In the Oasis Advisory Team meeting last Sunday we discussed how the new set-up crews are working out and how things are flowing since the new move to the Middle School. Mike K. mentioned that the only awkwardness was in the fact that everything has been set up and ready to go by 8:45 or 9:00 (the band is usually ready by 8:30), but then the crews are finished and bored from then until 10:00am. So we were trying to figure out a way to alleviate this “dead time” for the work crews, and the best solution we could come up with was to have the crews come in later, like 8:45, and begin setting up at that time. However, the band does still need to be ready by 8:30 because I would really like for us to be finished with the morning’s practice by the time people start rolling into the cafeteria (9:30).
So, my recommendation was that we have the band members and sound crew come in at 8:00am, and set up ONLY the sound and instrumentation. Leave the tables, chairs, video stuff, tidying up, etc. for the crews that will be coming in later in the morning. That would save the crews a lot of wasted time, and we would still have the full hour to practice as needed. Also, we have enough band members that it should not be a burden if everyone is faithful to show up and pitch in. I know that all of you typically take care of your own equipment anyway, so that is nothing new to you. But we are going to go ahead and take on the responsibility of helping set the entire sound system as well. This week Mike Kennedy will give us instructions and specific details. Also, you will only need to do this if you are on the schedule to serve in the band or worship team (sound, vocals, etc.) that week.
Additionally, I would also like to recommend that for all worship team members who are serving on a particular Sunday that we also commit to sticking around afterwards and helping with the tear down of instruments and the sound system. I know it often seems like there are many reasons to need to get out of there quickly after the gathering has dismissed, but in reality it only takes about 10, maybe 15 extra minutes maximum. Personally, I have just learned to rearrange my life in such a way that my Sunday church experience is not over until 1:00pm. If someone wants to make a lunch appointment with me, or if there is a family reunion, etc., I just kindly share with them that I can come after 1:00 on Sundays. Eventually it just becomes part of your life. Granted, there are times when leaving early is unavoidable. As always, love and grace reigns in these things!
I guess this is all just part of growing. If Chad or I get the sense that one of you is getting burned out or is having trouble making the commitments that being on the worship team requires, then perhaps it is time to take a break from the worship team altogether for a short while, simply to refuel. But ultimately we all do need to begin looking at set-up and tear-down as part of the whole “worship team service” package.
There are more ways than one for how we can encourage one another in this. For instance, one aspect of the worship team commitment has to do with how we are preparing ourselves for the Sunday gathering on Saturday nights. I know that long ago I made a commitment to make my big weekend “night out” to be Friday nights, simply because Sundays required a lot of energy from me and I needed to be at my best. Likewise, we all could use similar encouragement when it comes to preparing to lead the church in worship. Perhaps it is simply going to bed earlier on Saturday night. Of course, we do not want to be legalistic about it. Those decisions and commitments have to come from each person’s own heart. But I also know that they are rarely ever made until someone gives the exhortation. So take this as encouragement and exhortation. :)
I appreciate the sacrifice you make weekly to serve God in the ways you do. You are part of a great team, and that is one reason why we are experiencing such growth. With growth also comes reorganization and challenge. I know all of you and I have seen your hearts, so I know you are up for the challenge.
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