Gospel Music One Sound Project - Moving Forward and Facing The Future in Uncertain Times

Is your Music & Arts Ministry Struggling to Move Forward in Uncertain Times?

SCHEDULE YOUR VIRTUAL TRAINING TODAY!

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This training session compiled by Dr. Antonia (Toni) Arnold-McFarland has been leveraged for lecture in the Academic Division of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc.

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The course Methods for Improving & Sustaining Growth in The African American Music & Arts Ministry introduces the content.

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The methods discussed will address common issues faced by the Music and Arts Ministry of the Black Church. Special emphasis has been placed on the public health and social justice crisis currently impacting the world 2020 until today.

Moving Forward and Facing The Future in Uncertain Times

Is your Music & Arts Ministry Struggling to Move Forward in Uncertain Times?

This New Course Will Help!

The GMWA Academic Division presents

Methods for Improving & Sustaining Growth in The African American Music & Arts Ministry Suggested Text: Moving Forward and Facing The Future, In the Black Church Worship Experience Both offered by Dr. Antonia (Toni) Arnold-McFarland, ministry strategist & author

Register for this virtual course at:

gmwanational.net/academic.htm Offered July 19 – 21, 2021 @ 9:00 AM EST

Convention dates are July 18 – 22, 2021

Available at online marketplaces or order at your local bookstore (E-Copy or Paperback) ISBN 13: 9781732336506 (Main Text) ISBN 13: 9781732336513 (Quick Reference Guide)

Course: Methods for Improving & Sustaining Growth in The African American Music & Arts Ministry Dr. Antonia (Toni) Arnold-McFarland Emphasis of Moving Forward in Uncertain Times

Introductions and Orientation Dr. Toni

“Dr. Toni”

Antonia Arnold-McFarland

Music Ministry Strategist

Scholar,

Evolution of African-American Worship Author, Lecturer, Musician, Vocalist New Artist Showcase (Stellar Awards Weekend) Over 25 years of music ministry experience Founder, E Flat Major Productions Gospel Music One Sound, Blessed Union, The Group Former Adjunct Professor, Eastern Carolina Christian College and Seminary Sr. Quality Engineer, Project Coach, Analytics Lead Doctor

of Ministry, Creative Arts Graduate Theological Foundation, Mishawaka, Indiana MBA, University of Phoenix, Raleigh, NC BS Mechanical Engr/Minor African-American Studies NC State University, Raleigh, NC Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, NSBE, Cortechs Robotics

“Each one, reach one and teach one”

Tony and Toni (Arnold) McFarland Raleigh, NC

“The Toneez” as they are known, are both involved in the Gospel Music venues in the Raleigh-Durham, NC area

Dr. Toni ArnoldMcFarland 

This course is based on the doctoral research, products and services provided by Dr. Antonia (Toni) ArnoldMcFarland resulting into the Gospel Music One Sound Project.

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The Gospel Music One Sound Project aims to continuously address issues impacting growth in the AfricanAmerican Music and Arts Ministry by providing relevant solutions.

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This offering of content emphasizes moving forward considering current day social, economic and public health crisis and uncertainty.

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These service can be booked via Eflat Major Productions, LLC

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EFlatMajorLLC.com | 919-576-0051

Gospel Music One Sound Project doctoral work: Evolution of the African American Worship Experience 

Ongoing initiative focused on renewing purpose in ministry and industry for African American Worship

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The aim is to achieve the ultimate worship experience demonstrated in 2 Chronicles 5:13 – 14.

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The hope of this project is to bring the church music ministry and the gospel music industry to one accord, ONE SOUND, spiritually and in the natural (technically and physically) for Kingdom building.

Gospel Music One Sound Project PRESENTED AS A LEARNING AND WORSHIP EXPERIENCE As a part of Dr. Toni’s doctoral work, she orchestrated a finale weekend that was the culmination of her efforts. It included seminars and a concert, presented as a learning and worship experience. Click here for a brief video clip on this event. Search youtube for Gospel Music One Sound Project to see other videos from this effort.

Back Story – Moving Forward and Facing the Future 

General Baptist State Convention of NC 2016

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Pastor William T. Newkirk referral to Dr. Haywood T. Gray

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Asked to lecture on music ministry

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Leveraged recent doctoral research

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Compiled a presentation to address the dilemmas faced today in the music ministries of The Black Church

This slide provides background on how the concept for the book evolved after Dr. Toni earned her Doctor of Ministry.

Moving Forward and Facing the Future in the Black Church Worship Experience Seminar Description

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The music and worship ministry plays a vital role in corporate worship.

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Advance planning and ongoing development is critical to ensure spiritual nourishment and effectiveness of all participants.

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This seminar is a discussion on practical and strategic steps to help the Music and Worship Arts Ministry learn from our past, realize our present state and plan for the future.

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The Black Church offers a rich heritage in sacred music that requires special attention, as it evolves to modern worship practices. (first presented at the General Baptist State Convention of NC 2016)

Nov 17, 2018 Dr. Antonia Arnold-McFarland Book Release

Order info: Search by author Dr. Antonia Arnold-McFarland.

Main text, workbook and e-book are available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other national booksellers. Signed copies can be ordered at GospelMusicOneSound.com or 919-576-0051.

Dr. Toni Arnold-McFarland

A review of the components of the Optimal Learning Experience

Follow The Course Outline

Obtain the suggested Textbook

Participate in Google Classroom (invite via chat)

Virtual Meet and Greet – via chat and google classroom Day 1 post Welcome - Post Virtual Intro in Google Classroom Post what you hope to gain from this course Provide a brief spiritual profile (post)

Day 1 INTERACTIVE LECTURE/DIALOGUE

Day 1 – Overview, Knowledge Leveling and Biblical Foundations of Worship Objectives: Review of course objectives 2. Survey the class on their desired outcomes, reasons for taking the course and current issues faced in music and arts ministry. (chat/classroom post) 3. Understanding Worship as a lifestyle 4. Understanding Worship Through Music and Worship Arts 1.

Main Line Churches of Today

in research on The Black Church (W.E.B. Dubois) 

African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E.)

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African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (A.M.E.Z.)

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Christian Methodist Episcopal (C.M.E, formerly Colored Methodist Episcopal)

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The National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Incorporated (N.B.C)

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The National Baptist Convention of America, Unincorporated (N.B.C.A.)

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The Progressive National Baptist Convention (P.N.B.C.)

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The Church of God in Christ (C.O.G.I.C.) – later added

Worship, purpose, Foundation and Application (Chapter 1) 

What is worship?

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What is the purpose of worship?

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What makes up the foundation of worship?

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What does our individual worship look like? (when impacted by crisis and uncertainty)

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What is worship from a Biblical Perspective?

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What is corporate worship?

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What is African American worship?

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What is expected of those called to the Music and Worship Arts Ministry?

What is worship? reverence offered a divine being or supernatural power; an act of expressing such reverence; a form of religious practice with its creed and ritual extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem; synonymous to idolatry Admonishing, bowing down and submitting to a chosen god.

Christianity – continuous outpouring, admiration, reverence and spiritual submission to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit by individual and unified Believers.

Worship – who, where and how Who are the worshipers?

• All of us who are professed and born again Believers of God’s word.

Where do we worship?

• At church, at home, at work, at school and other places in our daily living and lifestyle.

• It is not confined to a place or time.

How do we worship?

• In spirit and in truth, through our character and attitude • Through verbal and artistic expressions • Demonstratively

Scriptures on worship

Psalm 95:6-7

New King James Version (NKJV)

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.

7 For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand.

6

John 4:23-24

New King James Version (NKJV)

But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

23

Isaiah 29:13 New International Version (NIV) 13

The Lord says:

“These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.

Romans 12:1 New King James Version (NKJV) 12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

Three VENUES For WORSHIP

church Music Industry

community

African American Worship

Virtual or Distant Methods

Current State – Situation Analysis CRISIS AND UNCERTAINTY

How has crisis and uncertainty impacted our worship?

Our Individual Worship: Change in Venue / Worship through crisis • https://www.menti.com/8ehc5ebomp

Coping and Encouragement • https://www.menti.com/q7enet7maf

Current Day Crisis Impacting African-Americans – Current State 

Existing disparities/inequities were further exposed by COVID-19

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Police profiling and brutality

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Gun violence

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Economic setbacks

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Hate crimes

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Health inequities

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Family unit is at risk

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Voter suppression / insufficient political representation

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Polarized nation

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Historical unveilings produce anger, anxiety, resentment, betrayal

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Depressions, Anxiety and Mental Health risk, Burnout, Grief

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Jan 6, 2021 insurrection

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Racial biases and social injustices impacting daily living and future outlook

Worship During Crisis – The African-American Narrative Worship during health crisis – COVID-19 https://www.pbs.org/video/worship-in-th e-age-of-covid-usrynn/

Worship during social justice crisis Black Lives Matter 

https://www.pbs.org/video/raising -the-black-lives-matter-banner-mx mt9l/

Renewing Purpose in Music & Arts Ministry Evaluating your reason for your personal ministry

Write down the reasons that explain why you sing (play, dance, etc.) unto the Lord? 

How did your spirituality form?

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How did you get to know Christ?

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What or who inspires you to sing?

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What do you gain when you sing?

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What do you offer God when you sing?

Take a few minutes to think on your answer.

You can apply this question to playing an instrument, directing, dancing or other areas of ministry where you operate in your gift.

Isaiah 12:5 (NKJV) 5 Sing to the Lord, For He has done excellent things; This is known in all the earth.

Scriptures on worship through song

Psalm 149:1 (NKJV) Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, And His praise in the assembly of saints Colossians (NKJV) 3:16 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

What is your process for preparation for worship service?

What do you mentally do?

What do you physically do?

What do you spiritually do?

What resources, equipment or planning is required?

Americans go from Crisis to Christ

https://www.pewresearch.org/facttank/2020/04/30/few-americans-say-their-house-ofworship-is-open-but-a-quarter-say-their-religious-faithhas-grown-amid-pandemic/

Pew Research Article – Aug 7, 2020 

Black and Hispanic adults in the United States have been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak and are more likely than white Americans to be concerned about contracting the virus and unknowingly spreadin g it to others . And these racial and ethnic discrepancies extend to the perceived safety of attending religious services during the outbreak, according to a new Pew Research Center survey .

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https://www.pewresearch.org/facttank/2020/08/07/amid-pandemic-blackand-hispanic-worshippers-moreconcerned-about-safety-of-in-personreligious-services/

Forged in the Fiery Furnace –

by Diana L. Hayes 

African-American Worship Experience evolved out of crisis

We must be equipped to serve Effectively Equipped to Serve in Music and Arts Ministry

Well-Being

Technically

Training

Spiritually

Performing Abilities

Relevance

Mentally

Administrative/planning

ongoing

Physically

Key Scriptures MODEL FOR WORSHIP

Biblical Qualifications of Appointed Worshipers (Music Ministry) 

God’s Due Order - Spiritual Qualifications 

ministry in an appointed place, garment and movement Ezekiel 28:13-19 / Isaiah 14:11-12

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Appointed singers, players, dancers 1 Chronicles 28:11-19

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Prerequisites 1 Chronicles 15 and 13

Abilities – Musical Qualifications 

Chenaniah "instructed about the song because he was skillful":

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1 Chronicles 15:22

Scripture God wants our best effort in Music (and Arts) Ministry 1st Samuel 16:14-17 But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the Lord troubled him. 15 And Saul’s servants said to him, “Surely, a distressing spirit from God is troubling you. 16 Let our master now command your servants, who are before you, to seek out a man who is a skillful player on the harp. And it shall be that he will play it with his hand when the [g]distressing spirit from God is upon you, and you shall be well.”

• 17 So Saul said to his servants, [h]“Provide me now a man who can play well, and bring him to me.”

•

14

Scripture God wants our best effort in Music (and Arts) Ministry 1st Chronicles 15:22 (NKVJ) •

Chenaniah, leader of the Levites, was instructor in charge of the music, because he was skillful; 22

1 Chronicles 25:7 (NKJV)

• 7 So the number of them, with their brethren who were instructed in the songs of the Lord, all who were skillful, was two hundred and eightyeight.

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2 Chronicles 5:13-14 James Version

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13

New King

indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying:

Vision of Ultimate Worship

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2 Chronicles 5:13-14 New King James Version

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“For He is good, For His mercy endures forever,”[a]

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that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, 14 so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.

Vision of Ultimate Worship

Day 2 UNDERSTANDING OUR PAST IN THE BLACK CHURCH

Day 2 – Understanding our past in The Black Church Objectives: In the context of the evolving music of our worship 2. In parallel to our history and the changing social climate 3. African Spirituality vs. African American Spirituality 1.

What can we learn from our past?

African-American Worship evolved in response to the changing social climate 

From your role/perspective, understanding the past will help you diagnose the present, identify and address issues, so you can move forward to face the future

See “Moving Forward” – starts on page 59 for a full look at the historical that shaped worship

Visuals of the Social Changes as African American Worship Evolved FROM ENSLAVED AFRICANS IN AMERICA – TO THE CIVIL RIGHTS ERA

Native Africa was the homeland where drums set the beat of life Can you imagine what it would feel like to walk where your ancestors walked?

Folk spirituals were the songs that soothed the aching souls of slaves

In 1619 enslaved Africans first arrive in America in Jamestown, VA.

The transatlantic slave trade shipped 10,000 – 15 million Africans to the Americas.

Social Justice for Blacks emerged in the Black Church 

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Freed slaves began to establish early black churches in the 1800s and early 1900s.

Dr. Toni’s family emerged from Soapstone Baptist in Pickens County, SC. It was once destroyed by the KKK.

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The Black Church: Religious Culture and S ocial Movement (thoughtco.com)

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Click here to read the Journey of Soapstone Baptist as they continue fight to maintain heritage in the community.

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A Clemson University professor documented their story.

Black congregations begin to emerge as early as the late 18th century.

Richard Allen leads the establishment of the A.M.E Church in 1794.

This is the first independent African American denomination in the United States.

It was birthed out of restrictions in worship for blacks.

The social justice ministry evolved worship in the early Blac Church.

Fisk Jubilee Singers sang westernized Negro Spirituals Started at Fisk University in 1871

Shape Note Singing emerged in the early Black Church (Sacred Heart), some scholars denoting it as early as the mid-1800s during the Great Awakening Era. The four -note scale was transformed to 7 notes.

This is an artform that has almost died out in the Black Church.

Some shape note singing conventions can still be found in the south, Click here to read on the African American Mississippi Shape Note Tradition.

Azuza Street Revival (L.A.)was the seed for the Pentecostal Movement 1906-1915 They believed the Receiving of the Holy Spirit is evident by being able to speak in tongues This movement birthed Church of God Church of God in Christ Pentecostal Holiness Church

William G. Seymour Leader, Auza Street Revival

Harlem Renaissance launched the embracing of black identify Flourished from1920 – 1940s

• Birth of Jazz • Blues evolve from slave works songs • Birth of Gospel Music • Billie Holiday is band from singing the anti-lynching and protest song Strange Fruit

Thomas Andrew Dorsey July 1, 1899 – January 23, 1993

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Born in Villa Rica, GA to a minister and organist

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Early blues/juke joint pianist who played/composed for Ma Rainey

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He was an accomplished secular artist called “Georgia Tom”

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See the documentary “Say Amen Somebody”

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1926 – Wrote “If you see my savior”, first gospel song

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1930 – He “coined” the term Gospel Music, initially rejected by the Main Line Churches. It was accepted at the C.O.G.I.C

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1932- Wrote “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” after the tragic death of his wife and child, launched National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses at Pilgrim Baptist Church (Chicago)

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Defined gospel music as “Good News” music and called the Father of Gospel for his promotion and revolutionizing of the genre

Jim Crow to Civil Rights Era BLACK RELIGIOUS LEADERS REMAINED AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM.

Music of Main Line Churches: Emancipation / Reconstruction / Pre-Gospel Era 1865 – 1877 and into early 1900s

Negro Spirituals

Protestan t Hymns

Anthems

Gospel Hymns

Historical Trace of evolution of gospel music in African American Worship 1619 -1900

• Pre/Post Emancipation • First Black congregations Bapt/AME 1770s • COGIC -1900 • Ditties, Hollers, Spirituals

1900s - 1920

• Educational Empowermen t • Negro Spirituals • Anthems

1920s – 1930/ 1930 - 1945 • Harlem Renaissance • Gospel Hymns • Birth of Gospel (1930s)

The music of our worship evolved in parallel with the changing social climate

Historical Trace of evolution of gospel music in African American Worship 1945 – 1960’s / 19601967 • Post WWII • Vietnam War • Golden Age • Modern Traditional

1960s- 1970s

• Vietnam War • Civil Rights Movement • Black Liberation • Modern Contemporary

1980s – 1990s

• Socio-economic Issues • Health Disparities/AIDs • Digital Age • Urban influence in Contemporary • Musical Style Merges and Collaborations • New Traditional

2000 - 2021

• Terrorism/Insecuritie s • Natural disasters/Global Warming • Millennials cultural impact/Social Media • Black lives matter • Smart tech/4th Industrial Revolution • Obama years • Political Digression • Uncertain Times • Pandemic Crisis • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Era • Musical fusion • Emerging Trends in Music of the Millennium

The music of our worship evolved in parallel with the changing social climate

Gospel Music Evolution Eras for Church and Non-Church Venues

1930s (Birth) ------------------------------------------------------------- Today

Traditional Gospel 1930 - 1945

Golden Age 1945 - 1967

Modern Traditional 1960 - 1967

Modern Contemporar y 1967 – Today

Millennium 2000 - Now

Historical Summary Depicting Struggle For Freedom (1619 – 2021) Enslavement / Birth of African-American Worship (1619 – 1860s) Civil War/Emancipation / Reconstruction / Segregation/ Jim Crow Starts (1861 – 1877) Black Education /HBCUs/ (1837-1924) New Negro Movement/Harlem Renaissance/ Lynching (1920s-1940s) The Depression/ The Great Migration starts – 1916-1940s) Civil Right Movement/ Desegregation Starts (1950-1960s) Black Consciousness/Great Migration Ends (1970s) Black First / Advocacy Attention to Socio-Economic-Political Health Disparities (1980s) Digital Divide/Police Brutality of Rodney King (1990s) New Millennium/Obama Era/Black Lives Matter Starts/Diversity & Inclusion (2000s-2019) Public Health& Racial Pandemic/ #BLM Globally / George Floyd Murder/Social Equities (2020) Political Insurrection/Juneteenth Holiday/Revelations for Reparations (2021)

What songs have soothed us from past to present?

Virtual Choirs / Playlist – New Skillset Needed Choirs have evolved to produce the choral effect virtually 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmR1JszAM1E

Pre-recorded Music and Playlist provide encouragement 

https://youtu.be/Dgg_h638BX4

Song Selection (in crisis and uncertainty) 

Review and identify songs from the past that speak to multiple generations and the make up of the church

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Remix and re-arrange to accommodate the needs.

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Find lyrics that encourage

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Speak to the needs of the choir members, musicians, pastor, perishers and all involved.

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Include more congregational singing

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If availability of people is limited, minimize songs that require leaders or re-arrange them to be done in unity.

Songs of Encouragement – Emphasis on context and lyrics ERA

Title

Recording Artists /Composers

Lyrics (Hook)

Modern Contemporary Released in 1980

Be Encouraged

William Becton

Be encouraged no matter what's going on, He'll make it alright, But you gotta stay strong.

Modern Contemporary Released in 1982

More Than I Can Bear

Kirk Franklin

I've gone through the fire and I've been through the flood I've been broken into pieces seen lightnin' flashin' from above But through it all I remember that He loves me And He cares and He'll never put more on me than I can bear

Songs of Encouragement - Examples ERA

Title

Recording Artists /Composers

Lyrics (Hook)

Modern Contemporary

I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired

James Cleveland (composer) Remake- The Mighty Clouds of Joy Mary, Mary

I don’t feel no ways tired.

I’ve come too far from where I started from.

Nobody told me the road would be easy, I don’t believe he brought me this far to leave me.

Live Remix Version

https://blackchristiannew s.com/2019/01/the-story-b ehind-i-dont-feel-nowaystired/ Modern Contemporary

I feel Like going On Marvin Winans Rendition

Keith Pringle (composers) Marvin Winans

I feel like going on (2X) Though trials they come on every hand, I feel like going

Expand Music and Worship Arts Ministry Expressions

Vocal music or Instrumental

Ensemble / Solo / Choir

Dance / Mime / Step

Poetry / Spoken Word / Drama

Media Arts / Videos

Day 2 – Optional Lab

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Start your SWOT Analysis for your Music and Arts Ministry (as a hold / per entity)

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SWOT Analysis - a study undertaken by an organization to identify its internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as its external opportunities and threats. (Oxford Language Dictionary)

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SWOT Analysis - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opport unities and Threats (mindtools.com)

Lab objective

SWOT Analysis Template STRENGTHS

WEAKNESSES

OPPORTUNITIES

THREATS

Action Plan / Next Steps WEAKNESSES (strengthen these items to close gaps)

WHAT ACTION IS NEEDED?

WHO IS ASSIGNED THIS TASK?

TARGET COMPLETION DATE

Day 3 - What is our present state?

CONSIDER THE IMPACT OF CRISIS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Day 3 – Understanding our present in The Black Church Objectives: 1.

A review of researched -based findings on the current day concerns/challenges of the music and arts ministry

2.

Each student or as small groups conducts a SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) of a chosen music and arts ministry.

Gaps are identified, discussed as a class and addressed based on the reference guide/course material.

4. Review methods for compiling an actionable short-term plan to propose to ministry leaders.

3.

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Complete SWOT

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Action Plans

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Reference Quick Reference Guide For Possible Solutions/Scripture

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See Examples in Google Classroom

Activity

Assessment of the situation

Nov 2015 Gospel Music One Sound Project Collection of Qualitative and Quantitative Data 

Surveys

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Facebook Discussion

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Interviews

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Two Survey Instruments 

Music Ministry Development (17 questions)

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Pre Test / Post Test / Gospel Music One Sound

Research (Articles/Books)

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25 – 30 Participants

See Books/Materials

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Raleigh – Durham Area

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African American Churches

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Music Ministry Leaders/ Pastors/Ministers

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Churches of 300 members or less

Q10: What challenges hinder the growth of your music ministry/worship arts? Check all that apply.

Q10: What challenges hinder the growth of your music ministry/worship arts? Check all that apply.

Oct 2016 Interviews Concerns today, as you face the future (5- 10 years) Talent Spiritual Growth Repertoire Youth/Young Adults Budget Vision / Strategy

• Growing gap in talent/capability of choir to sing current music from the gospel music industry • Staff needs ongoing development / Need audio and media support • No space for other art forms in worship

• Deficiency in spiritual understanding of role and purpose in music ministry (choir, praise team, staff) • Choir members are not open to change and resist growth

• Need more diverse appeal and balance in style of music • Rich heritage of hymns, spirituals, note singing is becoming obsolete • The message in the music is not always scripturally sound

• Youth choir is losing interest and lack motivation / youth want their own style in praising God and want to be more youthful • Young Adults lack interest in traditional worship/ they need relevance

• No budget for growing demands to support the church growth • No investment in seminars / training

• Minister of Music is not empowered to pace change and growth • Lack of structured planning for music ministry • No succession planning

How do we face our future?

Steps to facing the future

Face Today First, face the situation today.

Collect insight via focus groups, discussion, surveys and observations

Document, analyze and prioritize Document, analyze and prioritize gaps (SWOT Analysis, Scenario planning, and related tools)

Move forward Move forward on low effort/high impact opportunities Small incremental steps, with contingency

Write Write the vision, make it plain.

Structure a strategy for growth, with an action plan and best practices

Communicate Communicate the improvement plan and timeline for upcoming changes

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Progress looks different right now

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Help people heal / ongoing group therapeutic activities/ Find Good Sabbath Time (private study, read, explore God in new spaces)

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Study and pray / show concern for individual situations / needs

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Expand your resources creatively

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Worship will not look the same (include other creatives)

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Flex the frequency of singing, (less often, smaller groups, vaccinated)

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Recognize the uncertainties and plan within these constraints

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Move forward incrementally, with contingency plans

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Stay encouraged and fuel your faith

Moving Forward in Uncertain Times – Best practices

Plan Sabbath Time/ Take Sabbath Moments and Breaks

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Develop your wellness/ self healing plan

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Have your own spiritual mentor/advisor/chaplain

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Seek Mental Health support

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See Recommended Reading

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Sabbath by Wayne Muller

Example - Path to Future State (Short Term ) 90 – 120 days out

March 2020 – Pandemic • Church Service Virtual • No plan for continuation • Choirs shut down

July 2021 Re-start Service/SWOT Analysis • Low Interest and motivation • Inconsistent participation • Establish re-launch team (include the choir members)

Aug 2021 – Heal and Renew Purpose in • Flexible Approach in music/arts in service • Identify other creative worship artists • More Congregational and Unity Singing • Healing/Renewal Sessions • Group Therapy

Sept 2021 – Contingency Plans for fall health concerns • Virtual Worship Plan in place • Videos / Playlist Content • Virtual Artist Identified • Virtual Support Team in place

The Future Outlook

Conquer the Digital Divide / Socio - economic challenges / Public Health 

Music Ministry is evolving to Music and Worship Arts. 

Production includes Media, Projection, Video, Lighting, Audio

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Liturgical Dance / Dance Teams / Mime / Drama / Fine Arts

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Music must deliver well via Livestream Apps / Website

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Address urban issues with songs/worship arts that scripturally speak to these needs.

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Creatively use worship time to cater to youth/ young adults.

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Use technology to expedite learning and development. Education the choir on how to use it.

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Delegate music ministry needs to volunteer support

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Document processes to streamline planning and execution

Research Best Practices via resources 

See Quick Reference Guide 

Leadership / Strategic Planning and Execution (Short/Long Term)

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Commitment/Engagement

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Effectiveness of Equipment , Audio and Sound

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Spiritual Maturity

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Preparation, Repertoire, Training and Awareness

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Items above reference applicable scriptures

Resources for Solutions 

Issuu.com – Gospel Music One Sound 

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Consulting Services– guide, pace or drive change / curriculum based training 

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Today’s presentation

Strategy planning- Short Term/Long Term, Technical Training services

Literature/Books 

Readings in African American Church Music and Worship – James Abbington

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Is your Music Dept Ministry or Misery? – Steven Ford

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The Ministry of Music In The Black Church – Dr. J. Wendell Mapson

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GIA Publications Hymnals- Total Praise, African American Heritage Hymnal

Questions?

OPEN DISCUSSION ON ISSUES

Moving Forward and Facing The Future Dr. Antonia Arnold-McFarland is a rising scholar in African American Worship.

This “must-read” text provides instructions for navigating and overcoming challenges faced by the music ministry of the Black Church.

It educates on the past by tracing the history of African-American Worship, early Black Sacred Music, and the evolving gospel music industry.

It provides pastors, musicians and leadership with scriptural and researchbased solutions to practical issues.

Foreword written by Pastor William Becton Two time Stellar Award Winner, International Charting Artist

Order info: Search by author Dr. Antonia Arnold-McFarland.

Main text, workbook and e-book are available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other national booksellers. Signed copies can be ordered at GospelMusicOneSound.com or 919-576-0051.

Contact Info 

Dr. Toni Arnold-McFarland 

Music Ministry Consultant

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919-576-0051 (google voice)

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GospelMusicOneSound@gmail.com

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EFlatMajorLLC.com / GospelMusicOneSound.com

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Facebook – Toni Arnold-McFarland / Gospel Music One Sound Project

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LinkedIn – Antonia Arnold-McFarland

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Issuu.com

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Paypal.me/NewOutlook – Monetary Appreciations