Moving forward after LifewayWorship

​Dear Georgia Baptist Worship Leaders and Pastors,
 
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to address a recent development that has raised concerns within our Georgia Baptist Mission Board worship and music community. Lifeway has made the decision to discontinue the digital download service for churches through the LIFEWAYWORSHIP website. We appreciate all Lifeway has provided to our ministries over the years; however, this news has left many of us wondering how to move forward and find alternative solutions for our worship and music needs.
 
While the closure of this service may initially seem disheartening, it's important for us to remember that challenges often present opportunities for growth and adaptation. Considering this situation, I would like to offer some suggestions on how we can navigate this transition and continue to provide meaningful worship experiences for our congregations:
 

1. Explore other digital platforms: Take some time to research and explore other digital platforms that offer resources and licensing options. Look for platforms that provide a wide range of worship tracks, lead sheets, orchestrations, and multimedia elements at competitive prices. Compare prices, licensing terms, and the quality of available resources to find the best fit for your church's needs and budget.
2. Leverage local talent and resources: In addition to exploring digital platforms, consider tapping into the talent and resources available within your church community. Collaborating with local musicians, songwriters, and worship leaders can not only provide a more budget-friendly approach but also foster a sense of community and ownership in your worship services.
3. Foster creativity within your worship team: Encourage your worship team to think creatively and maximize the resources you already have. Encourage the development of original music within your team, which eliminates the need for purchasing expensive copyrighted material. By nurturing the talents within your team, you can create unique and personalized worship experiences while keeping costs under control.
4. Seek out free or low-cost resources: Explore free or low-cost resources available online that offer worship music, chord charts, and other useful materials. Many independent artists and worship leaders provide their music for free or at a minimal cost through websites, social media, or streaming platforms. 
5. Evaluate your music budget: With the discontinuation of the digital download service from Lifeway, it's important to assess your music budget and consider allocating funds for alternative resources. Keep in mind that the cost of creating music resources has increased over the past 15 years, while the demand for music in churches has intensified. With churches requiring music for all 52 Sundays of the year, there is a need for a steady supply of new music at an increased pace compared to previous years. Therefore, it becomes even more crucial to plan and allocate your budget, accordingly, prioritizing essential resources and exploring cost-effective options that can meet the growing demands of worshipwhile considering the rising costs of musical materials in today's market.

 
 
Remember, change can be an opportunity for growth and innovation. Though we may feel a temporary loss, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to leading our congregations in heartfelt worship. Together, we can adapt, inspire, and continue to glorify God through our music and worship.
 
May God's wisdom guide you in these decisions as you strive to lead your congregation in worship. Our team is always available to help you navigate through these times as you share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through music.
 
Rhon Carter
Catalyst for Worship and Music
Georgia Baptist Mission Board