One of the difficult things about COVID has been that being cooped up at home made it very easy to get out of shape: mentally, physically – even vocally. In “normal” times, worship leaders could often maintain at least a reasonable level of vocal fitness simply through the weekly schedule of learning songs, running rehearsals and leading services. However, the pandemic arrived, and most churches responded by creating video worship sets [which were oftentimes reused]. Activities in general were cut way back.
Even with things resuming, we may have picked up a set of habits that need to be readjusted. Worship leaders, your voice is an instrument, and – just like the guitar, etc… – you will lose skill, agility, and the like if you don’t practice. Daily. Stay in shape – work out your voice on the songs that you’re doing, of course, but going further will yield better results [as long as you don’t hit the point of strain or overuse]. Vocal routines, scales and other exercises help a lot – including with your pitch and breath support. There was a period during my years at Willow Creek where the vocal leaders were required to be in ongoing voice lessons, and the results were clear in a very positive way. So get that workout going! : )
Hmmm - well, let's see...
I'm a Christian, a husband, a dad, a son, a pastor, a consultant, a musician, a writer, and bits and pieces of a bunch of other things. My work life has followed three main phases - business to teaching to church. I was the Weekend Services Pastor for nine years at Northview Church, an awesome church in the Indianapolis suburbs. I used to work for Willow Creek, another awesome church in the Chicago area. Plus I've written for various magazines and websites, and other freelancy sorts of things... My life mission is to help the church be as excellent as it can be.
Oh yeah - the name's Greg. Greg Wallace. But not the race car driver or the major league pitcher or the British celebrity chef. Just the creative worship guy. Hi.
It's my hope that these ideas, musings, rants, raves, etc... will inspire you. They're just my opinions - but again, I hope that they'll help to inspire you. Because the church really, really needs inspired creative types. If you're a creative type (and most people are, deep-down), ask God for help. Then take any ideas that are useful to you - borrow them, nab them, use them, adapt them - and make them into something greater...
You can head over to my Instagram site for an abundance of shorter posts: creativeworshipideas. If you're looking for consulting - especially on weekend services, team leadership or multi-site strategies - I'd love to help. Just message me here, and I'll be in touch - Greg
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