Now everyone prepares for worship services differently, but I’d like to give my take on how I prepare for a weekend of services.
1. Listen: Listening to the tracks with focus is a great way to take that initial step of responsibilty for your part in worship. We have a great organization system through Planning Center Online. All of our songs are posted about two weeks ahead of time so I usually spend the first 5 days listening to the songs. If its a new song, I usually take notes on the progression of the song. Notes are a way of practicing mentally before sitting behind a kit.
2. Loops: At our church, we also use clicks and loops for most of our songs, so I take notes so I can reference them with David, who creates the majority of our Reason loops. I don’t always do this step, but if its a new song, or has a complicated loop, I try to always be prepared before I practice with the band.
For example, we introduced Cielo by Phil Wickham a couple of weeks ago. You can here it via the YouTube link below.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfjZGoXhuzE[/youtube]
From the 2nd Chorus on, there are some delayed toms going on with all the other production. So rather than trying to mimic the dynamics of those toms, we decided to loop that part so I can play on top of it. The end result was great and far more organic. It also gave us the ability to ditch the click at the end without it sounding like the instrumentation had fallen off.
3. Individual Practice: Before practicing with a group, I’d encourage you to sit down behind a kit and go through your set for the weekend. Even if you’ve played a song hundreds of times, sit down and play it again. There is great personal value in knowing that you’re done your best to prepare for God’s ministry. Also start your practice with prayer. It does wonders for your mindset and focus.
4. Group Practice: You’ve practiced by yourself and you know the ins and outs. Now you’re ready to show your commitment to God. You should notice a difference immediately in the freedom of being prepared. Group practices should go faster and focus more on worship than musicianship. Plus, its easier to see those who need some encouragement and help with their parts.
5. Right before Worship: Take some time to meditate on His Glory and the fact that you are prepared. Run through the parts in your head each time before service and pray for His Guidance and Love. Now go Worship!
6. After Worship: Take some time to reflect on what happened. I’m not talking about mistakes. Those happen and are either unnoticeable or are soon to be forgotten. Reflect on where you were spiritually and pray for growth. We can never grow too close to God and His Love.
I hope this helps. If you have any other helpful hints, suggestions, or comments, please leave them below.
All the best,
Michael
