Musical Transition--How Do I Take Them From Old to New?

[sjohnson161]

Hi everyone! OK, I'm the Director of Music at a small, black baptist church. Traditionally, the "Opening Hymn" for the service always came out of the hymn book (yes, the same red hymn book you probably had at your church!). Here's the issue: While I personally love hymns, our congregation is growing, and we are seeing a lot of younger people in our congregation.

These people have approached me and asked if we can do some opening songs besides hymns, because they either A. Don't know the hymns or B. feel the hymns don't allow the Spirit to really flow, that they are just about routine and not worship. I think they have a point, and want to branch out to some new(er) songs, especially for opening hymn because I feel its important to connect with the congregation right from the start of service. Also, I find myself playing a rotation of the same 7-10 hymnbook opening songs for opening during the year (Down at the Cross, What A Fellowship, Pass Me Not, etc. etc. etc.)...ugh.

Any suggestions on how to segue into new(er) territory, especially concerning opening selection, without offending the elders? Thanks!

[lorenz_j]

Simply ask folk what newer songs they like.  Include people in the song selection process. 

Some artist like Donnie McClurkin, Mississippi Mass, John P. Kee and Richard Smallwood have songs that appel to old and new school. 

One thing Ive learned about old school music lovers is that they like songs with a chorus, melody and great lyrics. Often, they dont like songs that repeat the same words or phrases over and over again, so attempt to find songs that have strong melody.   Old school folk like hymns cause the lyrics are powerful, so find contemporary songs with powerful lyrics and melodic songs.

Also, as mentioned, doing new renditions of hymns works well too.

[MrSparrow06]

You have to move slowly but steadily. The only reason people don't know the old hymns is because churches stopped singing them. The only thing is you can't do too much too soon. I believe you should always have a blend of all in your worship service. While the older crew won't understand the new stuff and the younger folks won't like the hymns they will put up (no pretty way to say it) with just ONE selection during a service. Eventually they won't just "put up" with the song but they'll sing along.

[glorydweller]

You might try introducing some new songs during the offering or as a special. Then, after the people get more familiar with them, put them into different parts of the service like the opening.

[malthumb]

Here's what I put on the "CD of Introits To Learn" for the choir I lead

• God Is Here - Martha Munizzi
• Enter In - Joe Pace & Colorado Mass
• Praises Onto You - Jason Nelson
• Holy Spirit Move - Joe Pace
• Here I Am To Worship - Israel & TNB
• Welcome Into This Place - Joe Pace (you can see I like Joe Pace)
• The Lord Is My Sheperd - Cissy Houston / Hez Walker from "The Preacher's Wife"
• For Every Mountain - Shekinah Glory Ministries

Hope that helps.

[musallio]

Mhh, priceless feedback

A song that comes to mind that, I believe "ushers Holy Spirit" is "Holy Spirit You Are Welcome in This Place" I think by Ron Kenoly [I heard it on radio in the key of D or Benny Hinn in G. I like it coz it seems to satisfy both the hymn lover and the "contemporary" music lover.

There is also "Holy Spirit Come Fill This Place" by Juanita Bynum.

You could even do a medley of these songs and then let's see if there'll still be people complaining at church..

It will be a steady journey, but start throwing in 1 of the "newer" songs between the "old" ones. Gradually throw in more until things balance.

There's another song that my pastor also likes which I think is on the border: "This Is Holy Ground, You're Standing on Holy Ground..."

The songs are there, just how you structure them is key

[CHI-MD]

Slowly integrate songs of different styles. I think someone mention dont do too much too soon. I've dealt with the exact same issue where the congregation was about 60/40 youth/ old school or traditional members. I would introduce a really simple song like "How great is our God" and I would do it every other Sunday...... on a day when the spirit was really present I would work it in as a worship song...on a day when the program called for a congregational song I would do it with a faster tempo.  After a while they were anxious to see what new song I was going to introduce next. It takes time. I've been at my church 11 years and its still not all the way there yet. Music is one of those things that can cause segregation in the church so I would say try different approaches and different material.

[vtguy84]

Great advice everyone!

Welcome to LGM

[CJ_Pasley]

Try to incorporate both. You can start with a contemporary songs like How Great is Our God, Hears' My Worship, Hymn I Need Thee-Then transition to I Need You Lord, Hallelujah, Precious Jesus- Then leave them happy with I’m Satisfied With Jesus or Can't Nobody-Transition to Nobody Greater. Also like SketchMan3 said a newer version. I did Jesus- Oh What A wonderful Child. I put a hard drive on it and it had the old saints bopping. Write back let us know how it goes.

I'm fairly New To Posting Take All My Mistakes For Love…….

[sjohnson161]

Thanks everyone for these awesome replies and suggestions!

I have been incorporating newer songs in with the old, as some of you suggested, and we have a new praise team, which allows me to really use the newer songs without having to depend on the congregation knowing them all. This has been working well, so I;m going to continue with this as much as I can. Also, thanks for the song suggestions...we already do some of them, but I'm always looking for new music, so I appreciate your feedback!   

[musallio]

I'm glad your music ministry is booming SJ..  All the best for the future

 I see all these "rare" posters with very sound advice! Guys, don't hide please. We need you here

[vtguy84]

Thanks everyone for these awesome replies and suggestions!

I have been incorporating newer songs in with the old, as some of you suggested, and we have a new praise team, which allows me to really use the newer songs without having to depend on the congregation knowing them all. This has been working well, so I;m going to continue with this as much as I can. Also, thanks for the song suggestions...we already do some of them, but I'm always looking for new music, so I appreciate your feedback!   

Good stuff!  I think I know you....but I don't want to embarrass myself if I don't.

[CJ_Pasley]

Hey, talk to the Pastor and make sure there is a single vision and not a double vision on the direction of the Music Ministry for the Church. If the vision is shared then teach the Pastor the newer songs (providing he has the craft) and have him or her lead them. The body responds to what the head does.

[gtrdave]

Hey, talk to the Pastor and make sure there is a single vision and not a double vision on the direction of the Music Ministry for the Church. If the vision is shared then teach the Pastor the newer songs (providing he has the craft) and have him or her lead them. The body responds to what the head does.

Man...I was just gonna post something along these lines, but here it is already. 
Yes, be sure that you have the blessing and support of the pastor or pastoral staff before you go changing things.