lancaster area worship network

Learning from One Another

Jul 26

BenMiscellaneous 2 Comments

So I suppose the purpose of this blog is for local Lancaster Area worship leaders to learn from one another, bounce ideas off each other, work through issues together, and just be a general support network.

I think the other contributors to this blog would agree that while we have a few things to bring to the table and teach others, there are far more things that we could learn. I enjoy the thrill of putting something out there that I’ve been milling around in my mind to see if others think about this stuff too, to find out if I’m way off base, or to stimulate biblical thought in others.

But I also like the idea of a network. A support system between churches. This weekend I got to experience that support as Brad Rhine (of Crossings Community Church in Columbia) came and led worship at Oak Hill Fellowship (our church in Quarryville). I was there and it was a great experience, and I learned some things that I thought I would share:

1. A change of pace is good. Brad and I are really different leaders. I’m up-tight. He’s laid-back. I tend to offer a fire hydrant. He offers a refreshing glass of water. I don’t think either one is better or worse. Each has strengths and weaknesses. But I noticed our people responded well to his different pace and leadership style.
2. Flexibility is admirable. I’m not a very flexible person. It takes me a while to switch gears. I like the comfort of the known. I plan stuff weeks in advance. Brad rolls with the punches. I admire that a lot.
3. Simplicity works. I don’t think we’ve had a simple worship team of two vocalists with a guitar and bass since the earliest days of Oak Hill (and I praise God for that because he is answering our prayers for more musicians and vocalists). I have to admit that I was concerned that in the simplicity we would lose momentum. I was wrong. I think that through the simplicity, the truth of the songs we were singing shined through just as bright. The congregation responded in song with full-voice.
4. Families are cool. OK, so I guess I already knew this one. But it was awesome to have Brad’s wife, Jen, down to play bass alongside him. And while I didn’t get to talk to his kids much, I was really glad they came along too. I love serving with my wife every week and hope we can continue doing it long after we have children as well.

So thank you to Brad for the sacrifice of time and talent!