THE 7 DANGEROUS ENEMIES OF EXCELLENCE

Excellence in any context is not easily achieved. The root word “excel” means or suggests to go beyond the norm...to aim for and achieve higher. The fact of the matter is that excellence can often times be elusive. Many times we aim, but fail in achieving. But why is excellence so elusive? It's true, that those in pursuit of excellence must be determined, disciplined and most importantly detail oriented. But the proactive pursuit of excellence alone is not enough.

There are also some important things to look for that could quite often derail that pursuit if you are not aware of them,  and how they work.

1. EXCUSES- Reasons why, "I can't" or “I didn’t.” Finding ways to excuse one’s self from a particular job, task or responsibility. It has been often said that “excuses are the tools of the incompetent.”

2. INCOMPETENCE- The lack of necessary skill sets or know how in a particular area or field. Without the proper knowledge or experience, one can never expect to attain a level of excellence in their attempts.

3. INHERENT LOYALTIES- The fear of letting go of the familiar. This includes people and procedures. It could also refer to the notion that “we’ve always done it this way.”

4. LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY- The failure to “inspect what you expect.” Follow-up and follow through are important factors in the accountability process.

5. MEDIOCRITY- Being comfortable or okay with "good enough.” Just getting by, is an ideology counterproductive to stretching ones mind and actions to achieve higher.

6. FAILURE TO PLAN- The belief that things will just work themselves out. Always remember...”plans don’t fail, lest people fail to plan.“

7. DISORGANIZATION- Disarray, chaos and haphazard approaches to files, systems and processes. It is almost impossible to achieve excellence in any context without organization.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Minister Corey-Patrick Edwards is the Founder/ Executive Director of the Florida Fellowship Super Choir, and the CEO of COED Ministries. He currently serves as the Associate Minister of Music at Antioch Baptist Church of Miami Gardens and Ft. Lauderdale. His experience and expertise has taken him across the country, teaching and training in the areas of worship and music ministry.

7 Helpful Tips for Backing the Preacher

The preaching of the Gospel is a timeless and ageless yet ever evolving art form. Musicians should know that accompanying the preacher is an art form too and requires the same degree of spiritual and creative discipline.

Here are a few helpful tips that can help achieve a successful marriage of sermon and song.

1. BE A FORWARD THINKER

Most experienced preachers know exactly what type of music or specific song selections they want to hear before they preach. Some may even sing themselves. Others may not prefer any music at all. Musicians should follow the preachers lead.

In the event that they do not, musicians and directors should be prepared or at least be familiar with a song at all times that can set up the preaching moment. The same should apply for music at the close of the sermon as well. A preacher may ask for a song or even sing one themselves. But if neither is the case the forward thinking musician should be able to recall something appropriate.

2. LISTEN TO THE ENTIRE MESSAGE

Many times accompanying the preacher towards the close of the sermon involves more than just when they’re hooping. Often times a preacher may extend an altar call or open the doors of the church. These moments are designed to give the people an opportunity to respond to the word that they have just heard. It is critical for musicians to pay attention to the entirety of the message. The musician who is a help to the preacher should be able to recall appropriate song selections that will augment the sermonic themes.

3. ALLOW THEM TO FIND THEIR COMFORT ZONE

Most preachers that hoop have a desired place that they wish to be during the close. This is usually in the most comfortable spot for their vocal range. But this can change from time to time depending on a number of factors. The preachers level of fatigue, cold or sinus challenges, respiratory issues and more can all affect this in an adverse way.

Therefore, before trying to force a preacher towards a particular key, allow them to settle in to a comfortable place first. Stay focused on the preacher’s cues or signals. They will let you know when they’re ready to ride.

Preachers are encouraged to get with a musician and know the name of your desired key. Communicate it to musicians that will play for you.

4. MATCH HIS PITCH

This is one of the most important reasons that musicians should learn how to play in all of their keys. Of course there are keys that some musicians may prefer or feel more comfortable playing in. We’ve all got our favorites. But a good accompanist should be able to navigate and take command of all 12 named keys.

Do not force the preacher even a half step up or down as this can become a sonic distraction not only to the preacher but the listening congregation as well. Try to avoid this clash at all cost.

5. GET IN RHYTHM

Once the musician has matched pitch and the preacher has established their cadence, now is the time for the organist to get in sync.

The successful accompanist will be able to anticipate the preachers rhythm and provide the chord changes to match. Many times a skilled drummer in sync can greatly enhance this creative collaboration.

6. LISTEN AS YOU GO

There are also times during sermon close that a preacher may modulate or transition to another key altogether. This can be both intentional and sometimes unintentional on the preachers behalf. It is important that the musician not only match pitch and rhythm, but be flexible enough to stay in sync with the preachers flow. It is still the musicians responsibility to flow seamlessly and in lock step with the preacher.

7. KNOW YOUR NEEDS

A preacher that travels extensively should consider having a musician that can travel with them when possible. This musician should be someone that is very familiar with their preaching style and habits.

This can help cut down on levels of frustration and misunderstandings that sometimes arise amongst preachers and musicians that are not familiar with each other. Let’s face it, sometimes you don’t know what to expect and may not be sure about what you’re going to get. The caliber of musicians that you will encounter along the way can vary from place to place.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Minister Corey-Patrick Edwards is the Founder/ Executive Director of the Florida Fellowship Super Choir, and the CEO of COED Ministries. He currently serves as the Associate Minister of Music at Antioch Baptist Church of Miami Gardens and Ft. Lauderdale. His experience and expertise has taken him across the country, teaching and training in the areas of worship and music ministry.

5 New Tips for a Spirit Filled Choir Rehearsal

A choir rehearsal that is successful should allow members to leave inspired, uplifted and feeling positive about the time they have spent there. But, it is important to know that this can not be achieved by mere talent alone. Here are some helpful tips to ensure that your rehearsal is not just a musically productive one, but a Spirit filled one as well.

Check Egos at the Door

The choir rehearsal setting is no time for directors, musicians or singers to think more highly of themselves than they ought. No matter how gifted you are, you should never approach the rehearsal in a way that makes others inferior to you. This is the quickest way to lose the interest and the respect of others. Rather it should be cooperative rehearsal environment. Remember that everyone may not learn or comprehend at the same pace, and those with special talents should take even greater responsibility to help improve those around you. 

Pray 

It may sound cliche’, but you should never underestimate the power of prayer. Many people come into the rehearsal setting with the cares and troubles of their day. Even though they may not say it, people have a number of various issues that weigh on them when they show up. Some can be tired, sad, overworked just generally distracted. Intentional time dedicated to prayer before starting the rehearsal can often times be just what they need to bring all hearts, minds and spirits into focus. Also remember that no one is good enough to operate in ministry based on your talent alone. We should ask the Holy Spirit to provide help, guidance and power to make up for our shortfalls. 

Provide a Cool and Comfortable Environment

Always make sure that you spend enough time prior to rehearsal to ensure that the room temperature is cool and comfortable for learning during extended periods of time. Make sure there is enough seating for all choir members and musicians. If you cannot provide water for everyone, encourage them to bring their own, so that they can stay hydrated. If you fail to do this you may run the risk of fatigue and short attention spans from choir members. This will ultimately work against the rehearsal being as productive as possible. 

Make Learning Fun

Light humor and fun facts help to make the learning experience easier and more of a pleasure to all. People will respond better to a polite and pleasant attitude from the director, rather than an ugly one. Of course there will be times when directors may become a bit frustrated during certain parts of the teaching process. Do not berate, yell or become angry at choir members during these times. Do not use smart remarks or throw shade. Do your best to keep your your cool. If you do happen to get a bit frustrated, quickly followup with a funny line or a joke  and a smile so that they don’t hold it against you. 

Prayer Requests and Praise Reports

Most rehearsals are usually spent with directors doing all of the talking and teaching. It is important to remember that choir rehearsals should provide members more than just a time to learn and practice music. it should also serve as a time to foster fellowship and community among one another. It is good for people to know that in their choir they have an extended family of faith. It is helpful for them to know that they have others who will pray with them and for them in difficult times, as well as people who will rejoice and celebrate with them during times of great joy. This brief moment at the end of rehearsals will  give members a moment to express themselves and offer encouragement to each other. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Minister Corey-Patrick Edwards is the Founder/ Executive Director of the Florida Fellowship Super Choir, and the CEO of COED Ministries. His experience and expertise has taken him across the country, teaching and training in the areas of worship and music ministry.