I would like to add a few thoughts. Yet, not everything here is in direct response to what was written. Some thought are “in addition to” the article. But please take all my thoughts as constructive. Not destructive.

I’ve spent a good deal of time working on the balance between music playing and using that music to instill worship from myself and others around me.
I’ve had to try to continue this balance while playing with quite a few different types of people and groups.
It is not an easy task… mainly streaming from the fact that this is a very opinionated task. Not just worship, but music as well.

1. I agree with the “boxed in” expression. Completely. We can never know how God will use the time and situation we’re in. This is not to say that we do not plan a service or try to be efficient and effective with our time. It just means to be open enough to break it all down when needed.

2. Worship is not only about music. The article semi-suggests otherwise by the way it was written. Music is just one outlet for our worship. Worship is often shown by our attention and affection… usually by where are time is most spent. But in keeping with the music theme, let’s continue.

3. A side thought on the article’s point number twp. Sometimes halting a “song set” may be the answer to a lack of participation or effectiveness in helping others to the worship, but better than that would be to adjust and have a “plan b” song that can really help open hearts or change attitudes.

“The worship band is there for the service of the people, they are not there for you.”

Then serve the people. Don’t just “give up” on them. Just a thought.
But more than this, if you are not being effective to the point where people are loosing “interest”. There is a larger problem at hand. And it may not be the music/worship at all. This goes deeper to each individuals heart and relationship with Christ. (another topic – another time)

4. About article point number three. I agree. The worship band is NOT the most important part of the church. But… then again, nor is the people. Our focus should be on Christ.

But I assume you were mainly trying to say, the praise and worship team should keep a servant’s attitude, and work hard to address the needs of fellow Christians and church-mates. And not “drag” fellow worshipers around. This is correct.

A worship team needs to step up a notch and understand that they have to be “LEAD worshipers”. Not only aware of the others around, and adjust accordingly (which includes the skills of vocals and instruments – soften up/slow down when needed)… but actually do all of this while WORSHIPING Christ at the same time. This is a big responsibility.
This takes lots of practice and lots of away-from-the-music time with your fellow team members.

5. I agree that the content of the songs should be Christian based, this does NOT mean that every song has to have the name “Jesus” or “God” or the word “Christian” in the actual lyrics. But being themed in songs to or about Christ and our relationship with Him is strongly strongly encouraged.

6. About the last point: number 5. This has been discussed quite a bit around the tables I sit at. I’d like your thoughts on these opinions as well.

Worrying about the sound..well. Yes and No.

First of all, this whole category should be taken care of before worship even begins. This is what practice if for.
And practice is important. If you don’t think so, then you should reconsider your priorities. If you don’t have time to practice, then you probably don’t have worship on a high enough priority list.

The sound does not have to be perfect. But it has to be good enough to not be a distraction.
Often times, a playing error or sound glitch or off-balance sound can disrupt as much as the electric guitar solo that could have been toned down or left out all together.
Some of this can be prevented simply by allowing the musicians and vocalists to hear themselves. I always prefer a good monitor mix. It allows me to raise and lower my own dynamics when I feel necessary.
This also jumps back to practice. Know your instrument… and consider the work you do with it for God. So play and sing the BEST you can. This means practice. Shouldn’t God receive your best?
Practice practice practice.

This definitely includes getting the sound system and mix working correctly. There’s nothing like some good feedback from a mic in the middle of worship.

Take care of anything that could cause focus on God to be disrupted. Take care of it BEFORE worship is going to take place!

So… back to the point of the article.

Worship God:
- when you practice
- when you set up any equipment or stage
- when the music starts
- while you serve fellow Christians by SHOWING them how to worship by being a “LEAD Worshiper”
- while providing a place for them to worship right along side of you.

You’re on a role bro! I’m liking you’re thoughts recently.

I find it interesting how there is so much emphasis on the need to get the ’sound’ right. Sometimes I’m inclined to think that all the effort necessary for ‘getting the worship right’, is actually more of a distraction to God’s people, keeping them away from other works of service.

Wouldn’t you have liked to have been at the institution of the Lord’s Supper, where Christ and his disciples sang together (probably the Hallel (Psalms 113-118))? 12 men singing together, likely without one instrument! I wonder if it would pass people’s demands for the ‘worship’ time these days?

Furthermore, the NT seems to indicate that the primary mode of worship is through the preaching and hearing of God’s word. Singing has its place, but it’s really little mentioned between the first and second advent of Christ.