Thursday, March 08, 2007

4 reasons to burn our pews

So, I wrote up this report yesterday morning to present to the senior pastor. I figure this might be a good forum to place these ideas as well. In reality, they are all nothing new, and are done all over the place already. I just formalized it in writing the types of things I would like to see here and am thinking about starting. #1 we already do, but I wrote it down anyways because it relates to the others as well. I know this is boring and nothing new, but I would like your opinions on which ones of these would appeal to you if they were done at your church.





#1) Saturday Night Worship Jam
Purpose:
A chance for believers to gather and worship and develop musically and learn new worship songs. For musicians and singers to play and worship together with musicians and singers of other churches. To increase exposure to styles of worship and songs and learn them.
Format: Musicians and singers gather in an informal setting and play worship songs as they are suggested, planned or instigated. Everyone joins in equally to contribute in worship, suggestion, and feedback about possibilities for songs and how they could be done. Sometimes CDs are listened too to learn new songs.
Frequency: weekly

#2) Saturday Night Worship Service
Purpose:
A chance for worshipers to gather for worship. To promote and environment of unity among believers. To seek to connect hearts to God in creative worship.
Format: A band is practiced and prepared in advance for these special worship services. The arts are embraced in a service that consists of mostly singing with prayer and scripture readings and a very short message about 2/3rds through.
Frequency: once every couple months or so

#3) Songwriters Development/Feedback Circle
Purpose:
To encourage songwriters in their art. To network songwriters and musicians in a method that develops the people and the creative process. An opportunity for the church to promote the creative process and the arts within the community of Elkford. A chance for the church to take its rightful place at the forefront of the music and arts world through encouragement and development and hosting. To introduce non-church people to a church people and building in a non-hostile and positive manner. To create connection between the churches and the community in a way that helps the community.
Format: Signs are put up around town to promote the Circle. Songwriters and music professionals are encouraged to come to share what they are working on and provide encouragement for each other and suggestions in order to assist in the refinement of songs. Participants gather in an informal manner and take turns introducing their songs and playing/singing them so that the group can provide feedback, suggestions and encouragement.
Frequency: once every month or two

#4) Open Mic Coffee House
Purpose:
To provide an avenue for songwriters to introduce their songs to the public in a laid-back and encouraging manner. An opportunity for the church to promote the creative process and the arts within the community of Elkford. A chance for the church to take its rightful place at the forefront of the music and arts world through encouragement and development and hosting. To introduce non-church people to a church people and building in a non-hostile and positive manner. To create connection between the churches and the community in a way that helps the community. A fun evening of getting together and connecting.
Format: Signs are put up around town to promote the Coffeehouse event. Everyone in town is welcomed. Songwriters and musicians are encouraged to come to share what they are working on. The place is decorated with ambience (coffee tables, lamps, comfortable chairs). Coffee and other fancy coffee-type beverages are provided. Musicians sign up beforehand to play one of their original pieces or cover a song.
Frequency: quarterly or bi-annually

4 comments:

Monson said...

These all sound pretty sweet! If you did all of these regularly in Elkford, your church would have quite a bit more exposure and look more engaged with the community. Very cool! I hope you get around to doing all of them!

bcmatt said...

mmm, that's positive. Thankyou for your insight, Ryan.

Anonymous said...

Music is for the devil! How can you even suggest such sinful activities!
BTW got your video of Spinmaster T, I enjoyed it thoroughly!

Seriously though, I'm a fan of Coffee house and Worship service. I think having an event less often allows more build-up and excitement, and possibly more interest.
Also Coffee house and Worship service include a much wider audience/market.
On the other hand jam sessions and sonwriter feedback groups may provide an outlet that participants feel more important, personal, and consistent/regular which could help build individual relationships.
I talk....I mean write, too much. Me go now.

entry level Jr. summer student accountant....candidate

bcmatt said...

Uncle Brian!
Thanks for your input. Those were along the lines of what I was thinking too.
I'm glad you liked the interview video- we will be showing it tonight at a youth fundraising dinner.