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The UnexpectedThe unexpected... it happens to everyone who leads worship. A broken string, starting a song in the wrong key, or a song that turns into a train wreck. This past weekend I led worship at CFC and the drummer had a work situation come up. He had to miss the Saturday evening service. This created logistical problems (he was giving the tempo on about half of the songs) as well as a big "hole" in our sound, at least the way we had rehearsed it. We made some adjustments and got through it, but it got me wondering how we should think about these little hiccups that happen from time to time. Here are some thoughts:
1. Excellence is the goal, not perfection. We have to be careful not to make technical perfection into an idol. Mistakes will happen, this does not mean we have failed. However, if mistakes are happening because of a lack of preparation, that is a different issue that should be addressed. (Ps 33:3, 1 Chr 21:24)
2. Move on! Many mistakes that are obvious to us may not even be noticed by the congregation. Keep the song going if possible. If not, start the song over, drop out if your string breaks, but don't dwell on the mistake. This can cause an even bigger distraction than the mistake itself. I've had people tell me they didn't even notice that I broke a string on my guitar during a set.
3. An obvious mistake or even a musical train wreck does not mean that the service or the music is "ruined". When something really bad happens, I tend to think about nothing else for the remainder of the service. However, God has a habit of being strong in our weakness and using things that look to us like failures as His greatest victories. Honestly, it's arrogant to think that we messed up God's plans by our mistakes
4. Learn from it. Just because a mistake happens and, after reading this blog, you feel OK about it doesn't mean you want it to happen again. Figure out what went wrong. Can it be avoided with different/better preparation next time? Can you think of a better way to handle it if it comes up in the middle of a set again?
These are just a few thoughts--I'd love to hear from you. What unexpected things have you dealt with when leading? Do you have other ideas for how to deal with them?
Billy Chia says:
- September 14, 2007 10:01 PM
amy says:
Great thoughts honey. I need to remember this when (not if) I make my next mistake.
Amy
- September 15, 2007 5:32 PM
Dad says:
Some great ideas, Jonathan.
Engraved in the cornerstone of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church are these words: "Excellence in all things -- and all things to God's glory," which is very close to what you are saying.
I think God allows things to happen like those you mentioned to humble us and keep us from becoming too self-absorbed. Worship can happen in spite of broken strings, out-of-tune instruments, missed cues and technical nightmares. I really like what you said about how arrogant it is to think we could mess up God's plan by our mistakes.
Our calling is to help people experience life-changing encounters with God by leading them into His presence.
Some good words, Jon! I'm proud of you!
-Dad
P.S. There are some great quotes by Michael Card in the August 7, 2004 "Ponderings from the Porch" at www.backporchstudio.com.
- September 17, 2007 10:09 PM
jvp says:
Great point about humility Dad... that is so true. I sometimes catch myself in those little self-congratulatory moments when a worship set is going well, and have to adjust my attitude.
- September 18, 2007 3:46 PM
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Great words.
"Excellence is the goal, not perfection."
I like that a lot.