Teen Convention 2011

Singing from the heart makes such a difference!  We are blessed to have singers who actually love to practice and sing for the Lord.  It is a joy to work with people who sing with this attitude.
We just finished our Teen Convention and the LBT Teen choir and Enduring Praise teen ensemble sang during each service.  They worked very hard to memorize each piece.  We didn't have to chase people down to sing or look for missing singers.  Each person was in their place.  That is a blessing.
Each evening the Texas Baptist College Chorale sang.  I have to tell you that I was surprised just to have them here in Longview for the meeting.  All of the on-campus students went home for the summer.  Out of nineteen chorale members sixteen were present each evening.  One of our three members who were missing was home in....Australia, so we'll forgive her for that!  It had been over six weeks since our last rehearsal but they came together right away. Praise the Lord!  Even our newlywed chorale members, Josh and DeAnna Doyle joined us on Wednesday evening to sing "Somebody Prayed for Me" and "Candle in the Darkness", bringing our ensemble up to eighteen singers.  I thought about the group.  We had singers who had driven from the following states: Nebraska, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Tennessee, and South Texas (that's a drive!).
Spiritually, mentally, and emotionally they were excited and prepared to sing.  Was it perfect? - probably not.  Are they the best-looking chorale we've ever had? - maybe.  Were they used of the Lord to bless? Definitely!  Practicing with this type of group is definitely more fun, too.
I have learned to praise the Lord and thank Him repeatedly when I notice a servant's heart attitude with young people.  I can't wait to see how the Lord will continue to use their lives!!
Thank you teens and college students.  God bless you this summer!

Youth Music Ministry

We have been preparing for our Longview Baptist Temple Teen Convention and are looking forward to an uplifting and encouraging time.  Bro. and Mrs. John Robinson work with the Teen Choir and the Enduring Praise Teen Ensemble.  It is such a blessing to have them oversee the youth music ministry.
Maybe you're going in many different directions.  You find yourself speaking to the adults like you do the fourth graders or perhaps you have an "adult" atmosphere in the jr. choir.  Having the Robinsons oversee the youth music helps us keep our energies and brain power focused on a major area.  We do overlap which keeps us "in tune" with the entire picture.  Mrs. Robinson oversees a ladies' ensemble and a mixed ensemble and I play the piano for our teen church.
The Robinsons also oversee the junior choirs by helping the directors with helpers, pianists, music, and scheduling.   Any questions or problems go to the Robinsons and if they have any major questions they'll refer to me or to our pastor.
You may believe that your music ministry is too small to delegate but the best time to delegate is when you have someone who has the potential for growth.  This way they will grow along with the ministry attendance and maturing of the singers. If you don't have someone who is ready start thinking about a person who has a deep love for the Lord and who has a heart for helping people.  These people will learn the skills needed to do any job - even music.
This is an area that can be applied to any ministry.  If the children in your church are all in the nursery, maybe your church needs a senior citizen's music ministry, or a young couples' music ministry, it all depends upon the needs of your church members!
We have some ideas and plans that we want to start...but let's focus on the teen convention this week!!!

"A Summer Boost"

Happy Summer to you!
Maybe you've already experienced changing schedules for vacations, low rehearsal attendance or no attendance to rehearsal, or a very full schedule of additional summertime activities.  All these can be discouraging as you think about an entire summer of special music "slots" that need to be filled.  I don't know why I can't get my "zest" up, but sometimes you can just be physically tired.  We had a music recital, wedding, bridal shower, graduation, graduation parties, Spring campaign, finals, etc.... I can't think of all we had in May!!!  No wonder!
I posted the new music church schedule for June/July a few weeks ago and I've already updated it three times!  I have had to email these changes to our website manager, Bro. Jonathan Wells...he probably thinks I'm disorganized and can't make up my mind.  After the updates, I had two different schedules in front of me and typed the old listings into last week's order of service and reminders.  Now I'm more confused than ever!  So are the musicians, who've been coming up to me, emailing, and calling with their vacation dates!
I know that if I've been confused, we all must be going through some similar problems. This past week I remembered that God is in control, even during the summer.   I can only do my best.
Let's take advantage of our disadvantages. There are some things we can accomplish during the summer that we might not have time for during the regular school year.
1. Make practice cd's for your singing groups - if rehearsal attendance is low or it is difficult to find a time to meet.  These would not replace your rehearsal and any additional practice time will help!
2. Look for new music and fill your groups' files for their next rehearsal.
3. Start a new group! Maybe just a summertime group - learn 2 songs and see if the group will work out as a regular group.
4. If attendance is low to rehearsal go ahead and practice with those that show up.  They may have problem measures on some songs and you will have time to work them out without the whole group waiting and wasting time.
5. Practice on your own skills.  Take out stacks of choir music, the hymnal, offertories you've been meaning to practice, and when you feel "low", start practicing.  If your skills are sharpened you'll be ready to fill in when the scheduled specials fall through.
6. Make sure your July 4th weekend is extra-special and start choosing your Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday music.
There's always something that needs attention.  Maybe things aren't "status quo", but God is still on the throne and there's a great work to do for Him!
I think I'll go to the music store in the morning....