Creative Arts Manual

GOD + PEOPLE + SERVE
CREATIVEARTS: MANUAL / The Freedom Center / www.tfconline.org
CREATIVEARTS
+ MANUAL +
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Creative Arts Vision…………………………………………………………….….3
Five Layers………………………………………………….……….…….…........4
Drum Layer…………………………………………………………….…….……..5
Bass Layer…….………….....………………………………………….…….……7
Keyboard Layer………………………………………………………….………...9
Guitar Layer………………………………………………..…………….…..........11
Vocal Layer………………………………………………………………...…...….13
Worship as a Lifestyle..………………………………………...………….……..15
Scripture…………………………………………………………..…………….… 17
Resources…..……………………………………………………………………..18
Covenant.......................................................................................................20
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CREATIVE ARTS VISION
We desire to see people encounter the love of God that is seen in Jesus Christ and experienced
through the Holy Spirit, through the arts, through our lives, and through environments. We want to
be used by God to raise up a generation of people with a genuine faith and love that transforms
every part of who they are and the world around them. We desire to see people just simply Love
God, Love People, and Love to Serve.
We believe that people are a direct product of their environment. Our desire is to create / design
environments that will produce lovers / sons / daughters of God. Why? Because "lovers will always
out work workers," and “Servants can only bring others to a master. Sons are the ones who can
point others to their Father.”
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. I no longer call you servants,
because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything
that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
- John 15:9, 15
My son (daughter), if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to
wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for
understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will
understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. - Prov. 2:1-5
He has shown you, O son (daughter), what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly
and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
- Micah 6:8
Purpose
“...create an atmosphere for people to openly love God in a group setting.”
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FIVE LAYERS
Here at The Freedom Center we are pursuing one sound and vision for the structure of our music.
We believe there are 5 layers of sound / music that help display that vision. Drums, Bass, and Keys
are the foundational layers. Guitars / Strings and Vocals are the pieces that rest on the foundation.
Together, those layers produce the heart and vision of the creative arts ministry.
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DRUM LAYER
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Drum Layer
Vision
The sound of war, sounds of intimacy and the Heartbeat of God. Connect with the Holy Spirit and
let the anointing flow. Playing drums is more than just making noise. It is a gift from God and a
means to give back to him.
Role
It is the foundation. Drums are important because they give dynamics and feel to the songs.
Certain things you play can actually bring forth expressions of praise to God.
Expectations
· Practice 15-60 minutes a day. Maintaining a daily practice schedule is important.
· Mainly practice the songs that are on the list for that week. Practicing with songs helps with
time keeping, feel, and creativity.
· You must sign the covenant page if your heart is ready to commit to this ministry.
What music should I listen to?
Most of the music that we play is from Hillsong, Hillsong United, Jesus Culture, Bethel, Passion, or
Ihop. Always be on the lookout for new stuff that has sounds similar to this music. We love hearing
new songs that could be good to lead the church in.
How do drums relate to other layers?
Drums lay a foundation for all layers by keeping time and rhythm for them. The drums and the bass
guitar work together to make up the rhythm section commonly known as “the pocket”.
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BASS LAYER
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Bass Layer
Vision
To seek out, understand and execute the role of Bass in a worship context and within the context
of the vision of the worship leader and Creative Arts at The Freedom Center. To facilitate that vision
with excellence, always looking for ways to serve within the "team" dynamic. To use your gifting as
part of a team that leads people to an encounter with heaven and invites them to a deeper love of
Jesus.
Role
The role of the bass player really depends on the style of music that is being played. Some styles
incorporate more of a "lead" bass guitar style (mutemath, red hot chili peppers), while others
depend more on a driving approach that is extremely crucial in supporting the dynamics of a song.
The second approach is what you will find in the majority of the worship music played at the
Freedom Center. Worship music is generally lyric/guitar driven, so as the bass player it's your job to
support that. Simple is better. Less is more. Really focus on locking in with the drummer and the
dynamics of the song.
Expectations
·
·
·
·
Practice 15-60 minutes a day. Maintaining a daily practice schedule is important.
Mainly practice the songs that are on the list for that week. Practicing with songs helps with
time keeping, feel, and creativity.
Listen to all types of music. Explore different styles of bass playing, always striving to
increase the breadth of your playing. BUT, always keep in mind that you are a servant, a
member of a team, and it's your job to support the style and vision set forth by the worship
leader.
You must sign the covenant page if your heart is ready to commit to this ministry.
What music should I listen to?
Most of the music that we play is from Hillsong, Hillsong United, Jesus Culture, Bethel, Passion, or
Ihop. All of the music that we play will be on the website to listen to, but we ask that you listen to
this kind of music even when you aren’t listening to it to practice it. Not that you can’t listen to
other music, but we NEED everyone on the same page when it comes to music and the best way
to do that is to have everyone listening to the same stuff. Always be on the lookout for new stuff
that has sounds similar to this music. We love hearing new songs that could be good to lead the
church in.
How does the bass relate to other layers?
The bass serves as part of the foundation for the music and makes up the second half of the
rhythm section/pocket (the other half being the drums). My goal as a bass player is to: a) Lock in
with the drummer’s rhythm: b) Provide depth, support and dynamics to the music as a whole.
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KEYBOARD LAYER
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Keyboard Layer
Vision
To seek out, understand and execute the role of Keyboards in a worship context and within the
context of the vision of the worship leader and Creative Arts at The Freedom Center. To facilitate
that vision with excellence, always looking for ways to serve within the "team" dynamic. To use
your gifting as part of a team that leads people to an encounter with heaven and invites them to a
deeper love of Jesus.
Role
The role of the keyboard player in a worship context can vary depending on the style of music and
the context in which you play. For example, in the context of a full band (drums, bass, electric
guitars), a keyboard is a key support instrument providing a platform for the entire song. This (full
band) will be the most common dynamic in which you will serve at The Freedom Center so this is
the style to be pursuing in practice times. The best way to better understand your role (how keys
fit into the big picture) is to listen to lots of music...Hillsong...Bethel...Ihop. It's key that you listen
and become familiar with songs and styles that we play...but also that you learn to listen with a
discerning ear...picking out parts...listening and learning ways that keys fit into the modern worship
sound. Expectations
We expect a servant-hearted attitude at all times:
· This includes a desire to add to the "team" dynamic (no rock stars.)
We expect excellence out of the musicians who serve:
· Everyone comes from a unique musical background with different levels of experience,
we ask that everyone who serves gives their best to serve the Body of Christ. Specifically,
that looks like practicing your craft on a regular basis. · Practicing on your own time should be a significant amount of your expected time
commitment to this ministry. It's crucial that everyone comes to team rehearsals prepared
with all parts learned and familiar with the songs for that week. This requires planning
ahead on your part. Practice 15-60 minutes a day.
· You must sign the covenant page if your heart is ready to commit to this ministry.
The Sound
Modern guitar driven rock. Keyboards using sounds like synths, leads, pads, rhodes, electric
pianos, organs, effects, delays, overdrives, filters..the list really goes on and on...and it becomes
obvious that keyboards in this setting can and should be more than just plunking out the chords on
an acoustic piano (although there is a place for that too).
Artists covered include:
Bethel Music - www.bethelmusic.com
Hillsong Music - www.hillsong.com
Jesus Culture - www.jesusculutre.com Passion Artists - Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, Matt Redman. www.sixstepsrecords.com
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GUITAR LAYER
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Guitar Layer
Vision
To accompany the rest of the band in creating the sound that invites Heaven to come to Earth.
Being willing to sacrifice playing in order to better the band. Being able to come under the vision of
the Creative Arts Department. Mastering your instrument to the best of your ability.
Role
The guitar’s role in worship is understanding where it must be in terms of the layers of music.
How does the guitar relate to other layers?
Guitars, are what make the music more interesting and adds color to the music, but guitars aren’t
what makes the music. That being said, there are a lot of times during a worship set where the
best thing to do is to not play anything at all. If you are listening to a song when you’re practicing it
and you don’t hear a guitar part you don’t need to add a guitar part. Be comfortable knowing that
it’s okay to not play anything. Always try to learn the guitar parts and make them sound as much
like the original version as possible. Most importantly remember that you are up there as a
worshiper and not as a guitar player. Expectations · You must practice and be ready to play the songs before coming to practice.
· The Creative Arts Department expects that musicians practice at least two hours a week. · You must always continue trying to get better and making sure that you’re always learning
something new. Examples could include learning new songs that we aren’t playing or that
we plan on playing in the future, learning new scales or theory to better help your
understanding of the music, or buying and messing around with new pedals/gear.
· You must sign the covenant page if your heart is ready to commit to this ministry.
What music should I listen to?
Most of the music that we play is from Hillsong, Hillsong United, Jesus Culture, Bethel, Passion, or
Ihop. All of the music that we play will be on the website to listen to, but we ask that you listen to
this kind of music even when you aren’t listening to it to practice it. Not that you can’t listen to
other music, but we NEED everyone on the same page when it comes to music and the best way
to do that is to have everyone listening to the same stuff. Always be on the lookout for new stuff
that has sounds similar to this music. We love hearing new songs that could be good to lead the
church in.
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VOCAL LAYER
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Vocal Layer
Vision
We as vocalists are to support the vision of the Creative Arts Department using our gifts and talents
for His glory as we create an environment for the church to participate in corporate worship. We
are given the honor and privilege to sing directly from our hearts to our Father’s. He loves to hear
us proclaim our worship to Him. Role
As a vocalist with Creative Arts, we are given the opportunity to lead others in songs of worship
and adoration. Our role is to be an example of and to encourage others in audible worship to our
Lord and Savior. It’s not just about singing a song. It’s about connecting with our Father on
another level of intimacy on and off the stage. Our role isn’t to sing because we are good singers
or because that’s what we do at church, but to sing out of love for Him.
Expectations
· Practice at least two hours a week. · Be listening to all the songs all the time. Be listening for the melody, harmonies, and the
intent of the song. · Parts: Being at practice is essential. You will not be given any parts CDs or any specific
parts during practice. It is up to you to pick out parts while practicing on your own and
come ready with something for practice. At the same time, it’s important to be flexible with
what part you sing and the arrangement of the song. Our goal is not to sound just like the
CD, but to allow the worship team to create an environment for worship on Sunday
mornings.
· You must sign the covenant page if your heart is ready to commit to this ministry.
What music should I listen to?
Most of the music that we play is from Hillsong, Hillsong United, Jesus Culture, Bethel, Passion, or
Ihop. All of the music that we play will be on the website to listen to, but we ask that you listen to
this kind of music even when you aren’t listening to it to practice it. Not that you can’t listen to
other music, but we NEED everyone on the same page when it comes to music and the best way
to do that is to have everyone listening to the same stuff. Always be on the lookout for new stuff
that has sounds similar to this music. We love hearing new songs that could be good to lead the
church in.
How do vocals relate to other layers?
Vocals add depth and more of a fullness to the sound. The intent isn’t for the vocals to stand out,
but to compliment the instruments and worship leader while encouraging the church to worship
God.
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LIFESTYLE
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WORSHIP AS A LIFESTYLE
We often hear the phrase "Worship is a lifestyle". What does this really mean? It simply means to
live a life of love. To love extravagantly. The first commandment, to LOVE the Lord your God with
ALL your heart, with ALL your soul, and with your entire mind, means exactly that. You make a
heart and mind decision to continually seek first the Kingdom of God, and to OBEY the Spirit of
God in your life, as He calls you on to a greater and deeper knowledge of Himself.
Worship requires something of you, and that is OBEDIENCE.
Why do people cringe away from obedience? I believe it is because it requires a response. John
14:12 says, "Whoever has my commands and OBEYS them, he is the one who LOVES me. My
Father will love him who LOVES me, and I too will LOVE him and show myself to him."
And verse 23 says, "If anyone LOVES me, he will OBEY my teaching. My Father will LOVE him and
we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not LOVE me will not OBEY me.
These words you hear are not my own, they belong to my Father who sent me." LOVE and
OBEDIENCE are tied together.
Every time you open up your heart in obedience to God and worship Him with all your heart, all
your mind, and all your soul, our beautiful Lord responds with His magnificent presence. You need
to continually be in the presence of God. Not only on Sundays, in a corporate place of worship, but
in that secret place that maybe only you and the Lord will ever know about.
Worth Watching:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sikZ6PIgvPI (Kim Walker Youtube Video)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=59MK7dUqsUE (Louie Giglio Youtube Video)
“Singing is easy. The proof is always in the living. Or even in the dying.” Matt Redman
“You were not created to sing. You are created to heal the sick, feed the hungry, clothe the naked,
and set the oppressed free. Freely you have received, now freely give. This is worship.”
Adam Cooke
“What you worship, you become.” Unknown
“Worship is not singing, it’s an expression.” Kim Walker
“Worship is not defined by what you say, but it is how you live.” Louie Giglio
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Romans 14:12-14 (NIV)
12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. 13 Therefore let us stop passing
judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle
in the way of a brother or sister. 14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that
nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is
unclean.
1 Corinthians 8:8-10 (NIV)
8 But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we
do. 9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to
the weak. 10 For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in
an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols?
Ephesians 4:1-2 (NIV)
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort
to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
1 Peter 1:13-15 (NIV)
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Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to
you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the
evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be
holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living
sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the
pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to
test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 (NIV)
7
For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this
instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.
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RESOURCES
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Resources
Bethel's live service stream...you can specifically watch some of their worship services for free. This is a really great example of a worship team involving volunteers working together in
excellence.
www.ibethel.tv
Article from hillsong's creative blog about musical listening: www.hillsongcollected.com/creative/your-musical-ear
Downloading Music
Schedule, chord charts, and music will be on the freedom center website at this address:
www.tfconline.org/#/media/band
Password: tfcplanner
Drums
Chrisbaircandrum.com
Take lessons online from Mike Johnston. Learn more about all types of genres i.e. latin/jazz. Even
though it does not apply to the style we play at The Freedom Center it helps with coordination and
being well versed in all aspects of drumming.
Benny Greb dvd called the language of drumming has great advice and techniques.
Keys
Hillsong's approach to keyboards: www.hillsongcollected.com/creative/approach-keyboard-playing
Guitar
http://jeffreykunde.wordpress.com/ (good insight on guitar playing)
Music Theory for The Music Industry By Jeffrey Kunde (great theory book)
http://hillsong.com/blogs/creative/category/guitars/ (good gear website)
http://joshsguitarblog.blogspot.com/ (guitar blog)
http://www.harmonycentral.com/index.jspa (good gear review site)
http://iwillworship.com (good free sheet music site)
http://jhspedals.com (good gear site, they make great pedals!)
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COVENANT
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WORSHIP TEAM COVENANT
As committed members of the worship team at The Freedom Center, we are entering into a
covenant that establishes clear guidelines and standards that we consider necessary for
functioning as a team and advancing the work of the Kingdom. This is not our attempt to “lay
down the law”; it is our hope that all involved will be responsible for their own actions and attitudes
and will be mature in the application of them.
My Commitment To God:
To pursue a deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ through worship, prayer, and study of His word.
To live a lifestyle that reflects the highest Biblical standards of holiness and integrity.
To have personal accountability with other believers who love me and are committed to my spiritual growth
and development.
To be intentional in the development of my instrument, voice, and/or technical abilities.
To develop personal practices of worship based on God’s word and His working in my life.
As a worship team member, I freely agree to the following:
1. I have a sincere love for my Lord Jesus Christ and desire to pursue Him with all my heart, soul and mind.
(Matt. 22:37)
2. I humbly seek to serve the church and team with my gifts in order to bring the greatest focus upon the
Lord. I acknowledge that worship is an act of humility and selfsacrifice, not an opportunity to seek position,
assume power, gain credit for myself or draw attention to my skills. (Phil 2:1-11)
3. I am committed to healthy team relationships: through personal loyalty and commitment to those in
charge by taking direction and correction with a good heart (Hebrews 13:17).
4. I commit to being a team player. I am committed to recruiting, and encouraging new team members. (Phil
2:1-11; Rom 12:1-10)
5. I will commit to trustworthiness and faithfulness to the ministry (Matt. 25:23) demonstrated in my
commitment to being on time, well prepared, considerate of others,and willing to do whatever is necessary
to make the team a success.
6. I commit to excellence in musical ability demonstrated by a willingness to practice to improve my skill level
and mature as a musician. I will chose to have a mature view of others on the team and their skills with a
commitment to avoid jealousy or any type of competition in performance. Lack of jealousy is demonstrated in
a heart that is willing to see others promoted or lifted into their destiny. (Ex.31:1-3, 2 Chron. 34:12, 1 Sam
16:18, 1 Cor. 12:5-7)
7. I am committed to live a personal life of righteousness (1 Pet. 1:15-16) and have a willingness to disclose
to the Creative Arts Pastor any struggles or failures I may have with sexual immorality, spiritual sin (anger
towards God, alienation from God, etc.), substance abuse, outbursts of anger/rage, or gossip.
8. I will exhibit genuine love for the people to whom I serve. I will not seek to use my position to benefit
personally at their expense. (1 John 4:20)
9. I will regularly participate in The Freedom Center activities and give with a cheerful heart to the church. (2
Cor. 9:6-8)
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Signature
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