WorshipCentral

I think it can work to give the congregation space to sing their own song, pray out or silently or just meditate or reflect. But sometimes it does exclude the rest of the congregation and can go into the danger zone of worship becoming performance...

I guess what is needed is some discernment...sometimes the best plans and preparations can fall flat on their face and as worship leaders we need to have the humility to go 'ok this isn't working' and try bring everyone back together - whether that be going back to a song everyone knows really well, or a chorus of the song you were doing...?

I think the only way to find out is try and see what happens. :)

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We had a great example today at church. Our folk group played pieces that people could sing along with but we were also joined by an Irish traditional group (they were fundraising for a US trip) so we had a very celtic mood...slow airs and jigs when they did pieces on their own (no lyrics). It actually worked really well - the uillean pipes sounded awesome and haunting, a stirring background while ppl came forward to receive communion. I half expected the priest to dance out the aisle at the end though lol

I think there's a time and place for it - if it's just for show and very self-centred then we're wasting our time. If it can be done subtly without distracting people away from what's most important then it's a good complement. I suppose you develop a sense of how far you can push the boundaries when needed, depending on your minister's POV and how accepting the congregation are too.

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John 3.16 --> 1 Jn 3.16 Here is love.

I don't see anything wrong with it at all as long as it's done in a way to aid in worship and glorifying God - done in the right way I've found them helpful in just meditating half way through a song, especially those where the lyrics are really deep, meangingful and - well reflective really! In that sense it fits in well. However, like Larry said, if it's purely for show and self centred then I don't think it's going to be too helpful!

Finding the balance between those two extremes and where the "line" is can be difficult though, and personally I think it depends on a number of things, including the reaction of the congregation at the time - some things just can't be strictly prepared before, and I think solos are probably one of them :)

I guess it is one of those feel it out for your own situation kind of things. My experience has seen most instrumental/vocal solo’s as being more showy than beneficial. Guess that’s not always the case, sure is hard to navigate properly though. I’ve just cut them out completely, but that is in the context of a typical 4-5 song setlist. The situation Larry described would be really cool!

I'm not afraid to wail a bit when playing electric - but usually only when we're going for a real celebration feel. If we're celebrating, celebrate with all you have!

But no, I wouldn't interrupt a genuine worship experience with a 32 bar lead break!

I like to end songs with solos with my guitar on a fairly clean setting with maybe a little reverb etc... n jus fade out with the solo and mayb couple of other instruments. If you get it right between the lead and rythm guitarists it can just work so well. It gives people time to reflect on the words they've just sung and pray and just worship in their own way.

but yeh mega long solo mid song can kill it!!
short and upbeat mid song to add to the joy and excitment or long chilling fadding out improvising to finish songs are the 2 ways to go

Most importantly its jus gotta be for the glory of God

Chris