DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY, NORTHERN EUROPEWORKERS' CONFERENCE PROJECT GROUP 2C

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC

Project leader: Bro Terence Njinembo Deputy: Sis Remi AanyantundeSecretary: Bro Kayode ImoleMembers: Bro Akhenemen(D), Bro Gospel(A), Bro Kayode Asoro(Fin), Sis Evelyn(NL), Sis Peace(D), Sis Blessing(B), Bro Moise(Fr)Date: 28 April 2013

1

Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction and Background....................................................................................32.0 Belgium.....................................................................................................................53.0 The Netherlands.......................................................................................................74.0 Germany...................................................................................................................105.0 Austria......................................................................................................................116.0 Scandinavia..............................................................................................................127.0 France......................................................................................................................138.0 Recommendations...................................................................................................149.0 Roadmap..................................................................................................................1510.0 Conclusions..............................................................................................................16

2

1.0 Introduction and Background to the Project

Music is an essential part of Christian Worship and it should receive definite attention from leadership. It is obvious that music needs to evolve as we move from one generation to the other and it should preserve our cardinal truths by being scripture-rich while using contemporary genres and methods to convey them. This project should therefore focus on helping local Churches to visualise what the music ministry should do, where they are on the music landscape and what they ought to do to move from one step to a higher one (e.g. skills to develop, equipment to acquire for each level, the (acoustic) environment necessary, etc).

To achieve the objectives set forth above, the Northern Europe Overseer commissioned a working team with participants from different local churches in different countries. This diversity was intended to ensure a balanced output. The project leader was mandated to:

● Organise project members and appoint project-relevant roles (e.g. country/location rep, secretary, etc). Define project structure, deliverables, etc. Decide on meeting structure.

● Investigate the national/local climate to understand the specific context in which the Church operates (culture, trends, practices, etc) with specific emphasis on music.

● Interview key stakeholders in the DCLM: Pastor, workers, key members, etc).● If possible, carefully check the perception of outsiders (other churches and occasional

comers) to know their perception of our music.● Discuss findings with the project members and consolidate this in a report.

1.1 Aims and Scope of the ReportThe goals of this teamwork, as specified in the task schedule are:

1 To take inventory of the music experience and effectiveness in the local Churches within the spectrum of the Northern European Church.

2 To appraise the level of skill of the music ministry in the various Churches in comparison to what is available in other Churches and in the environment.

3 To specify skill gaps to be closed in order to achieve an acceptable level of music experience.

4 To recommend a roadmap that clearly articulates where we are and the various steps to take us to where we ought to be, giving rough timelines.

1.2 Deliverables● A clearly written, comprehensive report in which the following elements are captured:● Title, aim and background of the project.● Activities carried out during the project (including references to interviewed persons and/or

organisations).● Key findings.● Concrete recommendations

3

● A high-level presentation capturing the key points. Maximum of 6 slides. Both documents should be available latest by 28 April 2013.

1.3 GlossaryLocal music is a genre of music peculiar to an tribe, ethnic group, country, etc. In our context, it refers to African praises (choruses ) with the typical African style of clapping and songs sung in African dialects.On the other hand, contemporary music is the music of the current times; one that evolves and is enjoyed by youths as well as adults. In our context it is European music - worship songs, praises and hymns with modern genre, beats and a western way of clapping.

4

2.0 BELGIUM

An online questionnaire was developed to appraise the level of skill of the music ministry and the opinion of members in the local churches in Belgium. A total of 18 people comprising of 15 members and 3 Pastors were interviewed in these churches and their responses are captured in the following report. The breakdown of the responses by church location is shown below:

Church Number of respondents

Brussels 11Antwerp 4Ghent 2

Turnhout 0

2.1 Summary of key findingsAll respondents interviewed believe that music is extremely important during church services.

2.1.1 Importance of the Choir ministryThe respondents were asked about the importance of certain aspects of the choir ministry.The responses are summarized below:

Aspect % Response ClassificationChoir Uniform 31.25% ImportantUse of Drums and Guitar 35.29% Not importantUse of Piano/ Organ 76.47% Extremely importantHymns 76.47% Extremely importantPraise Worship 88.24% Extremely important

5

Types of Song ( Local vs Contemporary)

47.06% Important

2.1.2 Perceptions about the current state of music in Belgium ChurchesOn the current state of music in churches in Belgium, the following responses were obtained:

● Choir dressing requires improvement ● Only the keyboard is used. Other Instruments should be used. ● Praise and worship, singing of hymns requires improvement; someone said it is poor. ● Choir Ministration and song selection needs to be improved.

2.1.3 Suggestions for ImprovementBased on the feedback obtained, 64.7% of respondents said they are satisfied but there is room for improvement while 35.3% are completely dissatisfied. The following suggestions were given by respondents on improving the music ministry in Belgium.

● The time for praise and worship sessions should be increased.● Make songs to be livelier. Currently, songs are “dragged” and that makes it to be boring.

Using the keyboard helps. Singing should be done prayerfully and from the heart ● The choristers should be more willing to sacrifice their time and give themselves to

consistent training/practice. Adequate preparation before ministration.● Engage aspiring choristers and saved youths.● Instrumentalists should be developed. Each chorister should be encouraged to purchase

his/her own instrument and use of online aids for practice.● Projectors should be purchased and to guide the laity during singing● New songs should be introduced, instead of repeating 'old' songs. Songs must be relevant

to the message● Sponsor youths for training. ● Pastors need to support and encourage the choirs for personal development● Worship leaders must connect with the congregation

6

3.0 THE NETHERLANDS

3.1 IntroductionThis report covers the Deeper Life Bible Church locations in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven and Den Haag.

3.2 Amsterdam ChurchThe level of music is generally acceptable considering the choir’s knowledge of music. The choir normally sing modern songs but because of the difference in the music skills of the choir members they are not able to get a perfect performance. Some members have a little knowledge of music but others have no knowledge at all. The whole choir started taking music lessons but could not continue because the teacher was too busy and was not paid.Newcomers who also visit the church are impressed with music in general in the church considering the perception they have of the church. (Sis Tina)

3.2.1 Recommendations● Combination of old and new songs. The new ones should be sang in the middle of selected

songs; this would sustain the flow of the music. (Sis Christiana)● An occasional comer suggested that adding more instruments and drums would make the

singing to be livelier.● The whole choir should continue music lessons with a professional and that person should

be paid by the church. This would greatly improve the choir’s performance. (Sis Tina)

3.3 Rotterdam, Eindhoven and Den HaagThe pastors of the churches (4 pastors) along with other members of the church were asked to provide feedback on their experiences and expectations of the choir ministry. A total of 12 people were interviewed in these churches and their responses are captured in the following report.All respondents interviewed believe that music is extremely important during church services. This underscores the importance of the music ministry in our respective churches.

7

3.3.1 Importance of the choir ministrySecondly, the respondents were asked about the importance of some aspects of the choir ministry, namely the use of choir uniform dress, use of drums/guitar, piano/organ, singing of hymns, praise worship sessions and the types of songs rendered by the choir (local vs. contemporary).Our findings reveal that an overwhelming majority of respondents see the praise worship session as extremely important. Interestingly, most members view the use of piano/organ and the singing of hymns during services as important as the other. The use of drums/guitar and choir uniform are viewed by many as not important. In respect of the types of songs, there is an almost even split. 33% view the types of songs rendered by the choir (either local or contemporary) as not quite important to them, 25% view the types of songs as important while 25% think it is extremely important.

3.3.2 Assessment of the current stateWe asked the Pastors and members of the church if they were satisfied with the current state of the music. Interestingly, none of the respondents are completely satisfied with the current performance of the music ministry. Most respondents (81.8%) said they were satisfied but believe

8

we can improve on our current performance, while the rest (18.2%) are completely dissatisfied with the performance of the music ministry.

When asked to rate their perceptions on some aspects of the music ministry, namely choir dressing, congregational songs, use of other instruments apart from piano, praise worship, choir ministration and song selection, the responses were split.In respect of choir dressing, the responses were evenly split between excellent (50%) and needs improvement (50%). Most respondents (66%)believe that our congregational songs needs improvement (33%). The use of other instruments was deemed poor by 25% of the respondents while 25% have never seen other instruments used during services. Another 50% said this needs improvement.

83% of the respondents rated the choir ministration as needing improvement while another 75% also suggested that the song selection also needs to be improved upon.

9

3.3.3 Roadmap to the future and suggestions for improvement● Coordination of rehearsals and training courses for choristers● Recruitment of saved members to boost the numerical strength of the choir our locations.

Encourage the youths to join the choir. Appointment of choir leaders in churches without one to help the choir

● Work on harmony of voices and instruments● Purchase of musical instruments and training of choristers to play them.● Clearer lyrics in our singing, more ministration than rendition● Lively singing and not sticking to old stereotypes in singing. Introduction of new songs● Smart dressing for members of the choir● More (frequent) singing time for choristers in programmes to enable them to develop● Use of beats during praise worship sessions.

4.0 GERMANY

4.1 Dusseldorf and Stuttgart regions

4.1.1 Current Level of music ministry● Essen, Krefeld, Ludenscheid, and Wuppertal (Dusseldorf region), Goppingen and

Regensburg churches don't have a choir. Stuttgart church has a choir of 3 people.● Some members of choir perm and braid their hair.● There are praise and worship teams of at least 2 people in most of the churches.● The teams only sing songs which are common to them.● The elderly ones are not very familiar with Contemporary Christian Music (CCM).● Most churches do not have musical instruments apart from keyboard. Goppingen, Essen

and Ludenscheid churches do not have a keyboardist.● Church members do not know most contemporary songs and even congregational hymns.

Sometimes they prefer songs translated from diverse languages into English (what Pastor refers to as “Calabar songs”).

● In Germany, sometimes the response for German contemporary songs is poor and P&W team gets discouraged from singing such songs.

● Choristers do not have a good mastery of the songs or they do not grasp the message behind the songs. Sometimes, this is due to lack of enough time to prepare the songs.

● Stuttgart choir is taking rudiments of music classes. The keyboardist there needs to be groomed.

● Regensburg church has a guitarist and pianist. Someone was brought to teach others in Krefeld church.

4.1.2 Recommendations● Voice training for choir members and rudiments of music for other churches.● Should members shoud learn and master the hymns. They should learn contemporary

worship songs by Darlene Zschech, Don Meon, Micheal Smith, Oslo gospel choir, Brooklyn tabernacle choir, The Gaithers.

10

● Organise special night of worship services, preferably revival services.● Members who are born again can be encouraged to start a choir if there is someone who

can lead them.

4.2 Hamburg region

4.1.1 Current Level of music ministry There is no choir in any of the churches. No one has had any musical training Multi-language difficulties (English, French and German speakers) There is no musical equipment in any of the churches Members not familiar with contemporary music. singers prefer Nigerian choruses Worship is mostly done on Sunday worship services While some member say the worship session is boring others enjoy it Worship songs are downloaded from the internet and projected while the worship leader

directs the worship session

4.1.2 Recommendations New and simple contemporary songs will greatly improve the worship experience African simple songs would also be included in the praises Some worship songs should be selected from the hymn book (Pastor Lambert's

recommendation) Ministration songs from the hymn should be sung before the message instead of praises

and worship (Lübeck Church)

5.0 AUSTRIA

For this report, choir members, workers in the church, the pastor and also a non-member were interviewed.

5.1 Assessment of the current stateGenerally, the response from the people is good and many envisage on the possibility of improvement the rendition of the choir. The fact that some choristers have some basic rudiment of music training has helped tremendously. Choir members are encouraged to do their best in overcoming the initial fear of making mistakes. The music experience in the local churches in Austria especially where there are keyboards is satisfactory, with room for improvement. We currently sings praise and worship songs, followed by a special number that matches the Sunday sermon. We use beats from the keyboard. Our special numbers are selected from a website of gospel hymns.

Choir members are hungry for improvement and are being encouraged to make use of readily available materials on the internet to improve. The members easily learn any new song that’s brought to the choir for presentation. As most of the songs are found on the internet, they are encouraged to go back home and rehearse the songs on the internet. In comparison with other churches, all the interviewees agree that the music ministry is an important ministry in the church.

11

According to them, we choose and deliver songs with a message while other churches mostly concentrate on the rhythm. This is the main difference between us and most churches.

5.2 Suggestions for improvement● Improve on method of presentation. Sing songs in German, starting with simple ones.● Improve our keyboard skills. Find time to practice. Look for a solution for those in different

cities● Emphasis on note reading in musical rudiments training● The choir should sensitize and motivate the congregation before the praise and worship;

encourage them to get involved. ● Songs must be sung with passion as one person puts it. We should look cheerful and joyful

as this is contagious. ● Moderate and godly dressing as ambassadors of Christ and the church.

6.0 SCANDINAVIA

The scope of the church cuts across Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland. But because the church’s presence is predominantly, in Finland and Sweden, the interviews capture only brethren in Sweden and in Finland. Furthermore, a good number of worshippers in Finland worship online via Skype – practically all items done in a physical location are also done online.

6.1 Inventory of the Music Experience6.1.1 Online WorshipIn total, four people – two online pastors and a couple were interviewed. The summary of their assessment is that, while we are not doing entirely bad, we can improve the level of the of music. At the moment, for the online service, the times for music include the pre-service prayers, worship and thanksgiving; congregational song and in service prayers.

6.1.2 Physical LocationsThree physical locations are interviewed. The respondents include a pastor and the wife (Finland), an assistant pastor, and a choirmaster (Sweden). The summary of the inventory of the musical experience also mirrors the need of improvement, especially in the areas of instrumentations and presentation of worship

6.2 Appraisal of the level of MusicIn measuring the present level of music in the church, a scale of 1 to 5 was used.

6.2.1 Online WorshipThe scales recorded, out of 5 possible, are: 4, 2.5, 2, 2.5, 4; with an average of 3.This positions the assessment of the present level of the music on the online church to be an average of 3/5.

6.2.2 Physical Locations

12

The assessment of the physical location in northern Sweden (Lulea church) is based on six criteria: varieties, instrumentation, duration, message content, coherence with the message preached, and presentation. The scales are: 4, 0.5, 3, 5, 4, and 3 respectively, with an average of 3.25. This implies that we need to improve, at the very basic, the need to get more musical instruments. In southern Sweden (Uppsala Church), the average assessment of the musical is 3.In Finland (Kuopio Church), the first interviewee grades the level of music to be 2.5 and the second respondent appraised 1.5 with an average of 2/5.

6.3 The skill gaps to be closedFrom the online to the physical locations, the emphasized skill gaps to be closed include: musical instrument learning, worship song presentations, local language songs, teaching of the whole church songs in the local language, duet or backing up skills, communication and stage management skills, harnessing, organization and management of individual musical skills to an appreciable whole.

6.4 Recommendations and RoadmapThe summary of the recommendations and suggestions include:

For the online service: Two or more song leaders while the microphones of other worshippers are muted management and organization of individual musical skills, training and retraining willing members especially those that have some musical

background and those with strong passion Not being stereotyped during praise and worship (possible musical instrument

accompaniment), getting more musical instruments. For the physical locations:

conscious, spiritual integration of aspiring choristers, to see beyond singing, singing more dynamic, youthful songs (contemporary, new but popular) to guarantee

followership periodic training and retraining on songs and musical instruments, singing in the national Scandinavian languages to carry native worshippers along stage fright management, and confident worship leaders.

7.0 FRANCE

Several members of the church and leaders were interviewed to ascertain the state of the music ministry in church locations in France.

7.1 Importance of the choirMost respondents agree that the choir ministry is important it makes the church lively and prepares the human heart to receive the word of God - before the preacher comes up. As to the types of songs to be sung in the church, many generally want a good mix between praise, worship, hymn, classical, contemporary and choruses. The songs must focus on God, give glory to Him, strengthen and touch the heart

13

7.2 Recommendations for Improvement● There are not enough instruments. Someone should be trained to play the keyboard● Get an expert, a professional to teach the choir music, invest money in the choir ministry● Youths must be encouraged to take musical courses ● Organization of musical concerts, inviting people, music program. the choir must be well

prepared and to pray effectively before rendering songs● Facial expression when singing● We must stop singing "antiquated" songs as the French sing in French and English in

English. ● Choir members should be consecrated and devoted to their ministry ● Learning the songs by heart and no using paper sheets that cover the eyes ● Choristers must live the songs they sing.● There should be a choir for each age group in the church (children, youths and adult)

8.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

Domain Duty Deadline

Music Theory

Monthly or bi-monthly (location dependent) musical training for each country or region.

Monthly

Parents should be encouraged to enrol their children in musical schools.

Weekly

Bi-monthly online worship leaders online training Bi-monthlyAll countries will use the same syllabus which will be compiled by Sis Remi and bro Akhenemen.

June 2013

Musical Toys

Choir members should learn how to play keyboard and other instruments such as guitar, trumpet, saxophone, etc. This should also be part of the monthly musical training.

March 2014

Pastors should ensure purchase musical instruments, projectors and PA systems for their churches.

March 2014

A workshop should be organized for PA system controllers. It should comprise: volume control, echo and noise reduction, positioning of speakers and microphones, sync with choir, etc They should record all choir renditions and make them available.

May 2014

An online database of songs e.g. DropBox, Google Docs, etc should be created for the DCLM NE by bro Kayode Asoro. This will facilitate sharing of songs and other musical material. In addition this will expand our musical network.

May 2013

Musical Theatre In addition to the monthly training, a music workshop should be organized during the summer for 2-3 days. Professional musicians could be employed for voice training and stage management. Singers should be made to listen/watch the songs of inspiring gospel musicians such as the Gaithers, Don Moen, Brooklyn Tabernacle choir, etc. Exposure will make the vision to be clearer.

Sept. 2013 (yearly)

14

Musical (mini)concerts and nights of praise should be organized once a year. This could be a great evangelistic opportunity.

Dec. 2013 (yearly)

Saved youths and willing members should be integrated into the choir or worship team. The aim is to raise a youth choir.

June 2014

Online materials for voice training, song selection, professional singing, etc should be sourced and stored in the database by Sis Peace and bro Gospel.

Monthly

The time allocation for singing during services should be increased; 10 minutes is too small.

July 2013

Singers should be inspired by the Holy Spirit. Their lives and demeanour should reflect their songs. They should smile, make gestures and/or move while singing. They should listen to recordings of their rehearsals and renditions.

Daily

9.0 ROADMAP

Deadline Target

Dec. 2013 Lively, inspiring music, new songs.

June 2014 All singers can read musical notes

Dec. 2014 Worship teams in all DCLM NE local churches. Professional music: ‘Angelic voices, harmony, modulation, variety.

June 2015 Evangelistic bait, (Mini)concerts. Singing in NE languages.

Dec. 2015 Many instrumentalists, live band/orchestra.

June 2016 Song composition, albums.

15

10.0 CONCLUSIONS

Country Theory & Training Tools & Toys Talents & Theatre

France 3 4 5

Belgium 5 3 6

Germany 5 5 7

Scandinavia 6 6 5.5

Netherlands 6 7.5 7

Austria 6 5.5 8

From the table above, the current level of the music in DCLM Northern Europe level is average. Musical tools (instruments) has the lowest scores while music talents & theatre (performance) is the highest. Most local churches have a worship team of 2-4 people, ministering every Sunday. This is a good beginning. We can move to the next level if the roadmap in chapter 9.0 is followed based on the recommendations of chapter 8.0. The level of music knowledge is still very low compared to the goal. it is expedient that all choir members follow a rigorous training on the rudiments of music.

A central command is required to coordinate and support the local/regional worship teams. This will enable sharing of key competences across the vast geographical areas in Northern Europe. France with the lowest scores could greatly benefit from the musical experience of Austria. Similarly, Netherlands can train keyboardists in Belgium. This wonderful contemporary DCLM NE music group should expand its network to hosts online meetings and sharing of songs and vital musical data.

By God's grace with sacrifice, passion and diligence the music ministry can be developed from an average level to an evangelistic bait that revives and transforming lives.

16