I was asked to give a short talk on worship recently, focusing on the characteristics and attitude of a worship team member.

As i looked into the word 'attitude', I was fascinated but the definition that relates to aircraft attitude. The basic definition is that aircraft attitude is a composite of a number of factors, based mainly on the direction facing, rather than the current direction of travel. So, for example, if a falling aircraft has its nose pointed above the horizon, it will gradually slow its descent and begin to rise. It is said to have a climbing attitude, even though it is falling (initially).

In the same way, when in a worship band, your attitude is more about where you're headed, rather than where you are, your current character, skills. Both musically, and character wise.  

On this theme, Tim hughes says, in an article on 'What a Worship Leader Wants From a Band'...

"Sometimes you might see someone who at present isn't amazingly skilful at his or her instrument, but are working hard at improving their gift. In those circumstances you need to look for the potential in someone. I'm glad that I wasn't shut out from playing in a band for my early lack of talent, but instead was encouraged to keep growing. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't be where I am today."

I think our team particularly grasped this idea, because when I made a mistake later in the day while teaching a new song, a few made a climbing plane signal with their hands, as I had been doing. They were acknowledging my mistake, but at the same time acknowledging my desire to have a teachable spirit and improve towards more musical skill. But it took me a few seconds to work out what they were saying!

It's a privilege to be in a team of people who are constantly seeking to learn and looking forward to what God has for them next.



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P.S. As I delved more into aircraft attitude I later discovered that attitude is in fact more about the overall situation, taking into account airflow, ruder direction and more. So an aircraft could be heading down, pointing down, but still have a positive attitude if its nose is beginning to turn to bring it upward. So, in other words, you can be heading down, looking down, but if you've made a decision to change direction, you will eventually begin to climb out of the descent (unless you hit the ground first or stall; in both cases you'll need a saving miracle!).

Amazing how similar the everyday idea of attitude is to the aircraft concept.

But I'm no pilot, so apologies to any who read this if I've mauled the subject!

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