Altar Music

[Billy n NC]

How do you feel.

Should the music during an altar call at the end of a sermon be Live?

This has been something that bothers me from time to time being the sound person I am. The minister has preached a great sermon. God is moving and an altar call is given. The minister signals that music is needed. The piano player comes up and the drummer and guitar player and the bass player and 4 worship team members and .... You get my drift.

I find this disctracting. What say you guys. Me personally. It should be canned instrumental music until the altar call is over, depending on the move of the spirt. Then live muscians/worship team come up.

[Penny]

WHERE IS THE CHOICE FOR NONE?

I do not like music at the alter call.

[Billy n NC]

WHERE IS THE CHOICE FOR NONE?

I do not like music at the alter call.

That would be OTHER..

[Penny]

lol and here I thought other was some OTHER TYPE of music..

man I been out of church WAY TO LONG

[RamboPreacher]

other was my vote. cause it depends on the kind of altar call, and if it is a call to alter.

I have several MD's for this, and is instrumental and piano (midi) only. fast, med., slow, depending on context of service. and of course our band is ready to jump in as well, if called upon and appropriate. have even played best of WOW dvd's. so full-spectrum of mixed bag, again depending on the leading of the Holy Ghost and if the orator/pastor has a preference or request.

[HogWild]

I think it also depends on your musicians. I have seen some that are great 'players' but are horrible at being sensitive to the spirit.

If the musicians are in tune to the spirit and the pastor's vision, then they should be able to follow appropriately.

Let me add something else. I started doing something a few years ago that I thought was kewl. I realized that the ending was a whole lot more important than my beginning. I started asking myself where I wanted to go - then I worked backwards.

An ending to a service, an altar call shouldn't ever really catch the staff and musicians off guard.

[EagerBeaver]

I am for anything during altar calls as long as it isn't played so loud you can't hear yourself pray.

[fezzik]

An ending to a service, an altar call shouldn't ever really catch the staff and musicians off guard.

You said this perfectly. The pastor has prepared the message in advance, so why can't he meet with the worship/band staff in advance and work out a plan. There is no reason music and sermon can't be coordinated in advance. So many people want to "wait on the spirit" to lead, but why can't the Spirit lead on a Friday or Saturday as you prepare for an incredible message, visitation and worship on Sunday. Actually, a team of creative people can sometimes work together on a great plan for all this in advance.

I'll quit...rambling.

[Full Quiver]

I always preselected altar music and it was played softly. All MP3!

[Pastor Gary]

I work the services out with my P&W leaders and band. During the worship music set at the front of the service, we usually try to end with a slower, intense song that sets the tone for what is to come in the teaching/preaching... at a pre-arranged part of the sermon, the band slips back on stage and prepares to reprise that song.

[Gerald Creasy]

Altar music is the tradition I despise more than any other.

Lets make it loud and maudlin....something to psychologically manipulate the people.

Have someone bleat out something like "I was Young, I had plenty of time!!" to work on the youngsters hearts.

What is the purpose? To entertain those not praying and to manipulate the suggestable.

[soulsearcher]

The invitation ("altar call") is THE most important part of the service as far as I'm concerned, and by far my favorite time to play.

For an invitation, one solitary anointed musician is all that is necessary.

As for the selection, it is and has always been up to me. Many times I don't even play a "song." Creating an atmosphere of sacred sound is the goal.

[Pastor Gary]

Altar music is the tradition I despise more than any other.

Lets make it loud and maudlin....something to psychologically manipulate the people.

Have someone bleat out something like "I was Young, I had plenty of time!!" to work on the youngsters hearts.

What is the purpose? To entertain those not praying and to manipulate the suggestable.

So, are you suggesting that there should never be any element of emotion in our services? Are you of the opinion that the only valid decision is a purely intellectual one devoid of an emotional component?

We don't even buy automobiles or shampoo that way.
I hope the music we pick is not emotional manipulation, but if you perceive that creating a receptive frame of mind and atmosphere by singing a song that reminds people of God's grace and love for them is manipulation, then I guess so.

Last Sunday, as people prayed one for another, the band sang this...
Show me Your ways
That I may walk with You
Show me Your ways
I put my hope in You

The cry of my heart
Is to love You more
To live with the
Touch of Your hand
Stronger each day
Show me Your ways

Emotional manipulation or affirmation of our desire to walk with God?

[free]

My piano player sit on the stage (behind the piano) and my worship leader sits on the 1st row with his wife...When I'm ready for prayer, etc the piano player moves to the piano and the worship leader slips on to the stage.

Depending on the mood some of the other musicians may join them after we've spent some time in prayer. My musicians and worship leader/team are never surprised by me putting them on the spot.

[KBevangelist]

I like a mix depending on the mood and altar call.

PG - hard to beat the worship song SHOW ME YOUR WAYS, absolutely powerful song.

KB