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March 2004 Table of Contents
Special Feature
The Importance of Training and Retreat
By Mike Speck
A struggling pastor, seeking to learn how to reach the culture and the secular mind of the twenty-first century decided to attend a popular minister's conference. The church hosting the conference was enormous in size and averaged 10,000 in attendance on Sunday morning. The visiting pastor, weary of being unable to grow his church thought, "Surely this preacher can help me!"
Pastors and church leaders from different parts of the country and different size churches all sat with anticipation, as the conference was soon to begin. The massive auditorium was filled with members from the host church and the visiting conference attendees were sandwiched between them. Suddenly, a musical band began to play and the song leader, along with six other singers, started singing. Without any prompting, the church members stood and began singing. Most of the visiting ministers followed their lead. After the entire group had been standing and singing for about 10 minutes, the visiting pastor started taking notice that the music was exciting and upbeat. It was a little wild for him, but he couldn't help but notice how the singers and musicians were really "into" the music. He looked with amazement as he saw the pastor of the church singing from the depths of his soul. The majority of the people in the congregation were singing with both hands raised toward the sky.
Some were moving-not quite dancing-to the beat and others were swaying back and forth. The struggling preacher did not know a single song they were singing. Thankfully, there were words for each song projected to a large screen. Although much of what the old preacher was hearing and seeing felt uncomfortable, the excitement and exhilaration was what the preacher had been looking for. Great thunders of applause followed every song, interspersed with the sound of "hallelujah," "praise the Lord" and "glory to God." The song leader sang song after song without ever announcing what was next. As the evening progressed, the music became more subdued. Spontaneously, the host pastor of the church walked toward the podium and began to sing. Something wonderful happened. The pastor (not the minister of music) was leading the worship. As the visiting preacher watched and listened, he became convinced this was what he was missing. He surmised that if he sang the new songs and changed his format of worship to conform to the pattern he witnessed, his church would begin to grow.
I imagine most of you are wondering, "Where is Mike Speck going with this?" Is this a good thing? The answer is yes and no. Let's examine this story a little more closely. Would you agree that it is good for pastors and church leaders to attend conferences, retreats and training seminars? Wouldn't you also agree that if you want to learn new and fresh ways to reach more people for Christ that you should go somewhere that is actually successfully doing it? Even if you didn't appreciate all of the activity or agree with the music style, wouldn't you find it difficult to totally dismiss the thousands standing and worshipping Jehovah God? Finally, wouldn't you agree that if the church you attend is barely maintaining or slowly declining that something might be amiss?
There are at least five good reasons why pastors, music ministers, singers, musicians and church leaders should attend additional teaching and training conferences. It may be helpful for all of us to be reminded of the significance of getting outside of "our Jerusalem." First, to see (and hear) how others are fulfilling the Great Commission. The greatest single moment of my life (as it pertains to ministry) happened at a conference, where I was exposed to a world I didn't know existed. Everything that I have achieved has been a result of learning from other ministries. The second important reason for conferences is the opportunity to fellowship with other like-minded people in the same profession. The strength that is drawn from one another and the hope, encouragement and inspiration that comes from a conference can truly be used to change lives and empower leaders. Third, is the opportunity for exposure to new and innovative ministry tools. From new music and fresh worship styles to helpful sound techniques and the latest choir apparel, the tools available are endless. Resources such as creative ideas for Vacation Bible School, music for senior adults, children's musicals and Christmas and Easter music would also be available. Fourth, conferences and seminars can be an occasion for spiritual renewal.
We all, from time to time, need a personal revival and a fresh encounter with the Lord. Often, leaders leave a conference refreshed and "on fire" for God. Finally, it is a good thing to learn, gain knowledge and be educated. Some of you remember when "singing schools" were very common in the southern part of the United States. These singing schools taught the individuals in attendance how to read music (shape notes) and how to sing using proper vocal technique. There is no doubt about the impact these schools made on churches. With all of these good and much needed attributes there are also some potentially negative ones to attending a conference or training seminar. If you remember, the older preacher thought if he sang the new choruses and did what "the big church" was doing, that his church would start growing. In my opinion, this is a dangerous assessment. Many have tried to imitate the worship service from another geographic part of our diverse culture, only to end up disappointed. In their honest attempt to fulfill the Great Commission, church leaders are trying new styles of dress, various times for worship, new styles of music and a variety of other innovative ideas. It is unsafe to assume what works for a brand new church in a large metropolitan city will work in a small and well-established rural community. In my opinion, what we learn at conferences and seminars must be carefully considered and integrated into our existing ministry in such a way or in such a time frame that the church responds with loving joy and open arms rather than rejection and disdain. I pray that as I share these thoughts, I will be a source of help and encouragement to all churches, regardless of their music preference or style of ministry.
Don't miss Mike Speck's newest choir book, For The Glory of Christ, set for release in April 2004 by Lillenas Publishing Company.
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