Space For Worship: A Praise-And-Worship View

The praise-and-worship tradition involves a variety of worship leaders who usually lead services from a center platform or stage. This article suggests ways of seating and arrangement on the platform that may maximize communication between the worship leader, the worship team, and the worshiping people.

Many churches have asked about practical ideas in platform arrangements of musicians and singers. Naturally, it is impossible to cover every situation in every church, because of the many variables in congregational size, physical space limitations, and so on. But by carefully considering the following suggestions you will find some that are applicable to your situation. These will be especially helpful for those considering future platform positioning and for those involved in new building plans. Worship Leader's Proximity to the Congregation Some churches have a platform that is quite far removed from the congregational seating either by height or by horizontal distance. Because a good worship leader will often take his cues from the response of the people, too much distance can hinder this vital interaction. Sometimes, worship leaders prefer to have a large distance between them and the people, usually because they feel that distance somehow gives them more credibility or authority (i.e., "I am the leader"). However, if a person is committed to leading people in worship (as opposed to just putting on a show or being "up in front"), he should seek the proper balance concerning proximity. For extremely large congregations this may be impractical, but for most churches the worship leader can be easily positioned close to the congregation. The closer the placement of the primary worship leader or team to the congregation, the better the interaction. Even those in the back do not have to be that far removed from the leader. The Rhythm Band The rhythm band is usually considered the musical core of a church's worship team. Sometimes it makes up the entire worship team. A rhythm band consists of drums, bass, guitar(s), and keyboard(s); they are the basic instruments that carry the rhythm and play the harmony on which the melody is built. Other instruments (flute, violin, oboe, harp, etc.) are considered solo instruments and are less foundational. Therefore, they are not considered a part of the rhythm band. It is important that the members of the rhythm band be placed close together. There is a tight rhythmical interaction that takes place during praise and worship and during services and rehearsals. When these musicians are not in close proximity to one another, there can be real problems with tempos, rhythms, chordal progressions, and basic communication. Most of us have observed that many churches have an organ on one side of their platform and a piano on the other side. Some churches even put drums on the opposite side of other percussion instruments (congas, timpani, etc.). Although such an arrangement looks nice aesthetically, musically it is ineffective. These key foundational instrumentalists should be positioned near each other to allow them the musical interplay that they need. For instance, the bass player can match some of the drummer's kick-drum patterns. Worship Leader's Sight Line to Key Musicians Just as the rhythm-band members must have interaction with one another, the worship leader must be able to interact at least with certain key musicians. This is, of course, assuming that the worship leader is not one of the rhythm-band members. If he is, then the necessary interaction is simple. If, however, the worship leader is not a rhythm band instrumentalist, then certain arrangements are vital. The most significant of these is the sight line to both the drummer and the lead accompaniment instrumentalist (usually piano). The worship leader must be able to indicate desired tempo changes to the drummer at any time. In the same way he must be able to communicate key changes or song changes with the main accompaniment instrumentalist. Without this communication his leadership is greatly hindered. If the worship leader has an unobstructed view to these two primary musicians, then communication is much easier. Simple hand signals to indicate tempo changes, modulations, song endings, etc., are very effective, if the primary players are within easy view. Vocalists The primary vocalists are usually as follows: worship leader singing melody (with occasional improvisation), two or three "natural ear" harmony singers, an additional melody singer, especially if the worship leader does a lot of embellishment work or improvisation. These primary vocalists should be positioned close to each other in the same way as the rhythm band. This will help them in hearing one another and avoiding clashing harmonies. If monitors are used, this can help immensely, especially if the vocalists can be given a vocal-oriented monitor mix. Obviously, each of these primary vocalists should have their own microphone to help obtain the proper levels in the overall sound, house-P.A. "mix," if at all possible. Other vocalists (e.g., choirs, etc.) should not be close-miked in the same way as the primary vocalists. One or two microphones at a proper distance for choir singing is adequate. The end result gives more of a group sound, which adds musical weight. It also gives an example for others to see in worship. These choir singers can be positioned off to the side as long as they can hear, preferably through monitors, the instruments and other vocals. Many churches making the praise-and-worship transition simply leave their choirs where they have always been positioned. Other Instrumentalists Additional instrumentalists outside of the rhythm band need to be handled carefully. They can be placed away from the rhythm band with proper monitors, although it is helpful to have them as close as possible. Individual miking of these instruments is usually not necessary, although occasionally a solo by a certain instrument may be miked. For this, there are two options. One is to have a designated person with a handheld microphone go to the instrumentalist and hold the mike for the duration of the solo. The other option is to utilize one or more stationary microphones, depending on the number and location of instrumentalists, for the instrumentalists to go to. Some instruments, such as a cello, do not work well with this set-up. One additional note: Separate your instruments according to other proven arrangements, such as those of symphonic orchestras or like some other larger churches that have already made this transition. Visual Projection Equipment Many churches are now using overhead transparencies or slides to project lyrics onto a screen or wall for the congregation to sing. Although under the best circumstances these are very effective, sometimes there are problems. Placement of the projector can be crucial. Proper use of overhead projectors includes two major considerations. (1) The words should be easily viewed by the entire congregation. Sometimes two projectors are needed, one on each side of the room. Very often, without two projectors, many of the people in attendance will be unable to fully participate. (2) The projector(s) should not interfere with the musicians. Some churches have the projector positioned so that it actually shines in the eyes of the musicians! This can be a real problem if they are trying to read music! There is also a potential for blocking the sight lines between musicians. Make sure the projectionists communicate with the musicians to avoid any problems. Finally, keep in touch with other churches in your region. Call them up and occasionally drop in to see any changes they have made in their arrangements during the year. As in any area, use the "common sense" approach to your specific problems, changes and challenges that face your people or building. Where there's a will, there's a way. And do not forget, where there is no way, God will make a way. Keep in mind that Scripture does not give us any guidelines about platform arrangements. The practical advice we offer here are suggestions only. They've come from our own worship-leading experience, and, hopefully, will be beneficial to you and your church.