I didn't post my list before first hearing what your thoughts were. My personal top two choices were: 1. Poor Worship Leading, and 2. Lack of Enthusiasm. After I had jotted down my top five, I kept thinking there needed to be one for particpation levels being less than 100%. My overall thinking was this -- if the worship leader is prepared spiritually, vocally, musically and is a good director; and, if he has adequately prepared in every way, the worship and singing can be the best experience possible. The idea is to lead by example; if he has enthusiasm, most likely it will be contagious. Similarly, if he has a heart that is hungering for God, hopefully, others will be drawn into God's presence as well. There were so many wonderful comments and my inclination is to say something about all the thought-provoking ideas that were shared - but I thought this post might become too long. Maybe we can discuss the results here and see what the surprises are.
A special thanks to Jonathan Paden, who computed the results for us. Thanks Jonathan!
Total score (higher is better):
* Technical limitations (acoustics, facility, audio, video) = 30
* Tempo - songs are too slow or drag = 58
* Congregants unable to sing in parts or making up parts = 17
* Inadequate preparation for worship plan = 42
* Key - songs incorrectly pitched and/or sinking pitch = 41
* Lack of overall enthusiasm = 82
* Worship doesn’t flow (seemingly disjointed) = 32
* Poor worship leading = 38
Number of times voted for:
* Technical limitations (acoustics, facility, audio, video) - 12
* Tempo - songs are too slow or drag - 16
* Congregants unable to sing in parts or making up parts - 7
* Inadequate preparation for worship plan - 13
* Key - songs incorrectly pitched and/or sinking pitch - 13
* Lack of overall enthusiasm - 20
* Worship doesn’t flow (seemingly disjointed) - 14
* Poor worship leading - 10
And what you're *really* looking for... Popular votes sorted in order (1 being highest):
1. Lack of overall enthusiasm
2. Tempo - songs are too slow or drag
3. Inadequate preparation for worship plan
4. Key - songs incorrectly pitched and/or sinking pitch
5. Poor worship leading
6. Worship doesn’t flow (seemingly disjointed)
7. Technical limitations (acoustics, facility, audio, video)
8. Congregants unable to sing in parts or making up parts
