Upcoming Training Webinars!

We are working hard, here at All About Worship, to share resources and encouragement with worship leaders and songwriters worldwide. One of those resources that we are really excited about these days are training webinars! These are 1hr training workshops that you can attend from the comfort of your own home, just using the Internet and a webcam.

Consider joining us for one or both of these coming up:

Worship Songwriting – Webinar w/ Dave Fitzgerald
Wednesday, July 27, 2011 from 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM (CT)

Webinar w/ Matthew Reed: Effective Worship Team Auditions & Rehearsals
Thursday, August 04, 2011 from 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM (CT)

Both of these are donation-based. Registration for webinars like these are typically around $30-$50, but we’ve intentionally made our webinars donation-based, so that the cost will not be a hinderance to anyone.

Hope to see you there!

-Wisdom Moon

Jared Anderson on Dealing with Volume Complaints

In this exclusive AAW Plus video, Jared Anderson shares his insights on dealing with volume complaints from your congregation:

Welcomed or unWelcomed Worship Leader?

written by Chris Kuti (formerly of Chris and Conrad)

Have you ever had a person over to your house who seemed to forget that they were a guest? Did it seem like everything they did got on your nerves? They didn’t take their shoes off, left things a mess, and forgot the coaster. We’ve all been there, and more than likely the person isn’t intentionally getting on your nerves, they just don’t know.

The same is true of many worship leaders who’ve been given the opportunity to be a guest in other churches. If you’re at the point where other churches are asking you to be a guest worship leader, be thankful. The idea of handing over the spiritual direction of a particular worship service to a “stranger” is scary for a Pastor and his staff.

Whether you’re a guest worship leader at other churches regularly or periodically, don’t allow yourself to become the unwelcomed guest. In these situations, first impressions are everything and that’s why I’m here to help. So here are a few practical ways to make sure you don’t leave the per viable water ring on the coffee table of any church you visit.

BE KIND - I know what you’re thinking, “is this guy serious?” Yes! You wouldn’t believe how many musicians I’ve come across who somehow forget simple manners when communicating with the people who are hosting them as a guest. Take it from a guy who’s had a bad day and allowed that to effect his mood in a few guest situations. It’s not worth sacrificing your credibility because things aren’t going as planned. Whether you’re taking a call regarding the planning of the service, or communicating with the band and tech crew, pay extra attention to your mood. Go the extra mile to be kind to everyone you meet, and remember, you’re a guest in their church.

CONNECT - All too often worship leaders make it their agenda to do the songs they want to do. As a one time guest in a new place, you already have the disadvantage of people wondering “who’s the new guy?” It needs to be your focus to cancel out any other hindrances that you could be in a service that is not at all about you. A great way to lose people in this context is to do a bunch of songs that you love, but they’ve never heard before. Can you be yourself? Absolutely, but not at the expense of losing people. A great rule of thumb is to ask the church worship leader or production staff for the set-lists of the past two months worth of services. With this list of songs, you’ll be able to get a great understanding of what the worshipers there are familiar with.

GET ALL THE DETAILS - We musicians can be a weird breed sometimes. We tend to fly by the seat of our pants, and this can be destructive for a guest worship leader. In your preparation for an upcoming guest date, make sure that you have all the details about the church and what their services look like each week. What’s their desired set length, do they want you to bring your own band, are you playing with their band, leading acoustically? How is the service starting, when are the announcements, how should you transition into the message? These are all valid questions that you should commit to memory because the flow and details of every service that you’re a part of are an important piece in the leading of God’s people. Another great rule of thumb is to try and keep communication detailed, yet limited. Try not to be the guy who calls every day with a million questions. Instead, schedule a few scattered conversations that cover all the details at once. These conversations should be far out from the date, after the set list is put together, and a few days before the date.

PROVIDE A TECHNICAL RIDER - To some, the word “rider” is considered a cuss word. Let me ease your mind, it’s not! Without communicating what you’ll need and what you’re providing, you can quickly become an unwelcomed guest. This rider needs to be simple and detailed according to multiple configurations (leading alone, leading with your band, or with their band). A technical rider only works correctly when you communicate with the technical volunteers or staff directly. This will give you a clear idea of what they have so you’ll be able to work with their equipment. Without communicating openly, your rider will seem like demands instead of a clear, effective communication of details. If it helps to ease your mind, you could call it a “technical stress reliever sheet.”

Here are a few things to include in this technical rider:

• # of DI boxes & XLR cables needed

• # of microphones and mic stands needed

• if you’ll need to use any of their backline (drums, keyboard, amps)

• how many channels you’ll need on their console & the name of the instrument on every channel

• how many (monitors) needed and their position (if you travel with your own, communicate how many aux’s you’ll need on their console)

KNOW YOUR MUSIC - This is important whether you’re a guest or not. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you’re having to lead with the band that normally plays at the church, it’s even more important. You need to be rehearsed long before you run rehearsals with their band. This will allow you to feel comfortable and be able to work through any problem areas or limitations with the church’s band. Do your research about the band that is playing along with you, and try to pick songs and arrangements that match the skill set of the players present.

PROVIDE A DETAILED FLOW – When working through the arrangements of each song and elements of the service, type out a detailed text file of the lyrics and flow. This will be important for whoever is running the presentation lyrics. You can’t expect a stranger to know your leading style. So in order to skip this potential train wreck, provide the flow of lyrics in the exact order that you’ll be doing the songs. This way, whoever is running the presentation software will only have to press the down arrow after every slide.

GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME – Show up early to the rehearsal, get comfortable with the gear, stage, and sound before the congregation starts showing up. The more time you give yourself in preparation before the service, the more you’ll be able to be focused and comfortable in an unfamiliar place.

CONNECT WITH THE PASTOR - If at all possible, schedule a few minutes before the service begins to connect with the pastor. Thank him for trusting you and be sensitive to any desires that he has for the segue into his message or during the invitation.

We’d love to hear of any more tips that have helped you become a better guest worship leader. Join the conversation below!

The Possibilities, Practicals & Pitfalls of Co-Writing! (Upcoming Webinar)

Ever had the dream of walking in to a room with your guitar, a notebook and a Starbucks, shaking hands with a total stranger and then spending the next three hours composing the most beautiful piece of worshipful art you’ve ever come across?Inspired by people who can sit down beside you with a blank piece of paper and find rhymes for words like essence, Bethlehem and hermeneutic that actually seem to work in a song? Too afraid to actually begin to explore the idea of co-writing because you just have no idea what’s supposed to happen?

Have we got a webinar for you!

Chris Vacher & Joshua Seller are no co-writing experts but they have written songs together and with others. These songs have come out of old friendships, new introductions and life experiences in general. Some of these songs are now being sung in churches all over – but that’s not the point.

In this webinar, we’ll talk through some of the things we’ve learned through writing songs with other people. We’ll talk about some of the great possibilities, some of the real practical things that can help you as well as some of the pitfalls that may come along the way.

Chris Vacher’s Bio

Chris began his role as the Director of Worship at Orangeville Baptist Church near Toronto in 2005. In2009 he began spearheading WorshipRises, a movement of Canadian worship leaders committed to developing worship resources for & from the Canadian church. He is married to Sonya and the abundantly proud dad of four kids.

Joshua Seller’s Bio

In a time when the lines between church music and mainstream music have been hazed and blurred, Christian artists rooted in humility and focused on exalting Christ are hard to find.

That’s where Joshua Seller comes in.

Based out of Harvest Bible Chapel in Oakville, ON, Songwriter / Worship leader Joshua Seller represents a breath of fresh air in both Canadian church-culture and the larger Christian music industry too.  Seller is passionate about his art but also determined and mindful to eliminate ego from the equation.  No rock star attitudes here.

But don’t let his modesty fool you. Having opened for Casting Crowns on their 2009 Canadian tour, garnered mega-exposure for his song “Song of the Angels” through CCLI, won “Scriptural Song of the Year” at the 2009 Covenant Awards and, last but definitely not least, finished in the Top 10 in the 2002 season of Canadian Idol, Seller has definitely been a busy man.

“Through the Canadian Idol experience, God showed me a brief season of fame,” Seller explains. “The whole time I thought I could serve both God and the World. But I was wrong.”  It was through releasing and touring a secular album that God revealed that no fame could buy happiness for Seller. “I remember getting to the point where I had to choose between Christ and the world. I chose Christ because He revealed His love and grace to me in such a way I could do nothing but choose Him.”

Following these life changes, Seller found himself at Harvest Bible Chapel, a church where he would soon put down roots with his family. Serving there now as a full-time vocational worship leader, Seller’s number one focus is writing songs for the church and leading services there.

His progressive sound is built around songs that move and build – from soft and intimate to big and exciting. Drawing inspiration from worship leaders such as Chris Tomlin, Bob Kauflin, and Kristian Stanfill, Joshua Seller is excited about being used as a Psalmist for our generation: Writing songs that God would allow the world to sing to Him.

Seller is passionate about the church, plain and simple. “The heart of why I write & sing is to make Jesus known and lead people into His presence.” Whether with local congregations in Ontario or on larger stages through out North America, Joshua Seller’s passionate songs and servant-heart will continue to inspire and draw people in closer and closer to where God is leading.

Kim Walker-Smith on Spontaneous Worship

Here is a video of Kim Walker-Smith (of Jesus Culture) sharing her insights on spontaneous worship. Be sure to check out her brand new website.

Mentoring Young Worship Leaders – Dwayne Moore

Author and speaker, Dwayne Moore, shares thoughts on the importance of mentoring and training up young worship leaders. Become a Plus Member to watch the entire video and gain access to many more resources.

How I Write Songs – Tommy Walker

Usually in the morning, following a time of devotions, I’ll meditate on one specific thought that has come to me either through the Word or through prayer. Most creative people will tell you they have a specific time of day (or night) when they are the most productive. I suggest that you try to identify the time when you are at your most creative, then make it a point to reserve that time each day just for songwriting. My time happens to be in the morning. I’ll pick up my guitar and begin strumming in a musical style that best seems to communicate the thought I’m working with. Then I just begin to worship. I search for a catchphrase (one line), or a “hook,” that best describes the thought. If I can find that one line, half the battle is over! Many times the phrase will already be found in scripture.

At this point I’m already starting to think about how I can create music that will enable the average person to sing along and be touched by this one phrase or truth. In other words, I try to keep the melody within an octave and try to keep the rhythmical phrasing of the lyrics consistent and as simple as possible.

When the song starts taking form it’s time to ask a couple of important questions. Does the song sound too much like some other song? Is the song too predictable? Even if the answer to these questions is “yes,” it isn’t necessarily time to give up.

If the song seems to have potential, I’ll focus on either changing the melody slightly, changing the rhythm or groove of the song, or both. None of us can escape the fact that frequently a new song is inspired by some other song. There’s nothing wrong with that. But when listening to your new song, consciously think about what parts of it sound exactly like the other song, then tweak it so it’s different.

For me, this is where the real work usually begins. I’ve got the basic idea of the music and the lyrical hook of the chorus. Now I have to come up with all the other lyrics that will complete the song. At this point I find it helpful to look up scripture references that go along with the original text or theme, and I’ll use my computer thesaurus. My goal is to avoid using the same phrases I used in my last song. This approach always forces me to be creative when writing lyrics.

As I continue getting ideas, I sing and play them into a hand-held digital recorder. I recommend using a small, portable recording device. It’s a good way to make sure a fleeting, but great, idea doesn’t get away. I’m always looking for interesting or new chord progressions that will serve as a fresh sounding bed for the lyrics to rest on. I am also listening for the correct tempo, and the type of groove the drums will play.

When all the basics of the song are in place, when the framework is complete, it’s time to listen to it critically. Playing back a song frequently gives me new ideas. Of course there are often times I find myself beginning to dislike what I’ve done and wondering why I wasted my time. That’s when I take a break and come back to the song at a later time. A little time and distance can work wonders for objectivity.

Once I return to a song, if it’s pretty much complete and seems to have even a little potential, I play it for a few people whom I can count on for honest feedback. In my case, two of those people include my wife and my pastor. It is extremely important that every writer have an honest, straightforward and objective friend who can serve as a sounding board for new songs, and new song ideas. Ideally it will be someone you can trust; someone who you know loves you, someone who wants you to succeed. Of course, it’s also a huge plus if your sounding board has a proven ear for a good song. If you’re blessed with more than one objective listener, that’s even better!

If my new song passes the listening test of my wife and pastor, then I will teach it to the congregation of my church. Most of the time I usually know right away if the song is “the bomb” or just “a bomb.” However, I generally try to keep the song in our worship services for two or three weeks in a row. Giving up on a new song too soon might eliminate the opportunity for me to see if it is gradually being accepted and embraced by the congregation.

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Article by Tommy Walker. Used with permission.

Show Notes for April 22, 2009: Interview with Bethany Dillon & Paul Baloche

This week Ben and Wisdom are given a special introduction by Jason Henderson. During the podcast we have two special interviews with Paul Baloche and Bethany Dillon. We also had our first phone message! (A big deal for us to hear your voices) Thanks to our new friend from Minneapolis, MN for the phone call!

Special HUGE THANKS to our friend singer/songwriter/worship leader/composer extraordinaire….Mandy Thompson for the brand new intro bump for the podcast. It’s KILLER!!!

Bethany Dillon has a new album coming out in 2009.  You’ll hear her story of how she began her worship leading/songwriting journey, her songwriting process and a nice little story involving a urinal tank, a bus and Shane Barnard of Shane&Shane.

Show Links

• Paul Baloche. Learn more about Paul’s ministry, recordings and website for worship leaders at www.LeadWorship.com

• Bethany Dillon. Visit Bethany’s website here.

• Pocket Full of Rocks. Our next interview with Michael Farren is Monday, April 27 at 9pm CST. NOTE THE ANNOUNCED TIME ON THE CAST IS WRONG. It will be at 9pm CST vs 8pm CST. (That’s 7pm for our CA friends.) Visit their website here.

• Christy Nockels. An upcoming interview with Christy on Wednesday, April 29 at 12pm CST on Talkshoe here. Visit Christy’s website here.

• Darrell Evans Songwriting Tele-seminar. Monday, May 4, 8pm CST. Join Darrell Evans live phone seminar on songwriting. All proceeds go to NightLight Ministries to fight Human Trafficking. Learn more & register online.

• Darrell Evans Podcasts. AskDarrell@AllAboutWorship.com Send your questions for Darrell’s monthly podcasts.

• Integrity Music. Special thanks to Integrity Music for giving us permission to let you all hear two of Paul Baloche’s songs from his album “Our God Saves” Check out their website for some great resourches at www.IntegrityMusic.com

• Contact us. Visit Wisdom’s blog here. Visit Ben’s blog here.  Email the podcast at podcast@allaboutworship.com or call us and leave a voicemail at 206.984.2441.

You can listen to this episode of the podcast online here. Or go subscribe here. And even better…subscribe on iTunes here .

Look At Them (worship leading tip)

When it comes to the role of a worship leader in any given church, we don’t all have the same philosophy of ministry. The job descriptions are as varied as doctrinal statements. And, so are the personalities and preferences of the worship leaders themselves. Some approach the role as “I’m standing up there to set an example of worship.” An extreme example of this is the leader who runs through song after song with his eyes closed, not giving any attention to the rest of the people in the room, and just hopes that they want to do what he’s doing. Others approach it with the thought “I’m up there to lead others in worship.” An extreme example might be the pro-active leader who tells everyone, every Sunday, to raise their hands in a song that mentions this expression of worship… or clap in a fast song… or… well, you get the picture.

With either mentality, we can not separate our role from the people we are responsible for leading. We have a primary responsibility to effectively engage others in worship – to set a tone that is hospitable, safe, and inviting.

We must remember that the overwhelming majority of those gathering in our buildings on Sunday mornings are not professional musicians. They are not soloists. They are not confident in their vocal abilities. And, yet, in order to fully participate in worship, we ask them to sing – like they mean it – loudly enough for their neighbors to hear them. (Can you feel them cringe when they walk in the door?)

How can we make this a pleasant experience? How can we encourage them? How can we better invite them in?

One small thing that will have a huge impact on our congregation, is eye-contact.

I recently had the opportunity to be a guest worship leader at a church I’d never stepped foot in before. Without having been introduced to the congregation, I led two of the songs in our worship set. I was aware of the fact that the church body had no idea who I was or why I was a part of the team that day. Even though I didn’t go through the “During this song, I want to invite you to…” spiel, I deliberately made eye contact with every corner of the room as we all sang the first song together. I looked at them. All of them. Of course, their eyes were on this stranger standing in front. They watched me. And, I took every opportunity to smile back, as if to say “I’m glad I’m here and I’m so glad you’re here with me. Let’s do this together.” I needed them to know that I wanted to connect with them. That I wanted them to participate. That I wanted to serve them. That I wanted to help them worship.

So, I looked at them.

By the time we began the second song, they were trusting and ready to deeply engage in worship with me. They didn’t know my name. They didn’t know where I lived. They didn’t know why I was there that day. But they knew, for that brief moment, that I was leading them in worship. And they followed.

Let me encourage you, whether you’re the head Worship Leader at your church or an alto in a choir of 80 members, look at those that you are asking to follow you. Let them know that you are aware of their presence. Connect with them. Invite them in. They will better follow. They will better worship. And you will better lead.

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written by Mandy Thompson

This article was originally posted on TheWorshipCommunity.com

What are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree?

What Is Worship? (Darlene Zschech – Worship Intensive)

What is worship? Darlene Zschech gives a truthful and passionate message about true worship to our God. This is part 1 of 4.