself. I lead worship for 2 reasons. God gave me the gift and my church asked me. What other reasons are there?
With that established, I wanted to address something I see in a number of contemporary Christian circles/churches. That is the "worship leader as a means of promoting my song writing ability" mentality. Having hit a number of blogs and other types of worship sites, I typically see some level of product placement or other references to self-made music musicians often do in public places as a soft sell of their own material. Believe me, I know about this because I do it in my other projects that are not related to worship music!
It usually goes like this:
"I was bothered by the lighting in my church and wanted to relay my thoughts on lighting. Here at We're God's Rocking House church, we take a subtle approach. Like last week when we were playing "God Rocks" off of our new cd (available at most online stores and from the address bar on the right)..."
You get the point.
Now, is this inherently wrong? Not really. God didn't anoint one song-writer's ability to copy a Psalm and put music to it more than another and I'm sure a sincere rendition of any words recognizing the majesty of our Father is all he is looking for. But, if these songs are being written for self-profit or promotion then yes, I do think the intention can cross lines. Churches should not be platforms for frustrated musicians. Like Myspace or other internet sites that let generally untalented people post generally untalented music, just because the outlet is there, doesn't mean it needs to be used. All worship leaders should look within and ask themselves "Do I lead worship as an act of obedience and use of my gifting in the body as illustrated in I Cor. 12?" or are there other motivations?
I encourage all worship leaders who want to write music to do so outside of their own church and once it gains acceptance elsewhere, bring it into your own body. If you're that good, this shouldn't be an issue.
With that established, I wanted to address something I see in a number of contemporary Christian circles/churches. That is the "worship leader as a means of promoting my song writing ability" mentality. Having hit a number of blogs and other types of worship sites, I typically see some level of product placement or other references to self-made music musicians often do in public places as a soft sell of their own material. Believe me, I know about this because I do it in my other projects that are not related to worship music!
It usually goes like this:
"I was bothered by the lighting in my church and wanted to relay my thoughts on lighting. Here at We're God's Rocking House church, we take a subtle approach. Like last week when we were playing "God Rocks" off of our new cd (available at most online stores and from the address bar on the right)..."
You get the point.
Now, is this inherently wrong? Not really. God didn't anoint one song-writer's ability to copy a Psalm and put music to it more than another and I'm sure a sincere rendition of any words recognizing the majesty of our Father is all he is looking for. But, if these songs are being written for self-profit or promotion then yes, I do think the intention can cross lines. Churches should not be platforms for frustrated musicians. Like Myspace or other internet sites that let generally untalented people post generally untalented music, just because the outlet is there, doesn't mean it needs to be used. All worship leaders should look within and ask themselves "Do I lead worship as an act of obedience and use of my gifting in the body as illustrated in I Cor. 12?" or are there other motivations?
I encourage all worship leaders who want to write music to do so outside of their own church and once it gains acceptance elsewhere, bring it into your own body. If you're that good, this shouldn't be an issue.
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