Common music ministry problems

[jonesl78]

Since I have been on this site I have noticed that music ministries in the church seem to  experience the same problems that seem to not ever go away. Below are the most common problems that I have seen:

- choir members coming late to rehearsal or not showing up at all
- communication problems between pastor and MOM
- members are late or no show for sunday service
- music leadership lacks experience and it shows
- sing the same songs every sunday
- lack of growth in membership
- members unable to sing in harmony
- no clear chain of command
- musicians and or singers are not prepared for rehearsal or service
- communication is lacking amongst members and leadership

The above are the following that I came up with off the top of my head. I would like others to add to this list and/or provide solutions so that we all can learn and implement into our ministries.

[sjonathan02]

Since I have been on this site I have noticed that music ministries in the church seem to  experience the same problems that seem to not ever go away. Below are the most common problems that I have seen:

- choir members coming late to rehearsal or not showing up at all
- communication problems between pastor and MOM
- members are late or no show for sunday service
- music leadership lacks experience and it shows
- sing the same songs every sunday
- lack of growth in membership
- members unable to sing in harmony
- no clear chain of command
- musicians and or singers are not prepared for rehearsal or service
- communication is lacking amongst members and leadership

The above are the following that I came up with off the top of my head. I would like others to add to this list and/or provide solutions so that we all can learn and implement into our ministries.

Solutions?


Start rehearsal with the people that are there.

Those who are consistently late can be met with after rehearsal or at some other appointed time. At the meeting, the choir director or MOM can discuss expectations for the music ministry. Give Biblical principles for said expectations. If problems still arise because of things that CAN be helped, don't be afraid to release a person.

Folks have to remember that it's about God and not them.

People who don't know the song(s), don't sing. That's easy.

Establish a clear chain of command. Again, easy. Pastor, MOM, choir director, choir member, musical director/musician EVERYONE must remember to stay in their lane. If something gets missed or the ball is dropped, it is easier to establish who's at fault and finding ways to correct the error.


Establishing growth? Are you speaking in terms of spiritually or numerically?

Let's pretend you mean spiritually. Ask the members how they would sing the song (whatever song you're presenting) alone. Tell them that as vessels of God it is their requirement to bring that private praise, that private worship to the collective. That is what allows the people to feel free and uninhibited in their praise.


Singing the same songs? Stop it. Teach new ones (to the faithful few). Those who wanna act like they can't learn the new song(s), perhaps their season with the music ministry is over. There's no shame in that. There IS a problem with not growing musically as a ministry.


Can't sing in harmony? Get better singers OR sing songs that require less harmony. Remember, it's not just about the songs you sing, it's about how the songs you sing touch the congregation, after all that's your mandate as worship leader (and, EVERY member of the music ministry is, in their own way, a worship leader).


Show up late for service = don't get to sing. I don't care if you ARE singing lead to the sermonic selection, you're late. Please enjoy service with the rest of the congregation. 


I have more, but I think that's enough for now. Folks always want to act like God's gonna have an issue with you if you show discipline within your area of ministry. People might, He won't. 

[betnich]

Good suggestions, sjonathan02. My philosophy is to accept people where they are, but to let them know we can always improve on that and do better.

     About singing harmony - folks may think you have to do that all the way through a song, but that's not true, especially w/praise songs. The secret is to do solos or unison melody for most of it, then break into parts at the chorus. If you listen to even secular music they will sometimes have melody for part of a line, then parts or echoes for the rest of that phrase....

[sjonathan02]

Good suggestions, sjonathan02. My philosophy is to accept people where they are, but to let them know we can always improve on that and do better.

     About singing harmony - folks may think you have to do that all the way through a song, but that's not true, especially w/praise songs. The secret is to do solos or unison melody for most of it, then break into parts at the chorus. If you listen to even secular music they will sometimes have melody for part of a line, then parts or echoes for the rest of that phrase....

GREAT philosophy.

[kodacolor]

- choir members coming late to rehearsal or not showing up at all
- members jumping into the choir loft when we sing 'their song'
- music leadership lacks experience and it shows
- sing the same songs every sunday
- lack of growth in membership
- members unable to sing in harmony
- musicians and or singers are not prepared for rehearsal or service
- communication is lacking amongst members and leadership

The above are the issues that we have.  The bold is the main area where I feel I fall in. 

Solutions?


Start rehearsal with the people that are there.

Those who are consistently late can be met with after rehearsal or at some other appointed time. At the meeting, the choir director or MOM can discuss expectations for the music ministry. Give Biblical principles for said expectations. If problems still arise because of things that CAN be helped, don't be afraid to let release a person.

Folks have to remember that it's about God and not them.

People who don't know the song(s), don't sing. That's easy.

Establish a clear chain of command. Again, easy. Pastor, MOM, choir director, choir member, musical director/musician EVERYONE must remember to stay in their lane. If something gets missed or the ball is dropped, it is easier to establish who's at fault and finding ways to correct the error.


Establishing growth? Are you speaking in terms of spiritually or numerically?

Let's pretend you mean spiritually. Ask the members how they would sing the song (whatever song you're presenting) alone. Tell them that as vessels of God it is their requirement to bring that private praise, that private worship to the collective. That is what allows the people to feel free and uninhibited in their praise.


Singing the same songs? Stop it. Teach new ones (to the faithful few). Those who wanna act like they can't learn the new song(s), perhaps their season with the music ministry is over. There's no shame in that. There IS a problem with not growing musically as a ministry.


Can't sing in harmony? Get better singers OR sing songs that require less harmony. Remember, it's not just about the songs you sing, it's about how the songs you sing touch the congregation, after all that's your mandate as worship leader (and, EVERY member of the music ministry is, in their own way, a worship leader).


Show up late for service = don't get to sing. I don't care if you ARE singing lead to the sermonic selection, you're late. Please enjoy service with the rest of the congregation. 


I have more, but I think that's enough for now. Folks always want to act like God's gonna have an issue with you if you show discipline within your area of ministry. People might, He won't. 

If only, if only, if only...

[kodacolor]

     About singing harmony - folks may think you have to do that all the way through a song, but that's not true, especially w/praise songs. The secret is to do solos or unison melody for most of it, then break into parts at the chorus. If you listen to even secular music they will sometimes have melody for part of a line, then parts or echoes for the rest of that phrase....

CO-SIGN!!

[kodacolor]

I'm reading this e-book now.  Hopefully it helps.  I'm just read the first few pages so far and it's pretty on point...but then again it's only the first few pages.  Maybe it will help these situations.  I'll report back when I've read more:

http://books.google.com/books?id=psfn3okbK0UC&pg=RA1-PA9&lpg=RA1-PA9&dq=humility+in+music+ministry&source=bl&ots=BP2ZPLHptt&sig=X2uaMyYw4kTyL8nbGf7ASV-IeTY&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=4&ct=result#PRA1-PA1,M1

[sjonathan02]

If only, if only, if only...

If only, what?

I have a motto at my job: 'If you want it to work, it'll work.'


Folks can either fall in line with that philosophy OR move out of the way.


The only real difference is how, as MOM, one moves those people who refuse to fall in line with said philosophy. 

[LaylaMonroe]

Solutions?


Start rehearsal with the people that are there.

Those who are consistently late can be met with after rehearsal or at some other appointed time. At the meeting, the choir director or MOM can discuss expectations for the music ministry. Give Biblical principles for said expectations. If problems still arise because of things that CAN be helped, don't be afraid to let release a person.

Folks have to remember that it's about God and not them.

People who don't know the song(s), don't sing. That's easy.

Establish a clear chain of command. Again, easy. Pastor, MOM, choir director, choir member, musical director/musician EVERYONE must remember to stay in their lane. If something gets missed or the ball is dropped, it is easier to establish who's at fault and finding ways to correct the error.


Establishing growth? Are you speaking in terms of spiritually or numerically?

Let's pretend you mean spiritually. Ask the members how they would sing the song (whatever song you're presenting) alone. Tell them that as vessels of God it is their requirement to bring that private praise, that private worship to the collective. That is what allows the people to feel free and uninhibited in their praise.


Singing the same songs? Stop it. Teach new ones (to the faithful few). Those who wanna act like they can't learn the new song(s), perhaps their season with the music ministry is over. There's no shame in that. There IS a problem with not growing musically as a ministry.


Can't sing in harmony? Get better singers OR sing songs that require less harmony. Remember, it's not just about the songs you sing, it's about how the songs you sing touch the congregation, after all that's your mandate as worship leader (and, EVERY member of the music ministry is, in their own way, a worship leader).


Show up late for service = don't get to sing. I don't care if you ARE singing lead to the sermonic selection, you're late. Please enjoy service with the rest of the congregation. 


I have more, but I think that's enough for now. Folks always want to act like God's gonna have an issue with you if you show discipline within your area of ministry. People might, He won't. 

That's golden, Jonathan.  Very good stuff, sir.

[sjonathan02]

That's golden, Jonathan.  Very good stuff, sir.

Many thanks.

[gospelpinanodiva]

the problem i have with my choir is that they complain too much. They always say that "Ooooo. I can't reach that note. It's too high." But if i remember correctly, you can do ALL things with Christ Jesus.And it's not the youth complaining. The youth could reach a high note in a hot minute. But it's our sanctuary choir that wont stop nagging. Then they won't show up to rehearsal, so they decide to sing on sunday morning (after arriving late). They sing with the big white computer printed lyrics in their hand. Ha. The other church that i play for sometimes is like so close to perfect. They may have some flaws but they cover them up to make them look good. I get jealous and look at my choir like "y'all need to be like them".

[sjonathan02]

the problem i have with my choir is that they complain too much. They always say that "Ooooo. I can't reach that note. It's too high." But if i remember correctly, you can do ALL things with Christ Jesus.And it's not the youth complaining. The youth could reach a high note in a hot minute. But it's our sanctuary choir that wont stop nagging. Then they won't show up to rehearsal, so they decide to sing on sunday morning (after arriving late). They sing with the big white computer printed lyrics in their hand. Ha. The other church that i play for sometimes is like so close to perfect. They may have some flaws but they cover them up to make them look good. I get jealous and look at my choir like "y'all need to be like them".

Unless you're the MOM or the choir director, there's not much you can do about it. 

If you are, then I'd question why you haven't addressed this situation as of yet.

Can't sing that particular note?

Perhaps, the song should be sung in a different key. One doesn't HAVE to a song in its recorded key (even performance trax give one the option to sing in a lower key).



Perhaps that person isn't a true Sop, alto, tenor. As we age, our voice deepens, usually, and as a result, our range decreases. And, let's not forget that we're dealing with volunteers who, more than likely, only sing "correctly" when they're at choir rehearsal.

[giftedone88]

What Sjon said... if you are the MOM, it plays a really big role; I had this problem with the Male Choir for the last 4 months... AFter i told them last month that singing is something they volunteered to do when they volunteer to join the choir, they straightened up.

The same way people make it to frat, sorority, organizational and other non-work meetings, when they volunteer to join the choir they have to do the same. But in my situation, I had already told the pastor i was gonna sit the male choir down and do another choir for their sunday until they learn that we are in ministry...

i kid you not...i had 27 out of 38 male choir members at rehearsal last week.lol PRayer & backbone with authority does change things! lol

[gospeltime15101]

the problem i have with my choir is that they complain too much. They always say that "Ooooo. I can't reach that note. It's too high." But if i remember correctly, you can do ALL things with Christ Jesus.And it's not the youth complaining. The youth could reach a high note in a hot minute. But it's our sanctuary choir that wont stop nagging. Then they won't show up to rehearsal, so they decide to sing on sunday morning (after arriving late). They sing with the big white computer printed lyrics in their hand. Ha. The other church that i play for sometimes is like so close to perfect. They may have some flaws but they cover them up to make them look good. I get jealous and look at my choir like "y'all need to be like them".

SAME THIG THAT HAPPENS AT MY CHURCH

[robin of drummin]

in the beginning that was the problem, but that quickly was fixed, when we hired two guys that i have been playing with for years since i was kid so knew immediately what it was going be like and tried to warn them ahead of time, the organ player was a total pro producer, did not tolerate foolishnesss, the minister of music "drummer" USC grad, and a masters degree from UNT, was my drumline instructor since high school, so right then i knew lateness and no listning to directon was absolutely not going to be tolerated do keep in mind he is very professional about other people having work schedules, getting off of work at different times, but at least call and let some one know something counts for something,but showing up when you want to just to be seen on TV aint going to flow believe dat