Sometimes musicians can think of the offertory time as the only opportunity to showcase their talents and skill set. Although the offertory should give glory to God and be our best, it should not be ostentatious or distracting from the message of the song. It is not "concert" time for the pianist, organist, or instrumentalist.
The purpose of the offertory is a time to take up tithes and offerings and also to prepare the hearts for the message to come.
Just last week we had an offertory instrumentalist cancel a solo. I chose a piano duet of "Sunlight" that we hadn't played in several years. As we were going through the beginning of the service and listening to the prayer requests and announcements, the Lord impressed another song on my heart. I looked over at our wonderful organist and told her the hymnal page number and the plan - (chorus, verse, chorus, tag. Organ melody, first verse.) As soon as we started the song we knew it was the right choice. The message of the song prevailed over the simplicity of the arrangement.
Here are a few guidelines when you choose offertory music:
1. The song should be recognizable to most of the congregation.
2. The melody should dominate.
3. Simplicity can be more beautiful than a bunch of "high-fallutin mumbo jumbo."
4. Variety is needed between offertories and within the offertory itself. Some parts should be loud, some soft. Some parts should be low, some high, some slow, and some more up tempo.
5. The length should be timed to coincide with the ushers leaving the auditorium. There might be a few exceptions if the verse and chorus cannot be played because this time is too short.
6. The offertory could become a contest between musicians. One musician could play a song, the next one could have the attitude of outdoing the other one in volume and speed. If this attitude becomes apparent, a change needs to be made.
7. A good barometer to know if you're on the right track could be the response to the offertory. "That song was a blessing to me. Wow! I needed that message. I love that hymn" are all better responses than "You are a tremendous musician!"
If you can play an offertory that impresses the congregation with thoughts of God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit or spiritual encouragement for people's hearts, you have succeeded in planning a great offertory.
Just last week we had an offertory instrumentalist cancel a solo. I chose a piano duet of "Sunlight" that we hadn't played in several years. As we were going through the beginning of the service and listening to the prayer requests and announcements, the Lord impressed another song on my heart. I looked over at our wonderful organist and told her the hymnal page number and the plan - (chorus, verse, chorus, tag. Organ melody, first verse.) As soon as we started the song we knew it was the right choice. The message of the song prevailed over the simplicity of the arrangement.
Here are a few guidelines when you choose offertory music:
1. The song should be recognizable to most of the congregation.
2. The melody should dominate.
3. Simplicity can be more beautiful than a bunch of "high-fallutin mumbo jumbo."
4. Variety is needed between offertories and within the offertory itself. Some parts should be loud, some soft. Some parts should be low, some high, some slow, and some more up tempo.
5. The length should be timed to coincide with the ushers leaving the auditorium. There might be a few exceptions if the verse and chorus cannot be played because this time is too short.
6. The offertory could become a contest between musicians. One musician could play a song, the next one could have the attitude of outdoing the other one in volume and speed. If this attitude becomes apparent, a change needs to be made.
7. A good barometer to know if you're on the right track could be the response to the offertory. "That song was a blessing to me. Wow! I needed that message. I love that hymn" are all better responses than "You are a tremendous musician!"
If you can play an offertory that impresses the congregation with thoughts of God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit or spiritual encouragement for people's hearts, you have succeeded in planning a great offertory.
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