Your Unique Context - Part 2
“It’s very important to know these dynamics so you have the right expectations, and can work together in the most harmonious, least stressful way with your church”
In the second part of this post, we are looking at the different situations we each find ourselves in, and how we can maximise our unique context for greater effectiveness. For my comments on the areas of...
1. YOUR PLAYING ABILITY
2. YOUR INSTRUMENT
... please see part 1 of this post.
In this post, we will consider the following aspects...
3. YOUR CHURCH DYNAMICS
4. YOUR SPECIFIC ROLE
Firstly then...
YOUR CHURCH DYNAMICS
This is about knowing what is most appropriate for your church and also what works best for your church. However, I want to stress the point that this doesn’t necessarily mean what you think is most appropriate or best.
The last thing you want to do is to be divisive or create conflict within your church because you are pushing something according to your preference. When you disregard the leadership and the way in which they are leading your church, it will only cause unnecessary strife.
The unique dynamics of your church include such things as how many services you have on a Sunday - 1, 2, or even 3 perhaps? Are you expected to play at all of them or just some?
Then of course there’s also the consideration of the type of music your church plays. Is it traditional, contemporary or a mix of both?
Are you playing as an individual or part of a team?
It’s very important to know these dynamics so you have the right expectations and can work together in the most harmonious, least stressful way with your church.
The next point then, is about understanding…
YOUR SPECIFIC ROLE
What is the expectation of you, as the church piano player? Maybe if you’re starting out, this is the first discussion you need to have with your leaders.
Are you an individual player, or do you play with other musicians or as part of a team? If so, are you responsible for organising rehearsals?
What about music selection? Are you responsible for choosing the songs, or do you select songs for approval, or are all the songs chosen for you? This makes a big difference to your role, and how you prepare to play in a service.
How are you expected to lead the congregation? With your vocals by singing and playing, by playing with a worship leader taking the lead vocal, or as is the case in many churches, is it just you leading on the piano? If the latter, you'll need to have a stronger lead in the style you play, to help the congregation come in on time, and follow along with the songs.
As we can see, it’s important to understand the dynamics of your church and the environment in which you will carry out your role.
What time allocation is given for you to prepare and practice the songs - are they often coming to you late? If so, that requires some extra work on your part, to be well prepared.
What availability is required of you? Weekly? Once a month? These are things that must be considered also, as the time we have available will be different for each of us.
As stated in part one of this post, no two situations will be the same.
I hope these thoughts help you, particularly if you are just starting out, to know what things would be good to cover in an initial conversation with your leadership. Hopefully, the consideration of these points will certainly help to save unnecessary problems at a later point.
In summary, be sure to focus on embracing your situation and doing all you can to be the greatest blessing to your church - the rewards are eternal!
[Return to The Church Piano Player Website]
This blog post was written by pastor and pianist Kris Baines, from The Church Piano Player. Kris lives in the UK with his family, having recently moved back New Zealand where he worked as a pastor for the past 26 years (also leading worship/worship teams). Kris has also spent over 35 years writing, recording, and performing music and is now bringing all that combined experience together to help equip church piano/keyboard players.
Check out the church piano player website for more information on online courses by Kris Baines.
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