\nI need to say something before we get into the process of switching to a different worship style. Don\u2019t change just for the sake of changing. Just because all the other neighborhood churches are singing \u201cHow Great Is Our God\u201d with blaring electric guitars and huge trap sets doesn\u2019t mean that your home crowd of conservative elderly saints should be compelled to adopt the same style and volume of music.<\/p>\n
There are good reasons to change, and there are not-so-good reasons to change. As you consider the change, make sure that your purpose is clear. Not everyone in the congregation needs to agree with you, but you need to have a personal and corporate confidence that the direction you are moving is the right direction for your church.<\/p>\n
This first step is the most important step in the whole process. Sit down with a clear head and ask yourself, \u201cWhy?\u201d Should you change worship styles? Why? What reasons are there to do so? What negative outcomes may come up? What positive outcome will it produce?<\/p>\n
Ask the hard questions, and get ready.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Time it right. <\/strong> And if you\u2019re a new pastor who has been at the church for two and a half weeks, that may not be the best time, either.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Talk about it a lot.<\/strong> \u201cNow, as you know, we\u2019ve been singing a lot of wonderful old songs here in our church for many years. As you\u2019re also aware, God has given talented songwriters to the church in our present age. Just like God used Charles Wesley, Isaac Watts, and Fanny Crosby to write great music, so he has used people today to do the same. Over the next few weeks and months, we\u2019re going to introduce some of this newer music into our services.\u201d<\/p>\n You\u2019re going slow. That\u2019s alright. Next week, you can talk about it some more. Here\u2019s what it may sound like:<\/p>\n \u201cI mentioned last week that we will be adding some fresh songs to our services, and I wanted to mention it again. We\u2019ll keep the piano and organ as part of our accompaniment, but you\u2019ll also see some new instruments as well. We may have a guitar or two accompanying us for these songs.\u201d<\/p>\n It will help to talk about it, and make sure that people know what\u2019s going on. This isn\u2019t supposed to be like a car crash \u2014 sudden, unexpected, disturbing, and damaging. It\u2019s supposed to be like stopping at a four-way stop \u2014 cautious, slow, safe, and legal.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Prepare for it. <\/strong> All of this requires sufficient preparation. Yet another reason why timing is so important in this issue.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Provide leadership. <\/strong> You\u2019re not on a my-way-or-the-highway power trip. You\u2019re on a Jesus-exalting-God-focusing effort. Keep your perspective, and be a leader.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Go slow.<\/strong> After that single song, your service may go back to some of the traditional hymnal songs that your people are used to singing.\u00a0You\u2019re going slow, and that\u2019s okay. Next week, you\u2019ll probably want to sing that song again, and maybe introduce another one.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Gradual is good. <\/strong> You get the idea. You may not need to go that slow. It all depends on your congregation. However, if you are in a position where you recognize the need to be cautious, then going slowly and gradually will serve you well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adapt and Adjust<\/strong> In this journey of gradual change and adaptation, keep your focus consistent. The Bible\u2019s principles don\u2019t change. That\u2019s your guidance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Want to split your church this Sunday? Here\u2019s a really easy way to do it: switch worship music styles! Bam! Just like that you\u2019ll have a dugout-clearing, song-book tossing brawl on your hands. Church World War Three. But please, don\u2019t try that. It\u2019s not necessary. Church splits can be avoided even if you intend to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11023,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false},"categories":[4144,4153],"tags":[449,783,1836],"class_list":{"0":"post-11007","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-worship-ministry","8":"category-worship-resources","9":"tag-how-to","10":"tag-new-worship-music","11":"tag-worship-tips"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogrouting.sharefaith.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/12.10.13_NewMusic-480.jpg","jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\nTiming is important. Timing is always important. But there\u2019s no such thing as a \u201cperfect time\u201d to introduce new worship music. It is best if you choose a time when the calendar isn\u2019t full of other major events and changes. Christmas probably isn\u2019t ideal. Easter probably isn\u2019t the best, either.<\/p>\n
\nDon\u2019t spring the style switcheroo without talking about it with your church. Considering that this is a rather significant move in your church\u2019s approach, it\u2019s important to discuss it well in advance. Your discussion may sound something like this:<\/p>\n
\nPreparation is crucial for any transition. Here are some specifics on how you can prepare for switching worship styles:\u00a0Know what songs you\u2019re going to introduce. Have a plan for which songs you\u2019ll introduce first. Spend time yourself understanding the lyrics. Know what instrumentalists will be needed. If you\u2019re going to get a whole band ready, make sure every member is on the same page. Practice well in advance. Know how you\u2019re going to teach the songs. Chances are, the people in your congregation won\u2019t know all the new songs. You\u2019ll need a plan for teaching the songs.<\/p>\n
\nPeople need leaders in time of change. As silly as it sounds, changing worship styles is one of the scariest things that a church does. Seriously. This thing tears up churches like you wouldn\u2019t believe. Leadership is necessary \u2014 compassionate, gracious, understanding, kind leadership. You\u2019re doing something bold by switching up music styles, but you\u2019re also being kind and understanding in the process. There\u2019s no reason to get all drill sergeant about it. After all, the whole point of changing music is to help edify the church, to grow believers, to proclaim the gospel, and to spread Christ\u2019s kingdom!<\/p>\n
\nOne key thing to remember in this whole process is go slow. You aren\u2019t going to be Hillsong in two weeks. An advisable pace is one new song a week.\u00a0For example, on week one, you plan to sing a new song, like the \u201cPower of the Cross.\u201d It\u2019s kind of hymnlike, but also modern. First, you project the lyrics on the screen. (This, in itself, may be a big move for some churches.) Take some time to read through the lyrics, explaining them, and understanding them. Then, have your instrumentalists play the melody. This way, people will understand the sound of the song and how the melody goes. Next, have a soloist or worship team sing a stanza of the song. More listening. More reinforcing. Finally, have the whole congregation sing the song together.<\/p>\n
\nAlong with the advice to \u201cgo slow,\u201d is the advice to \u201cbe gradual.\u201d For example, you don\u2019t want to completely ditch the piano and organ right away. Keep them for a while. Then, add an acoustic guitar. Later on, plug in an amp to the acoustic guitar. Then, you can add a bass guitar to help supplement the organ\u2019s low notes. A few weeks later, you can bring in a triangle. Then maybe a cajon. Later, an electric guitar. (And in 2025, you can get a trap set on stage.)<\/p>\n
\nFinally, you\u2019ll be in the phase where the \u201ctransition\u201d is complete. But it may not feel totally settled. That\u2019s okay, because you\u2019re never going to be fully settled. There\u2019s nothing wrong with this. Music changes, culture changes, people change, churches change, and all these moving parts demand consistent adjustment.<\/p>\n![\"xhome5\"](\"https:\/\/www.sharefaith.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/xhome5.jpg\")
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Daniel Threlfall<\/a>\u00a0has been writing church ministry articles for more 10 years. With his background and training (M.A., M.Div.), Daniel is passionate about inspiring pastors and volunteers in their service to the King. Daniel is devoted to his family, nerdy about SEO, and drinks coffee with no cream or sugar. Learn more about Daniel at\u00a0his\u00a0blog<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0twitter<\/a>.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n