I told my church that I could raise the money to repair the organ, but they said it was a waste of money?

Question

It is going to cost about $200,000 but the church board (all younger people now) told me that it was a waste of money and we were going to start a "praise band" They said the $35,000 for the sound system and instruments was a better investment "in the community". I don't understand how they can think a rock band can take the place of "the king of instruments"? How can I make them understand how wrong they are?

Answer 1

I would bet that you can't change their minds, because deep down they want to take the contemporary route and ditch the organ anyway. I've seen this split churches before

Answer 2

If it is a Pipe Organ I know what you are going through. Nothing can ever take the place of the beautiful old Pipe Organ, but there aren't many people to work on them now. I was an organist for many years.

I don't think that you should have a Rock Band (because then you have only inconsistent young people who move on to college, etc.), but it is good to have many instruments. Why not think in terms of piano, organ, guitar, violin, flute, etc.. Different musical arrangements sound better on different instruments, and if you have musicians, it can become a treasure to the Church.

Below is an interesting link to a site called organ clearing house. Perhaps you can get further information to reduce the cost of purchasing a replacement or refurbishing the pipe organ that you have. There is not the same solemnity nor the same style of worship in the Church without the pipe organ.
You have my true compassion in this and my prayers.

St. Cecelia please help the Church.

Answer 3

A praise band is not necessarily a rock band. It's possible your church is trying to reach younger believers by using instruments they recognize.

Perhaps a righteous appeal suggesting repair of the organ to be used for special occasions like weddings and Christmas carols (nothing sounds so good as an organ then) while still using the praise band in regular services. If you are willing to do the work to raise funds needed for the organ you may be able to compromise in this manner.

Answer 4

I think $200,000 is a waste of money and you are going to have a hard time convincing anyone otherwise. Instruments for a band doesn't have to mean just rock, if that's what you are worried about. Church is not just about music. Enjoy the fellowship and praise The Lord. If you are able to raise that kind of money, do it and put it to good use in your community.

May God Bless you.

Answer 5

As a church musician, I feel your pain. The poor organ has been shuffled off to the side, mostly cuz few people know how to play it anymore.

But the thing is, there isn't any "right" and "wrong" when it comes to the style of worship music. There is simply what works best for individuals. Some people find the traditional hymn and organ pieces the greatest way to praise God, but in my experience, young people find it to be as far from God as you can get.

My advice is to advocate for a happy medium. See if you can't restore part of the organ system (or get a new electronic organ - cheaper and the sound quality is amazing nowadays) in addition to the sound system.

Answer 6

Churches are businesses just like any other. They would rather you raise money that would in the end, absolutely RAISE more money for the church.

Having to raise over $200,000 (which is a ludicrous amount for an organ, anyway) would be a waste of time to them, considering that music in no shape or form can make money for the church.

You cannot change the opinion of any church.

Answer 7

For $200,000 you could get a lot done besides repairing that organ. Why not raise the money and use it to feed kids overseas instead. It shouldn't cost that much to repair an organ, you can buy a new one for less.

Answer 8

My friend, times are changing. Tastes are changing. I stand with you in support of an organ instead of a praise band, but sadly people want to "modernize" instead of leaving some priceless treasures intact. Such as the "pew versus stackable chair" argument. Hymns versus praise choruses. Dressing up nice versus shorts/tank top/flip flops. Neither side of these issues is wrong nor is either side right. But times are changing, and the past is being swallowed up by the current trends.

Answer 9

You can't.
Sorry but I would think it better to go back to piano and skip the organ with that kind of money involved.
Is your building paid off? Any church debt? Whatever they do it should be IN CASH. If they need to borrow the $35,000 then they should not get to do that either.
If you are such a good fundraiser then raise money and feed the hungry, clothe the naked etc.
and while you are running about, find a new church.

Answer 10

do you go to church just for the music? you think somehow an organ is an instrument worthier for praising God than anything else? stop worrying about trivial stuff that isn't going to matter in Heaven, and sure dosen't matter to God now, and focus on the state of your soul, and of those around you.

and take that $200,000 (wow... the organ must be made of platinum and diamonds) and do something for your community in the name of Christ. you know, if the churches, and self-professed Christians would be doing their Christian duties, there wouldn't BE any poverty here in america... just something to think about.

Answer 11

Send your $200,000 to missions and forget it. You can buy the finest keyboards or even a used organ for much much less than that. I agree withj them... You can play any kind of worship style on a new keyboard which has all the organ sounds you will ever need. Go check them out at a quality music store. You do not have to be locked into one kind of style.