I know what you are talking about as well. We take things a bit slower here, because being in a military town, we have instruments on an often sporadic timetable. Our steadies are…piano, clavinova and drums. I, like you, will never remove the hymns, because they have such a doctrinal impact on our worship. As another reader stated, the pastor MUST be behind any change made in worship. Just know that you have a friend in SW OK that’s praying for you and you can call anytime!!!

Craig

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I’m reading a book right now called, “Guiding Your Church Through a Worship Transition” by Tom Kraeuter.

Tom says what Kevin said, Worship is not about the music. Worship is about the heart. If our heart relationship is right with Him, it doesn’t matter what style of music the church does. The members will accept the change easily.

Check out Tom’s website: http://www.training-resources.org/

Oh yeah, I’m praying for you as you consider what your next step is.

JSK

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Praying for you & your church!

@Joe: Thanks, I appreciate it. I know you’re a prayer warrior.

@Kevin: I find myself in complete agreement, and you said many things that I would say but don’t feel like I have the freedom to do so in a public forum. You’re absolutely correct in identifying and quantifying the necessary change. The change is going to have to start in the pews in the hearts of the people.

Where two or three are gathered…

You’re right. The shift is not working. But is the shift the issue?

Our congregation is very “comfortable” in their routines. Just try sitting in someone else’s pew one Sunday and watch the reaction.

I think the shift that needs to happen at NH is much deeper than any one part of the Sunday morning service. Its deeper than any building project, program or musical change can solve.

Its a matter of the heart and the complacency within our church family.

I was saved at NH and am not going anywhere, whether we go Christian Rock or all hymns a capella. This is my family.

NH needs to be challenged with a swift kick in the spiritual rear. I floated a bit of a challenge in SS yesterday to get out of the same old-same old and got equal parts nodding heads and glaring glances. So what. The glares came from those that were convicted.

The passion for Christ at NH is true, but is simmering as coals, when it should be a roaring bonfire in the community. But…that would require us actually going into the community, instead of sitting in our building wishing more people would come in auto-magically.

The problem is not you or the music.

Hope that makes sense

Kevin

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Oh how I am praying for you.

My heart is nothing but worship and I have an intense desire to lead worship. So when I hear of things like this, I have to pray.

1. Don’t grow weary in doing good. I’m sorry it’s such a tough transition for you. No visionary every had it easy, it’s always been a fight to make the kind of transitions you’re doing now. You’re in good company with many who came before you.

2. You can’t make this transition, at least not alone. I don’t know how involved your pastor is in this transition, but he’s the ultimate worship leader in any room he walks in. That’s how it works. He’s got to teach around the transition, he’s got to be on the front row embracing the music and setting the tone in the room for how things will continue to go.

3. Transitions like this, unfortunately, result in people leaving. If the transition is slow so that people won’t leave, forget it. You’re trying to change centuries of tradition in one decade. Acceptance can’t be the goal, honoring the Lord through the transition is the only goal.

I’ll be praying for more wisdom than you’ve ever had before in your life!