The new service order isn’t working. Our process for song selection isn’t working. The sound system isn’t working. Announcements aren’t working. This was a lot of the feedback I got today at our bi-weekly creative meeting. Usually there is a hesitation among the group to offer honest feedback, which we try to overcome. I don’t know what was different about today, but the floodgates were opened up and the hits just kept on coming. I’ll admit there was a lot that was hard to hear, but I didn’t try to defend anything. I simply took detailed notes and asked for more feedback. When you are in the process of reviewing and evaluating past weeks YOU MUST LEAVE YOUR PRIDE AT THE DOOR and take all the criticism you can get because that is how you grow.
I do have to say one thing. I was out of town this weekend at a youth event in Charlotte and Gabe was leading at Mayfield. None of these criticisms were directed at him as they have been building for several weeks now, if not months, or some for even years. Gabe led with the same passion and authenticity that he always does and did an amazing job. I cannot say enough how grateful I am to have someone I can trust to lead while I’m away.
With all that said here’s the set:
Salvation is Here – Hillsong (A)
Beautiful the Blood – Fee (Bb)
Everything – Tim Hughes (Bb) > This was the only song I actually received comments about and the comment was simply “It just didn’t work.” Apparently the arrangement of high and low choruses was confusing to follow. I love the song and we’ve done it several times in the past but it may now be dead in the water.
Jesus Paid It All – Kristian Stanfill (B)
With all the feedback today there is a lot to process and a lot to go through. As I continue to evaluate and plan for the future I’ll continue to update and share my journey, hoping that others can learn from some of the growing pains we go through here at Mayfield. From a planning standpoint I see this as another one of our major turning points that we’ve seen in the past. An opportunity to examine our focus and make adjustments to better pursue our vision for the service.
This post is part of Fred McKinnon’s Sunday Set Lists.
Wow!
Sounds like a very furstrating situation. I tend to get very little feedback and usually say that I would like more.. but I do think it would be hard to take that much at once..
The good news is that even when service order, song selection, and sound equiptment stops working, God keeps working..
Hoping and praying you have a much better report next week..
Jen Kerr
Wow! What a day. It sounds like you have recieved all the constructive critcism with a humble heart. Being teachable is a great quality and the only way to grow. Have a great week.