Why you Shouldn't use loops
Okay.. so this may be one of the dumbest blog post I’ve ever written but the content has been on my heart for a while. Loops in Worship is a company that provides training and tools for worship leaders to create and use their own loops. Why would we ever try to convince you to not use loops? One reason is there are already tons of articles on why you should use loops (in fact here’s a great one from our friend Kyle). But more importantly than that is, too many churches and often Worship Leaders are interested in the “new” thing or “cool” thing and end up implementing it before really examining it and how(or if) it will serve their congregation.
You see Elevation do a sermon series on “Faith without Pants” and everyone comes to church without pants on. Next thing you know, churches all across america are full of pants-less congregants. (For the love of all things holy, please no one do a pant less series..just an example!)
Even though using loops is very a “in” thing to do, it may not be right for your church. If your considering using loops here are some things to really think about before you start.
You may not be Ready
Your the worship leader at your church. Each week you’ve got to schedule band members, arrange songs, meet with the pastor to plan the service, put lyrics into pro-presenter, and do video stuff..and it’s only wednesday at that point! The last thing you want to do is throw something else onto your plate if your not ready for it. Should you start using loops if you can’t get lyrics into pro-presenter before Saturday? Make sure your routine is fairly set in stone and ready to go before you throw using loops into the equation. It will take time (as will any new thing or anything worth doing), but it may not BE the time because you may not HAVE the time NOW.
Your Band may not be Ready
Does your band know your songs? Are they still learning chords on guitar, or howto play that one beat in the bridge? Is your band open to change and growth? If not, it may not be time for loops just yet (if ever). We’ve said it before but if you want your band to be successful learning anything new you’ve got to take it slow. Implement one thing at a time over a period of time. What are your priorities for your band? Would you rather them play on stage without a music stand before you have them use loops? If anything ranks over using loops on your priority list for your band then they aren’t ready yet.
Your People may not be Ready
Can you imagine the first time a dude pulled out an Electric guitar and lead worship. Holy Cow…God bless that guy for having the guts to try it. Remember the first time your church stopped using hymnals? Ouch..Or the first time someone ever Danc..excuse me.. Creatively moved on stage during worship? There will always be some hesitation to try and implementing new things. Is it possible your congregation may not be ready for loops? Sure I know that sounds silly but would your congregation’s worship experience be enhanced or distracted by using loops? There will be times when your gonna have to try new things in attempts to help your congregation grow and mature.. but that time may not be now.
The main point of this is that it’s okay to not use loops. Don’t worry about trying to be the cool church or trying to do the new cool thing. Do what serves your people and that speaks their musical language and enhances their worship experience.
If you feel like using loops will help to enhance the worship experience of your people, then we’d love to help. Check out the rest of our blog, our click tracks and sample collections, and feel free to get in touch with us!
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I just found you guys last week and wanted to say thanks for a great site.
We use primarily samples to start and flow between songs and to set tempo or use step-sequenced drums. We only use the first when its appropriate and we have time to do so. And we only use loops/etc. when we don’t have access to a musician to play the part. There is something much better about another musician getting to use his talent for the glory of God and leading others in worship.
The way we handled the “Your people” part was out of necessity. We didn’t have a drummer for a series so we used familiar songs so they wouldn’t think about it much, plus it gave us more time to work with the drum part making it work with the music.
Still very-very amateur at all this is another reason we don’t use it that often and the reason I’m here reading your site.
Jacob,
Glad you’re enjoying the site, and glad to help! Using loops to set tempo and transition smoothly from song to song is a GREAT idea, glad it’s working for you guys! Let me know if I can help with anything, my email is will@loopsinworship.com, don’t be afraid to get in touch. Absorb every thing you can, and read/watch/listen to any and everything you can find on the subject. Thanks for sharing your experience with loops and adding to the community!