CEP 10: NATHAN BLOOD- CAN THE CREATIVE DEPARTMENT HELP GROW YOUR CHURCH?
By Dave Mckeown and Nathan Benger
Welcome to Episode: 10 of the Church Explained Podcast. A conversation to help grow your leadership, develop your team and build your church. Your hosts will be Dave Mckeown and Nathan Benger. We will talk about all things leadership with key team players from IKON Church and other guests during each show.
In this episode, we chat with Nathan Blood who is one of the worship/creative pastors at IKON Church. Discover why he feels the worship and production team are key to building a healthy church that is focused on reaching those who don’t yet belong.
FULL TRANSCRIPT
David Mckeown 0:00
Welcome to the Church explained podcast a conversation to grow your leadership and build your Church. Our goal on this podcast is to share inspirational insights and ideas to resource leaders, churches on teams, we have conversation with keeping people from IKON Church and other invited guests. In this episode, we're going to talk about how the creative team or the worship team can help build the local Church.
Nathan Benger 0:30
I name is Dave. My name is Nathan and we are your hosts on the Church explained podcast and today we are joined by Mr. Nathan blood and the crowd goes wild. Hi Guys, and Welcome in Nathan with his wife April, head up the IKON creative team. And you may have heard such music, called IKON music, which is incredible. But in this episode, we want to talk about the role of the creative team in building the Church. So Nathan, why don't you tell us a bit about yourself?
Nathan Blood 1:06
Yeah. Well, yeah, like you said, my wife and I, we lead the creative team. We did that a few years now. Which is good fun. We did also work with the youth worship team cricket team before that, as well, which was you know, that was a lot more fun. Got to say. But
David Mckeown 1:24
remember, this is being recorded, you know, that's going out?
Nathan Benger 1:26
Yeah,
David Mckeown 1:27
it's live now. We are live. Yeah, everybody prefers youth to Church. So
Nathan Benger 1:31
right in youth always?
Nathan Blood 1:33
Well, that's it, right. There's, there's a there's a youth in all of us. But no, we you know, we both love music and creative production, all aspects of all that and really love getting to songwriting and work with some incredible, you know, musicians and creative production, people, all that sort of thing. So, you know, it's great, great opportunity. And we also have two kids who, we have a two year old who is shaping up to be the best drummer in Church already. Yep, loves banging away with his sticks. And we also have a one month old, which feels feels crazy to be able to say that already likes flown by. So it's amazing.
David Mckeown 2:12
It was great to have you here, Nathan, we're going to talk about this idea of worship and creativity within the local Church. And one of the things we've written down here is actually that it can have a real impact in the Church because it takes up a lot of space. And a service doesn't really you know, it's a major part in a service, the worship the creative side. And for some churches, it's either a real springboard for growth, and solid can be a spring, a springboard for fall out as well. So we'll get into that in just a little while. But But I want us to think around this idea that does language really matter? I mean, we're using the phrase creative team. is the language important?
Nathan Blood 2:53
Yeah, I think so. Yeah. It's something that we've thought about quite a lot, I'd say certainly, recently, over the last few years. I mean, we, you know, we talk a lot in Church about the fact that words have power, and that our, our languages are creative thing, right? You look at Genesis one, and God spoke the universe, both creation into being were made in His image. And so our words carry not quite the same power, but you know, that same expression of being able to create with our words, and, you know, we we like to say in our team we've created to create, which is you know, which is something that I think we take that as a that's our that's who we are that's built into the fabric of our team in our Church. And so being creative, I think means thinking about all the ways that we create in our lives in our worlds. And language for me, is a huge part of that. So like you said, things like talking about worship and creative. Well, we can, I think it's easy to sort of pigeonhole worship has like this one thing, there's one part of the service or there's 20 minutes, where we sing some songs, and then we get into the message or whatever else. And, you know, I think Biblically, theologically, the way that worship is talked about and expressed is much more holistic, you know, it's, it's a, it's our lives surrendered, dedicated to God, it's, the Bible talks about as given our whole lives as our act of worship. And so, you know, we like to challenge people then on that and say, well, let's not think of it as the team that brings the worship, let's think of it as a team that brings a creative expression of worship, you know, we bring our creative gifts, and use them together.
David Mckeown 4:36
So just picking up on that a little bit. Do you think then, so, as I've been a shift over the last couple of years, in the sense of the, I'm trying to draw it a little bit of a sense of you must have consciously thought, well, we're going to go from being a worship team, to being a creative team. Yeah, that's not the season. hasn't helped the team. Do you think?
Nathan Blood 4:58
I yeah, I would So I think it helps us to be more creative, I guess, to think more about what we do and the ways that we do it. And to not feel like, again, like worship has to be a specific thing, or has to look a specific way. And I think, as I said, You know, I think that words are powerful, have a lot of weight and can influence the way we think the way we feel, the way we act. And so for us that that was one, that's probably the biggest sort of shift that we try. And, you know, we tried to think about until enterprise activity, but there's lots of little bits that just help with the team, the way that things function, little bits of language, where we say, Well, is it? Is that really an accurate name for that? Is that the best way to talk about something? And I think all of those little things over time add up to help us as a team feel. More on track, I guess, you know, more like we're doing what we're called to do more like we're doing what God's asking of us, does it
Nathan Benger 5:59
help bring people in? I'm thinking like, new people, never been to Church, like, you know, worship, that it's not really language they would use in their everyday but creative. Yeah, and being creative would be but then also, you know, like, a worship team is not just made up of singers and musicians, you know, you've got people in the background, you know, make sure the words are right on the screen. Sound lighting. Yeah, you know, there's this whole big thing, which we might call production, but it's kind of bringing that do you think, you know, I'm thinking to four, do you think that language helps people connect with it better? Yeah,
Nathan Blood 6:40
I guess. It's, it's about the expression of what we do and making that accessible to people. Right. So we're, we're looking at everything we do. And we are thinking, I mean, it's, it is, again, it's a big thing for us is thinking about the way that the way we talk and the songs we sing and all of that, how is that perceived by people who don't? Who are who don't go to Church? Or who don't know what Church is like, in our context, you know,
David Mckeown 7:03
and they will pick that up on a moment or two. It's a great thought that. So let's say some leaders watching this podcast today they're thinking about the worship team in their setting, do you think would help them to maybe change the language from going from a worship team? to being a creative team? You think? Do you think a bring something more holistic to them as one of the words used?
Nathan Blood 7:26
Yeah, I think it can do but I think it's, you know, anything like this has got to be authentic, right? You're coming from you're setting own, you're setting your own perspective, and that this for us was a was probably a bit of a journey. I think, for me personally, as a, as a, as a leader of the creative team. You know, I went on that journey, first of thinking about worship, and creative and all these different things. And so then, for me, I was then bringing in, we're all Sorry, my wife, and I, you know, we were bringing the team together on this journey. So for anybody who's out there thinking about these things, or if this has sparked some thoughts, I think you've got to get that set in your own mind. First, you know, you've you've got to take that journey and find out what that expression is for you. What's the best way to think about it, because creative is the word we landed on. But I'm not saying that's the perfect expression, you know, it works for us. There's only so many, you know, but but there, there are probably lots of different ways this could look, this is AWS, this is where we've learned it, this is our This is who we are, I think that that journey is always a really good one to take and to be thinking about those things is is never a bad thing. It might end up in different places, you might land on something different, but it's a good thing to do, I would say as a leader.
Nathan Benger 8:40
Now. That's great. It's great, just to take that journey. So let's think specifically about like song worship. And this moment in a service. There's lots of songs out there. Yep. And lots of even Spotify playlists now that are there. So how do you know what songs to choose?
Nathan Blood 9:05
With great difficulty? This is probably Yeah, probably one of the hardest bits of our of our job, I would say is choosing songs for the Church. Because I mean, the way that it works for us is that what what, what myself and April what we choose are songs that are going to be sung in all of our campuses. Right? That's a big responsibility. So, you know, we're trying to make sure we choose well, and there's lots of things that we lots of filters that we take things through. I think one of the biggest immediate things is his style is very difficult, I think to we we have worked on what our style is what our you know, our vibe, I guess you might call it like what the feel is that we have through our song worship, as you say, you know when and so there's lots of songs out there that you listen to and sort of immediately think well, that's not you know, if we were to play that on a Sunday morning, it would feel so at odds with a Anything else we do?
David Mckeown 10:01
Yeah,
Nathan Blood 10:01
it could be discharging. So that's like, that's probably the first most obvious thing that you know, that comes up. That's not to say that you couldn't take that song, if the song itself is amazing, you could obviously take that, re reshape it, reform it, you know, if it's, if the song is good enough, but
David Mckeown 10:19
so just thinking about the one filter style, there's got to be more filters that, that reduce it tie in with the team to choose a song or, or whatever is either one or the other filters and other filters that may help other leaders as well. watching this, because you've got to have some filter. It's not it's not can't be just oh, that's the song I like, although you gotta like, yeah, it's got to be more than that.
Nathan Blood 10:43
Yeah. Well, I mean, we've done some songs over the years that I didn't like, but you know, they're still good songs. So I think a couple of examples, but I won't show. Yeah, I think like that, that musical style is one thing, but lyrical style is, is is as much a part of it, you know, particularly because these are songs that we are meant to be sung. This is a congregational activity, right? So that you're putting these words into people's mouths almost. So, you know, thinking about the style thing about theology, first and foremost, right, is making sure that we listen to this song, we don't think Wait, what are they trying to say there? Yeah. What bit of theology are they? Have they perhaps missed? Or, you know, interpretations a big thing, right? So you know, as someone who's been in Church for, you know, say, 10 years, like, I can hear a phrase, and it means one thing to me, but if a new person walks in, and here's that, what does it mean to that? What theology does that teach them? And is that the right thing? To be teaching them? Or to be showing them? You know, so we've had a lot of, you know, we've had a lot of thoughts about that recently. There's lots of phrases, I think that can be very christianese. You know, things that again, if you've been around Church a bit, you hear them and you think I know what that means. If I was to talk about the blood of the Lamb, yeah, like, you know, I understand what that means. You guys understand what I'm talking about. But if I walk in, and I've never heard about Jesus or Church before, and they start singing about the blood of the lamp, thinking, what have I walked into? What what sort of cult is this that I've stumbled
Nathan Benger 12:15
lamb coming out to be sacrificed
David Mckeown 12:17
while you're thinking about Kabbalah? Yeah, to be fair, actually,
Nathan Benger 12:23
on the video beyond this, just this kebab spirit hosted around beyond the lyrics.
Nathan Blood 12:29
But that's that is, potentially is one of the biggest things that we look for actually, is that clarity, of message, clarity of lyrical content? So theology is important. Yeah. And specifically for new people. Okay, clarity of, again, style, but clarity of the message of the song, what is this saying? how accessible is it? That's huge, right. And probably one of the biggest things that we think about, and then past that, it's, it's, you know, it kind of comes down to vibe it comes down to, does this feel like it would fit some songs, some songs, maybe there's been aspects of those things that we think they're not quite there, but it just feels so right that you can't not do it, you know, this is a this is a spiritual endeavour. These songs are spiritual songs, their holy spirit connections. And so sometimes that is such that they're in such a present and obvious way that you're like, well, we could change those couple of words, you know, we'll tweak that. Because the song itself is like, resonates in that way that you know, you just got to do it. So
Nathan Benger 13:34
you think their song you talked about, you know, there are songs that we may have done that, you know, you're not the biggest fan of, but also, are there songs that he are a big fan of, but wouldn't work? Actually in our setting? Or in a congregation setting?
Nathan Blood 13:53
Yeah, absolutely. There's loads of songs that I love would listen to on repeat, you know, and things like for me worshipping at home, myself, spending time with God, I'd listen to those over and over again, when it comes to our congregations, our churches, as IKON our campuses, do I want that there must be something about that, then that I'm thinking, although that's great for me, it doesn't necessarily translate as well to other people, you know, so that there is that distinction. There's so many great songs out there that churches doing all over the world that we've just said, For these reasons. It's just not quite right for us. And that's not to say the song is not great. It's not sale the Church start using it amazingly, you know,
David Mckeown 14:34
just could be it could be an amazing song. I mean, yeah, a couple of things I'd written down here was thinking of filters was to do with the vision and the culture and the values of the Church. Does that play any part as you're choosing the song as your team or getting ready? You're thinking of the song you're gonna bring to the Church or even you're writing a song, not just your bring in other people's songs. I want you thinking about that. Really? Yeah, just jobs on the line. By the way, let's ask the question, because I think it is an important one.
Nathan Blood 15:04
No, definitely. And I think this is something that probably, certainly is in our thinking, but actually is probably more of a it's been absorbed into everything that we do. Because our team, our creative team, in all of its different roles, is, comes under that vision of the Church. First and foremost, you know, when we I think we probably talked about this a bit more later. But everything we do is so much a part of who we are as a Church, that every song we choose has already sort of gone through that filter of it, does it fit with our vision, does it you know, so I guess, in a more obvious way, in a more practical way, that definitely, it feels like there are seasons, you know, for us as a Church site, and for every Church, we go through seasons, we've been through a big season, at the minute, you know, did every Church go through the blessing season? I mean, if you didn't, I don't know where you were, if you were asleep for the last 12 months, but yeah, you know, those, there's definitely aspects of we think we, you know, we know we're in a season, we've we've been, we've got a specific vision for the year, you know, different things. And so there might be songs that play into that. And we think, Well, yeah, you know, this is a great song for this time. But everything is always going through that filter of Who are we, for us? Who are we as IKON for anybody listening? Who are you as a Church? What's your identity? And so every thing you do, every song you choose should always I think becoming through that.
David Mckeown 16:31
So I mean, one of the reasons I'm drawing that out is because obviously, when I chat with different leaders, and you know, different churches, a lot, some churches either who work that way. So it's almost like the creative stroke worship team will almost be separate from what's happening in the rest of the Church, and, of course, has an unhealthy mix. But there could be some people watching, they've got a great worship team, but actually, it doesn't really connect with the rest of the what's happening in the Church domain. So I think it's just good to spell out a little bit about the fact that you need those filters. One of the things you're saying is Nathan to the team are so connected to the vision. It's almost like second nature. Yeah, yeah. But I think for some churches, maybe listening today or watching, maybe they're not quite at that part of the journey. Quite it's good to translate. Well, how do they get to that part, where they're so imbibing the vision of the Church?
Nathan Blood 17:23
Yeah, and I guess the key, or the challenge for, for us as leaders then so you know, for myself and my wife, as creative pastors, or for anybody listening, who is in that role, the key challenge for that, for us is to always submit ourselves to that vision, right? Like, I can't lead our creative team into that place of health and unity with the rest of the Church and that, you know, that all being right, I can't do that, if I'm not first and foremost, God, yeah. Totally submitted to that vision to that. The calling that God's placed on us as a Church, you know, and, and so that, you know, the relationship between the creative pastors and the lead Pastor, senior pastors, whatever, like, that's key. You know, it's, well, yeah, well, I mean, you've got to get on, you've got to, you've got to, again, you've got to submit, because that's, I'm here, leading this team, God put me here, but he's also put the senior Pastor there to lead the Church, my role is to make sure that I'm always listening, always being guided by them. So that when I lead the creative team, it's you know, it's almost as if the senior Pastor was doing it, you know, like you want you want that flow of information, that flow of culture, that flow of vision to be seamless, right?
Nathan Benger 18:47
Now really good in there. They're just some incredible ways that the creative team can build the Church. And, you know, being focused towards that. What, uh, let's, let's, let's, let's go a little bit deeper. What are some of the biggest challenges that you've faced as being creative, creative Pastor.
Nathan Blood 19:10
I mean, the creative team is in a, an interesting position, a very specific position of a lot of the people in it are being put on in a spotlight. Right, there is an element of in any, you know, in most churches that have a similar style towards there's an element of a stage and an element of you're putting people on that. So it's easy. It's easy for divas to come out of the woodwork and I guess, if I can be candid,
Nathan Blood 19:44
you can be as candid as you will. I'm saying that in the most loving way, because we're all flawed. And we're all
Nathan Blood 19:50
we've all got divas at some point. Well, if you're a creative I think you probably are a diva, at least a little bit.
David Mckeown 19:57
That's the only reason we're doing the podcast.
Nathan Blood 20:02
So that's, you know, there's a challenge there. I've actually, as we've talked about submitting to a vision and submitted what we're, you know, what we're doing, and what we're building, like, there's definitely challenges there associated with people can come in with the most incredible gifts, the most incredible musical or technical ability. But first and foremost, those, you know, we those people, we have to learn to be part of the team, that actually no one person is any more or less important when it comes to the team as a whole, the creative team, and so it's all they're all, it's all about those people finding their roles, finding their, their parts to play, so to speak. And one of the difficulties there is that sometimes, you know, sometimes I guess it, that can be a difficult thing for people, it can be a difficult thing to be told, well, you might be able to play in this incredible way. But what we need you to do, what the team needs is for you to bring that down, and do it in this context. Yeah, you might be able to put together these incredible flashy transitions with the lights and do the most amazing stroke show and all that. But what you need to do, yeah, to build the team to build the Church, what you need to do, as part of this collective this thing that we're all doing, is writing that in.
David Mckeown 21:24
So let me let me just draw that out a little bit. Because it's a good, great question. We're putting you on the spot, but I think it will help will help people as they're listening. So for you, then our April screener pauses? How would you do that? You know, how would you have that tricky conversation with a team member? What would you do?
Nathan Blood 21:44
So we, I mean, we're, for us, there's always a progression of people to be able to serve on team on a Sunday, or, or a Friday, or, you know, we're in whatever context, there's always a progression for people in that they, you know, we we run team nights every other week, that's, that's like a rehearsal space. And so that, you know, we expect to see people there and getting plugged in, we, you know, we want to see them sort of gel in well with the rest of the team, because if somebody comes in and is feels sort of disruptive or isn't quite connected, and then, you know, there's obviously some sort of heart issue there, some sort of some sort of character thing, characters massive, like, isn't it you know, so that's something that we focus on a lot is, you got to see past the gift in to the person behind that. And I guess, tackle that first, probably. Because, for somebody to come into that position of serving on team and being part of being part of that family, we've got to make sure that they again, like gel well with everybody else and connect with the central vision, the central idea of what it is we're trying to do. And so go into that. That route, I guess, of the person, their character, like is a, you know, it's a massive thing,
David Mckeown 23:12
but a bit of a process. And so another, in other words, before people get to that point, when they're on the platform, they've gone through a bit of a process have never ever seen the ageing, or you're able to see what they're like, not just in the sense of gifting and ability, but what's the heart like is bizarre, but you're living for it? Yeah. What? Are they being a team member? Or are they being a solo person on there who just wants to do their own thing? I often think about this idea of difference between influence and theme. Because sometimes people are looking for fear, you know, but they will have influence when they're on a stage. That's the reality of influence, but they're looking for fear. There may be, you know, in a Church setting, that's the wrong place to be.
Nathan Blood 23:53
Yeah. I think the like, the beauty of having, you know, sort of a process like that is that you can you can, you know, you've got somebody who's been turnips team, that's the getting involved, that they sort of know the stuff, you drop them on team as a one off, and just watch. Just see, you know, what happens? How do they react? What do they do? Have they suddenly forgotten everything that we talked about? And they're off doing their own thing? Or have they really come under, you know, the, like I say the central visionary? Yeah, no, I
Nathan Benger 24:21
love it. And I love because we've worked quite closely because obviously, you led the youth creative team for many years. And when I was a youth Pastor, and that whole thing around character, it just reminded me that some of the the best, the the best worship leaders or the best team players we've had, have been those definitely those have character they might not have been the most gifted, but they were the best for us. And I think I think that's so key and we say a phrase, the the team I'm a part of is bigger than apart I play.
David Mckeown 25:00
Yeah. And so that again for the team
Nathan Benger 25:03
I'm a part of is bigger than the pie play? Yeah. And so, you know, like bringing them under the vision under everything, I think, yeah, there's just so many great takeaways for people. But we're gonna look at top three takeaways, and they're not your, you know, Friday night takeaways. We can do that. If you want. Wait, yeah, well, we'll talk about that. But the three takeaways for building a healthy team that serves the Church.
Nathan Blood 25:29
Yeah. So I mean, you know, we've we've touched on this a little bit through what we've been saying, but the biggest thing probably for me for us is, is to submit to the vision is to make sure that we as leaders are submitting to submit into the vision of our Pastor of our Church, what what are we doing, and who are we. And then making sure that what we do as a team builds that vision is part of that vision, doesn't do anything to detract from that, but actually moves us towards that together. And then individually on an individual level, trying to make sure that every person on the team understands that they are part of that vision, that their role is to serve that greater whole to be part of that bigger picture. So submit to the vision is like the biggest thing that I say
David Mckeown 26:25
that's the number one
Nathan Blood 26:26
thing. Oh, absolutely, yeah, definitely. And I think, everything that we do, and you know, he talks about the journeys we've been on with language and all these different things, they've all been part of us looking at the vision of IKON as a whole, and thinking, what are we doing to help that move forward? What are we helping what we're doing to help serve that. And so the second takeaway for me is, choose of value people over tasks, great value people over what they do, what they bring. Because I mean, as we talked about, people can come with all sorts of baggage, or all sorts of ideas of grandeur and fame, and these different things, or people might come with the lowest self esteem, and you know, and you've got to draw them out there. So you know, people, people can come in all sorts of places, but the churches, people, right, you know, it's it's not what we do on a Sunday, when we're putting together a service, and we're trying to create these moments in these atmospheres of worship. But first and foremost, it's bringing people together in unity and community to worship God together. And that that worship, as we said, doesn't, isn't limited to the songs that we're seeing this. It's all of our lives together. And so, for me making sure that I as a leader, focused on the people that make up the team rather than the roles that they do, rather than the things that they do week in week out that actually my focus is on. Are they growing as a person? Are they walking further in their, you know, their relationship with Jesus? Like, are they being discipled? is that happening? Because, yeah, we want them to grow in their skill, we want them to grow in their technical ability. But first and foremost, we wanted to draw closer and closer to Jesus, and be led in that way, before any of the other stuff. And then the third takeaway, and again, this has been a massive thing for us is, consistency is key. And consistency is the number one thing almost, for me as a leader, that I am a consistent leader that I bring consistency to the table in my interactions with my team, in what I do that people know, they can rely on me. And that they can rely on what we do as pastors, you know, week in week out that we're consistent in that consistent then in what the team does, as a whole and the structure of that. So, you know, if you're going to have rehearsals of them every two weeks, like and commit to that, if you're going to do a sound check, and you're going to keep it to half an hour, then keep it to half an hour and do it every week. You know, it's things like that, whereas people, you know, no one understand that, that that's what we do. And that's who we are. And that consistency, I think is vital. And then past that consistency in our expression of worship, every time we gather. Because again, like I talked about earlier style, and lyrics, theology, all these things come into play, but we want to make sure that we can week out we deliver a consistent experience that if a new person turns on one week, and thinks, wow, that, you know, I've never experienced anything like that they turn up the next week and think, yeah, that's exactly what it was like last week as well. You know, it's that they get that same experience that they get that consistency because for me, that's what when when we've got that consistency, and it's a strong consistency that we bring Yeah, that's what leads people on that journey then of getting involved of sticking around, but you know, of building and becoming part of what we do. Yeah. So I
David Mckeown 30:08
mean, obviously, those three takeaways, gritting ways for people, I think you've done an amazing job, obviously, at IKON Church, you know, you guys have built the team and been involved in that written your own songs will maybe come back to that another podcast, discuss about songwriting, and that sort of stuff as well. Sort of final question, you know, hi. Hi. Do you think churches under 75? I, can they create an amazing worship team or creative team? Well, you know, because because, as you know, IKON Church is a little bit bigger than 75 of the main campus. So you've got to put a lot of resources there, what what can other Church leaders do? Maybe they're looking and they're thinking, Well, you know, I don't have a big team, what can I do? So what advice would you give them?
Nathan Blood 30:57
I think, first and foremost, is, is build with what you have, yeah, like, look at what's in your hands and use that, you know, take take advantage of, of what's there, use the people that are around and a willingness to are involved, you know, like we talked about fine, find people who were all in with the vision and, and just find the bit of something that they might be able to do, you know, and grow them in that it's easy to look at churches that are, you know, feel like they're so far ahead feel like they're way down the line and think, well, if only we add to that, or if only if only we could do X, Y Zed, but where you're at, you've you have tools available to you, you know, there, either there are people there who are ready and willing to serve. Or if you if you come into this and you're listening, and you're thinking, Well, now, that's great, but there is literally no one, then you know, you've got a computer, you've got the internet, you can go out there and find some great expressions of worship, you know, and bring those into your service and say, Well, you know, if we haven't got a team, then at least we've got this, give people a vision of what it is we want to build, and then start saying, right, so now how do we start to move towards this? You know, you've got to take what's in your hands, because that's what we've done every step of the way. I think he's just looked at what we've got, and thought, alright, what we're going to do with this, then, you know, how are we going to use this to its full potential. But within that, always create opportunities for growth as well. Because you can say, well, we take what we've got, and we'll use it, but then you got to have that sort of, I would say tread the line between being content and discontent. You know, you want to be happy with where you're at. But you want to always be looking to get that little bit further,
David Mckeown 32:43
you know, what's the next steps? Really? Yeah.
Nathan Blood 32:45
And so creating opportunities for growth, I think within whatever you do, if you say, and well, all we've got is to instrumentalists and vocalists, that's great build with that, do the best you can with that. And then make sure there's an opportunity for that other instrumentalists who come in and say, right, so how are they going to add to the team? Or how are we going to bring somebody else in and grow up? Because it's always you know, we we always want to be moving forward, moving things along, trying to do something new, trying to create something fresh, right? Yeah. And then I guess, like, there's, we've, again, alluded to this, but we've spent a lot of time, over years thinking about our style, thinking about our vibe, thinking about what we bring to the table, and who we are as a Church. And I think that's really important is sort of finding your niche. Yeah, it's very easy, again, to look at these massive churches in America and Australia and think, Well, they've got it nailed. So maybe we've got to be like that. But actually, that, you know, there's a unique expression in every Church, I'd say, a unique expression of, of the presence of God and what God has called his people to be. And so there's a niche for you in, but it's got to be an authentic thing, right? You know, you're trying to find who you are, not who you're emulating or who you're trying to me. That's a difficult thing to do. And it's not, you know, it's not, it's not a quick thing, it's not an easy journey. But I think again, it comes down to looking at what you've got, who, who's around and who you are, and the vision of the Church who you're trying to reach, what you're trying to accomplish. All of those things, then come together to, I think, dictate, then what is this going to look like? What is this going to feel like and committing to that finding consistency in that I think is super important. Because whatever, again, whatever it looks like, whether it's a full band or it's a couple of people, that being consistent week in week out, that being reliable people turn up and knowing that that's what it's going to be like and knowing that there's going to be that you know, that there's that consistency there. That, again, to me is, is key and will help you build because there'll be strength there. And when you add things to it, it will it will grow rather than detract, you know, you'll be you'll be focused on that forward movement rather than getting distracted by all the different things you could be doing. And I guess, if I was going to say one last thing, I just say keep it simple. Yeah, like, particularly if you feel like you're a small Church or you don't feel like you've got a lot of resource. Just focus on the key things, the things that are important to you. And, again, consistent week to week, the easiest way to achieve that is to simplify it down and not try and do too many things. And don't make excuses that you're making it simple. Like it's a good thing. Yeah, it's a good thing. No, absolutely. Yeah. And I think that again, that authenticity that shines through that will attract people will draw people in and we'll make it something you'll create something that people want to be a part of. By keeping it authentic and keeping it consistent. And just keeping it simple.
David Mckeown 36:09
Nathan
Nathan Benger 36:10
was so good, so good. And that's it. That's all we've got time for I'm sure we'll be jumping into another creative worship songwriting
David Mckeown 36:19
I think let people know about creative resources were available.
Nathan Benger 36:22
Yeah, so if you go to IKON dot Church forward slash open, we have lots of creative resources that will help you in building teams building you know, practical things and even tracks for some of our songs that are on there that we've written at IKON Church also want to encourage you to check out IKON music on wherever you consume your music but it's been great to be together thanks Nathan. Big Love to April Yeah, cheers. And Roman Roman will be on drums when he's four years old. But that's it for this episode. It's been so good to share around the whole thing of creative team building the Church and just want to say thank you for listening. Remember to rate review, subscribe, wherever you're consuming this content. Drop us a message if you want any help with anything drop us a comment if you have any questions. We'd love to hear from you. And let me just remind you again IKON dot Church, forward slash open go on there. There are free resources not just around creative but around many areas in Church. Well, that's been it for today's episode, and we look forward to seeing you next time on the Church explained podcast.
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