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.
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