LearnGospelMusic.com Community

Main => Gospel Music Lounge => Topic started by: Incognegro on September 18, 2009, 02:12:43 PM

Title: ANOTHER service?
Post by: Incognegro on September 18, 2009, 02:12:43 PM: Have you ever felt like your church is just too busy? Too many services, always a special program, always a rehearsal of some kind.

As our only keys player, I'm needed in every service.

Of course it's not RC (Religiously Correct) to say "I don't wanna be here all the time!", but when you have a family and other interests, it can weigh on you. :-\

I'm sure we've had a thread like this in the past, but I couldn't locate it.
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: under13 on September 18, 2009, 02:18:34 PM: I just dont go. The church I play for has an evening service every Sunday. I only go when they have something special.
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: churchyreal on September 18, 2009, 02:19:41 PM: Quote from: Incognegro on September 18, 2009, 02:12:43 PM
Have you ever felt like your church is just too busy? Too many services, always a special program, always a rehearsal of some kind.

As our only keys player, I'm needed in every service.

Of course it's not RC (Religiously Correct) to say "I don't wanna be here all the time!", but when you have a family and other interests, it can weigh on you. :-\

I'm sure we've had a thread like this in the past, but I couldn't locate it.

Yeah we are dealing with that right now. Our church is a small 350+ membership church yet we operate like a church with about 3500 people. Space is limited cause our sanctuary fits 300. We have 2 services every Sunday and we kind of have conflicting mindsets. Our pastor is a big-church minded person yet many of the members, particuarly those who have been in our church for years are still small church oriented. Our church is in a small town and area where there's like a church on every corner.

Then we still have a few afternoon services which would make it our 3rd service of the day...ugghh! Then we have so many rehearsals during the week it can feel overloaded at times. That's why I don't go to bible study sometimes because I"m at the church so much already during the week.
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: Incognegro on September 18, 2009, 02:24:03 PM: Quote from: under13 on September 18, 2009, 02:18:34 PM
I just dont go. The church I play for has an evening service every Sunday. I only go when they have something special.

There's another Keys/Organ player?
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: churchyreal on September 18, 2009, 02:27:00 PM: Quote from: Incognegro on September 18, 2009, 02:24:03 PM
There's another Keys/Organ player?

Yes and no. Yes because we have somebody assist with Senior Choir on 2nd Sunday because originally I played at another church on 2nd Sunday before playing full time. But all the other Sundays it's just me. Pastor believes in having one musician (Keys/organ player) for consistency and "community".
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: b3wannab on September 18, 2009, 02:30:26 PM: This is something that most musicians will struggle with at some point.

I believe that your family is your 1st ministry, and being a church musician is your 2nd ministry. Make sure your 2nd ministry doesn't get in the way of your 1st ministry.

Sometimes you may just have to say, "I ain't comin'!"
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: Incognegro on September 18, 2009, 02:38:21 PM: Quote from: b3wannab on September 18, 2009, 02:30:26 PM
Sometimes you may just have to say, "I ain't comin'!"

It's hard for me to not go, knowing that all they'll have is a bass and drums. :D
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: LaylaMonroe on September 18, 2009, 02:39:03 PM: My Atl church is like that. As a consultant, I try to encourage pastors to have services and launch auxiliary ministries on a need-based basis. They always agree, but they rarely adhere.

My ATL church, with less than 100 members (and about 40 regulars) had 5:30 a.m. prayer every weekday, and leaders were required to attend at least twice a week (intercessors and ministers, 3 times a week). We had Bible Study on Wednesdays and service on Fridays, plus two services on Sundays. Not only does that take a lot of time, it also takes a lot of money (offerings and gas!!!). Plus, the chances of eating out are greater when you go to church a lot.

It can be frustrating.

I'm grateful that at the Alabama church, only about 10 ppl actually live in Selma, so we don't have ANY extra services - just one a week. He does preach out a lot, though (about 3-5 times a month), and I always travel with him and the other ministers. He did mention starting Bible Study before the year is out. I hope he'll do it on the phone! LOL

I'm starting a virtual church movement!!! LOL
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: under13 on September 18, 2009, 02:46:51 PM: Quote from: Incognegro on September 18, 2009, 02:24:03 PM
There's another Keys/Organ player?

Yeah, the Pastor plays the piano. I dont think I'd ever play at a church where I'm the only musician.
Quote from: b3wannab on September 18, 2009, 02:30:26 PM
This is something that most musicians will struggle with at some point.

I believe that your family is your 1st ministry, and being a church musician is your 2nd ministry. Make sure your 2nd ministry doesn't get in the way of your 1st ministry.

Sometimes you may just have to say, "I ain't comin'!"

I agree.

I'm waiting for the church folks here to say "you can never have too much of the word......."
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: sjonathan02 on September 18, 2009, 02:52:08 PM: Quote from: under13 on September 18, 2009, 02:46:51 PM
Yeah, the Pastor plays the piano. I dont think I'd ever play at a church where I'm the only musician.
I agree.

I'm waiting for the church folks here to say "you can never have too much of the word......."

Well, you can't. :-\

;) :D BUT YOU CAN READ IT JUST AS WELL AT HOME.
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: Incognegro on September 18, 2009, 02:53:25 PM: Quote from: under13 on September 18, 2009, 02:46:51 PM
I'm waiting for the church folks here to say "you can never have too much of the word......."

Brutha28:
(http://harvardcitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/features-learners.jpg)
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: B3Wannabe on September 18, 2009, 02:55:24 PM: Same here.

I just say no. There is nothing wrong with that.

What I do, is try to train someone to take my place; so if I'm not there, then nothing falls apart--as they say.

Sheesh! There's nothing wrong with simply staying home one Sunday! It's not THAT serious, really. I love church just as much as the next person, but being a Christian is more than just going to church every Sunday.

I also plan my vacations far in advance, and try to let them know when I'll be away as early as possible.
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: Incognegro on September 18, 2009, 02:58:00 PM: Quote from: under13 on September 18, 2009, 02:46:51 PM
I'm waiting for the church folks here to say "you can never have too much of the word......."

Quote from: sjonathan02 on September 18, 2009, 02:52:08 PM

Well, you can't. :-\

;) :D BUT YOU CAN READ IT JUST AS WELL AT HOME.

I know you meant for that print to be small, but I had to make that bigga fuh emfuhsis.
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: spider5 on September 18, 2009, 03:10:10 PM: Have they or are they trying to get another musician? If not, maybe you should tell them that you have a family and that you need to spend time with them, and that you won't be able to come to every service, because you have to spend time with your family. Hopefully and prayerfully they will understand, and find another musician to ease the tension off of you, trust me I know what you mean and what you are going through, and if you are not careful you'll get used.
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: Incognegro on September 18, 2009, 03:18:32 PM: Quote from: spider5 on September 18, 2009, 03:10:10 PM
Have they or are they trying to get another musician? If not, maybe you should tell them that you have a family and that you need to spend time with them, and that you won't be able to come to every service, because you have to spend time with your family. Hopefully and prayerfully they will understand, and find another musician to ease the tension off of you, trust me I know what you mean and what you are going through, and if you are not careful you'll get used.

I'm currently teaching two kids the basics. I'm talking Major Scales. It'll be a while before either of them can hold down a service, but I'm working on it.
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: churchyreal on September 18, 2009, 03:21:19 PM: At my church I took a vacation one Sunday and when I came back people made me feel like I had been gone for like 3 months....in my head I'm like dang man I was only out one Sunday. The Senior Choir musician who plays with me on 2nd Sunday played.

I'm in my senior year in college and I have been fairly lenient with them during my college experience regarding attending. One stipulation I put this school year is that I'm not doing any more than 2 3 service Sundays. The only exception is if Pastor has to preach somewhere. But I don't attend bible study because at least 4 to 5 evenings are in church and I'm trying to take proper time for classwork and social stuff at school this year. This my last year and I'm trying to enjoy it...you know?
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: B3Wannabe on September 18, 2009, 03:29:24 PM: I rarely do Bible study. That's either a house work, or family day. I prefer Sunday School.
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: betnich on September 18, 2009, 03:52:24 PM: Quote from: churchyreal on September 18, 2009, 02:27:00 PM
Yes and no. Yes because we have somebody assist with Senior Choir on 2nd Sunday because originally I played at another church on 2nd Sunday before playing full time. But all the other Sundays it's just me. Pastor believes in having one musician (Keys/organ player) for consistency and "community".

I think that is my situation. There are a few other Keys players (one on the PT) but Pastor prefers my style, so I'm the one who gets asked to play for offering, altar calls, Kids' song, extra services, background for Communion, etc. I don't want it to get to the place where it's automatically assumed that I will do it all the time and nobody else steps up to participate; that's no way to grow a ministry.

My position is that I will do anything that the whole Praise ministry is asked to do - but use the others from time to time for those 'extras'....
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: T-Block on September 18, 2009, 09:27:50 PM: I don't think my chuch is busy enough. We only have 2 services, Sunday morning and Wednesday night. People be complaining bout dat. Sheesh people, some of u spend more time than that in the bathroom.
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: Mysteryman on September 18, 2009, 10:40:49 PM: Scrubs. ::) lol

We used to have Sunday morning and night, Monday night choir rehearsal, Tuesday night missionary service, wednesday mid week service, Thursday night bible study, Friday HG joy service, and some Saturday rehearsals. They tried to get rid of tues and fri services and rehearsal on sat now but that didn't work. lol I don't go everyday and I don't feel bad. Used to but I know that's why we need rest. I sometimes stay home and pray or read. I even sometimes just stay home to sleep. lol
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: SavnBass on September 19, 2009, 02:25:05 AM: My church has 3 active bass players.. but at one point it was just me.. and I was playing 2 services in the morning.. and one in the evening.. and for a while there I was playing in the hispanic service too so basically I was there all day.. WE have two primary bassists that alternate weekly now.. and one guy who does evening services.. but we are blessed in the sense that we could field at least 4 whole bands at least.. if all the musicians at our church. As it is now I play on one praise team and I also play with a band that is affiliated with the church but not an official part of the music ministry.. WE also have an alternative thing we do that I am also a part of.. It worls for me.. but t gets hectic sometimes. I guess what you have to ask yourself is ... why are you playing in the first place.

Me.. I am just grateful that at this point I have a venue to play in and I want to do it... and I can... I made some .... reckless choices in my day.. and I know it only through GRACE that I am even standing here.. so as long as I can pick up the bass and hit that string... I'm there.
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: SavnBass on September 19, 2009, 02:32:40 AM: OH.. and did I mention the rehearsals.. Monday for the band... Friday for the alternative... and every other Thursday for the praise team.. and that's when I am not standing in for the other bass player.. Then we have the gigs with the band.. going to a prison next week and a AME church @ 35 miles south of here on Sunday.. (I am off this week at home..) the alternative worship set once a month on a Friday... and every other Sunday...
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: betnich on September 19, 2009, 01:55:34 PM: Yes...people don't count the time spent in preparation and rehearsals each week...
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: phatstrings on September 19, 2009, 01:57:02 PM: Quote from: b3wannab on September 18, 2009, 02:30:26 PM
This is something that most musicians will struggle with at some point.

Sometimes you may just have to say, "I ain't comin'!"

I'm at that point right now when i cant afford to be in church for every service.I have scheduled a meeting with my pastor tomorrow to let him know that.I travel one and half hours to get to church.I'm sure he'll understand.
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: B3Wannabe on September 19, 2009, 02:18:44 PM: Quote from: phatstrings on September 19, 2009, 01:57:02 PM
I'm at that point right now when i cant afford to be in church for every service.I have scheduled a meeting with my pastor tomorrow to let him know that.I travel one and half hours to get to church.I'm sure he'll understand.

90mins????

Never.

Church would probably be a rare occasion for me!
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: LaylaMonroe on September 19, 2009, 03:24:07 PM: Try traveling 3+ hours each way...
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: B3Wannabe on September 19, 2009, 04:35:33 PM: Quote from: LaRue1212 on September 19, 2009, 03:24:07 PM
Try traveling 3+ hours each way...

No. I would definitely be home then! Church would probably be once every 3 months.
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: SavnBass on September 19, 2009, 04:50:19 PM: Quote from: B3Wannabe on September 19, 2009, 02:18:44 PM
90mins????
Never.
Church would probably be a rare occasion for me!

In your case I'd ask myself why I go to church if I felt that way.

In Phat's case..
I'd just find another church..

I find that for me.. I get discombobulated when I miss too much church.. It's like I need that fellowship.. I need that reaffirmation that there is something greater than me and all my problems and dreams.. and that there are others around me who ache, and dream, and need ... just like I do. That is why we were told tonot forsake the gathering of ourselves together y'know..

Church was made for you.. not the other way around.. and it is more than just a social event. We should be going to church because we habve needs and can fill someone else's need.. I look at the parise team work I do as service to my home church.. The band I play with is my work for the kingdom.. doing what I can when & where according to the talents given me.. The alternative thing I do is a wild card and partly done for selfish reasons because I really enjoy playing with the people I do it with.. but we all need it, at least I feel I do. If it is a burdeen something is wrong.
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: sjonathan02 on September 19, 2009, 05:02:14 PM: Quote from: LaRue1212 on September 19, 2009, 03:24:07 PM
Try traveling 3+ hours each way...

Wouldn't happen for tha kid. :-\

Quote from: B3Wannabe on September 19, 2009, 02:18:44 PM
90mins????

Never.

Church would probably be a rare occasion for me!
Quote from: B3Wannabe on September 19, 2009, 02:18:44 PM
90mins????

Never.

Church would probably be a rare occasion for me!

When I was MOM, I used to travel 75 minutes one way to chu'ch. Yes, I know..crazy. :-\

I used to travel 70 min. both ways when I was @ my former church.

Now, I'm 20 minutes away round trip. God is a GREAT God!! ;D
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: LaylaMonroe on September 19, 2009, 05:16:29 PM: There was a time (albeit a short time) when I lived 7 minutes from my church - I'm talking from the garage to the pulpit! LOL. It was sweet, heavenly bliss. It didn't last long because we ended up having to drive about 45 minutes to pick up a sister who had no transportation. Ugh!

I'll say this much - it's a lot easier to travel 30 min, 90 min, or 3 hours when you know you're doing what the Lord said to do. When He sends you on a ministry assignment and its 2 cities over (or the next state over), there's peace in knowing you're in His will.
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: B3Wannabe on September 19, 2009, 06:16:20 PM: Quote from: SavnBass on September 19, 2009, 04:50:19 PM
In your case I'd ask myself why I go to church if I felt that way.

In Phat's case..
I'd just find another church..

I find that for me.. I get discombobulated when I miss too much church.. It's like I need that fellowship.. I need that reaffirmation that there is something greater than me and all my problems and dreams.. and that there are others around me who ache, and dream, and need ... just like I do. That is why we were told tonot forsake the gathering of ourselves together y'know..

Church was made for you.. not the other way around.. and it is more than just a social event. We should be going to church because we habve needs and can fill someone else's need.. I look at the parise team work I do as service to my home church.. The band I play with is my work for the kingdom.. doing what I can when & where according to the talents given me.. The alternative thing I do is a wild card and partly done for selfish reasons because I really enjoy playing with the people I do it with.. but we all need it, at least I feel I do. If it is a burdeen something is wrong.

Don't get me wrong I love church. It's just not that serious. I don't-feel like I'm God's gift to the church.

If I never spend another day in a church, I have the faith that I've been taught what I need to make it In. Do I know everything? No.
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: kodacolor on September 19, 2009, 06:44:13 PM: Quote from: LaRue1212 on September 19, 2009, 03:24:07 PM
Try traveling 3+ hours each way...
Quote from: sjonathan02 on September 19, 2009, 05:02:14 PM

Wouldn't happen for tha kid. :-\

When I was MOM, I used to travel 75 minutes one way to chu'ch. Yes, I know..crazy. :-\

I used to travel 70 min. both ways when I was @ my former church.

Now, I'm 20 minutes away round trip. God is a GREAT God!! ;D

Ya'll got me beat! Lol. I'm about 2 hours both ways.
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: under13 on September 19, 2009, 07:21:41 PM: Quote from: kodacolor on September 19, 2009, 06:44:13 PM
Ya'll got me beat! Lol. I'm about 2 hours both ways.

why? ?/?
Title: Re: ANOTHER service?
Post by: kodacolor on September 19, 2009, 08:32:20 PM: Quote from: under13 on September 19, 2009, 07:21:41 PM
why? ?/?

Now that I look at what I wrote it looks weird. (kinda like that sentence. LoL!)

It's one hour there and one hour back (hence two hours both ways), not two hours there and two hours back. I like the church. I get spiritually fed there.