Worship Matters
Worship Matters February ~ 2022
Paul’s metaphor of the body of Christ representing the church really brings to light how we all rely on each other in order to function well. This reminds me of the worship ministry at PTC, and how so many moving parts - meaning people, places, times, technology, skills, and instruments – must work together at once. “But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.” 1 Cor. 12:18-20
For example, at a typical worship practice for a regular Sunday morning, each person involved must arrange their schedule to come together at the same time. The sound person helps organize the stage, sets up the sound board, plugs in equipment and speaker monitors, adjusts the sound and volume for each individual on the team, and then there is the sound in the auditorium to manage. The worship leader plans, practices, provides direction in the rehearsal, and brings the songs together with scripture, and leads the practice, while communicating with the Pastor or speaker, the tech team and musicians. And hopefully, all of this is done through prayer and with full reliance on the Holy Spirit to lead and guide.
Each instrument and voice must listen carefully to the others so that there is a blending of sounds. A tech person makes sure the words are on the screen for the livestream, another puts up lyrics for the congregation, and someone else works on blending the sound for the livestream as this is entirely different from what is heard on stage. A camera operator has to focus and move the camera to the right place at the right time, and then the PowerPoint must be integrated into all of this. Another tech person must attend the practice and make sure all the words to the songs and scripture are correctly on the screen, in the right order, and then come early to practice again on Sunday morning in case there are any changes. The decorating committee also collaborates with the worship team and tech team, making sure everything works together on stage. It’s truly amazing!
Though I probably forgot one of the “parts” involved, anyone can see that when it all comes together, we have beautiful music and song that helps lead the church to worship God. No part is more important than another. The person on the sound board is just as essential as the worship leader, and the musician on the bass guitar is as important as the volunteer navigating the livestream. Once in awhile I hear someone carelessly order around the sound technician, or expect them to read minds, or to accomplish a 30-minute task in 30 seconds. This causes pain. We all need to show each other respect and dignity as members working together in a healthy body. For “if one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it” (verse 26).
May we always encourage and value each other as precious members of the body of Christ, esteeming the hearts of people above a flawless production. Showing love first, with patience and understanding, is truly “the most excellent way”. ~ Pam Graham worship@prairietab.com