Dear Colleagues,

 

I am director of worship arts at a "First" Methodist church in a small southern town. I direct all music and arts activities (Chancel Choir, 3 bell choirs, 2 children's choirs, annual week-long music camp, Godly Play, and sacred dance) in our traditional service, and direct children, sacred dance, and an occassional "praise choir" in the contemporary service.

 

We are losing our contemporary worship director. She is, as you might guess, poorly paid, and I would not expect to be able to hire a professional for the salary designated for this postion. This individual was the first person in this role, and has served for about 3 1/2 years. Since she was the first director they have ever had, the congregation has no concept of any variation on our contemporary service. The music has been taken mostly from the contemporary Christian top 40, so to speak. This week, I will be partaking in a conversation as to how to handle her departure.

 

She is musically talented certainly, but not formally trained. Guitar is her strength, so other sound media, outside of bass and drums, were fairly unusual in this service, as was any kind of group singing. There are people who attend this service who would like the opportunity to sing, so a Praise Choir is a real possibility. I know that some congregation members also would like a little more variety in the music, and perhaps, a little better presentation and leadership of the congregational music.

 

I cannot take over all responsibilities for this service. I am willing to plan, recruit, teach, coordinate, etc., but my own responsibilities for musical excellence in our traditional service are significant. I often meet with instrumentalists or choir members during the contemporary worship hour.

 

I would like to know how some of you have handled similar situations, and perhaps what is considered "contemporary" worship in your churches. Much of what was "contemporary Christian" music 15 years ago has made its way into the canon of worship music, in general.  ANY suggestions and information from my colleagues (you) that I can bring to the committee would be most welcome.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Amalie W. Hinson, PhD