Reed Grevin’s journey in the world of music ministry is nothing short of inspiring. With a career spanning over three decades, Reed’s passion for music and his dedication to his craft have made him a notable figure in the Christian music community.
A Lifelong Passion for Music
Reed’s introduction to music ministry began at the tender age of twelve when he played the piano for a worship service. Since then, he has dedicated 36 years of his life to playing for worship services, evolving with the changing dynamics of worship music. From the traditional worship courses to the modern song formats we’re familiar with today, Reed has seen it all.
His musical journey took him from his birthplace in Canada to the music school in Nashville. It was in Nashville that he met his wife, and together they moved to Atlanta, following her family. Reed’s connection with North Point began even before their move, as they attended services there during their visits.
A Career in Christian Music
Reed’s professional career in music saw him on the road for five years after college, working with notable Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) artists in the late 90s and early 2000s. His association with North Point solidified in January 2004 when he joined their music department. Over the next 13.5 years, Reed climbed the ranks, eventually serving as the music director.
However, after over a decade in the music department, Reed felt the need for a change. His transition to the media department, now known as Creative Services, marked the beginning of his second career. Here, Reed’s role involved capturing content and handling post-production elements for audio, among other responsibilities.
Adapting to Change in Production
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant changes in the way North Point operated. With in-person services halted, the focus shifted to creating engaging content for online platforms. Reed and his team were at the forefront of this transition, ensuring that the quality of content remained top-notch. One notable change was the shift from live storytelling for their Waumba Land segment, catering to children aged birth to five years, to a more refined, animated format. This change not only engaged the young audience better but also streamlined the content delivery process.
The Evolution of Music at North Point Community Church
Reed’s tenure at North Point has seen a lot of changes, especially in the music department. While the commitment to excellence in musicianship has remained constant, the styles and tastes have evolved. From the raw, earthy tones of the B3 organ to the retro 80s sounds, the music at North Point has mirrored the changing trends in the music industry.
Reed reminisces about the times when the B3 organ was a staple at North Point. However, as musical styles evolved, the organ was replaced by more contemporary instruments. But as with all things in music, what goes around comes around. The recent resurgence in the popularity of raw, earthy music saw the return of the B3 organ to the North Point stage.
Aaron pointed out a recent trend he noticed: the resurgence of the B3 organ in contemporary music settings, citing its use in Elevation Worship’s tour. Reed concurred, mentioning other artists like Crowder who are also embracing the classic instrument. This shift back to organic instruments like the acoustic guitar, real piano, and Hammond organ underscores the enduring nature of these sounds. They have a timeless quality that resonates across generations.
The Rapid Evolution of Music
Reed delved into the history of music, noting how the rate of change in musical styles has accelerated over the centuries. From the slow evolution of classical genres spanning hundreds of years to the rapid shifts of the 20th century, music has mirrored societal changes. The advent of technology, especially platforms like Napster, has democratized music, allowing for a diverse range of sounds and styles to coexist on a single playlist.
Christian Music: A Reactionary Genre?
The conversation shifted to Christian music, with both Aaron and Reed observing its tendency to be reactionary. Often, Christian music seems to follow broader cultural trends rather than setting them. This observation led to a broader discussion about the challenges of catering to diverse musical tastes within a church setting.
Reed shared a personal anecdote about selecting a song for a service that his wife didn’t particularly enjoy. This story highlighted the subjective nature of musical preferences and the impossibility of pleasing everyone. Reed’s takeaway? Focus on songs that are singable, theologically sound, and can resonate with a broad audience.
The Challenge of Song Repetition in Churches
Aaron posed an interesting question about the frequency of song repetition in services. Reed’s response provided insight into the behind-the-scenes world of church music production. Musicians and production teams often go through a song multiple times during rehearsals and services. However, with church attendees coming in on average twice a month, their exposure to a particular song is significantly less. This disparity can lead to a disconnect, with musicians feeling a song is overplayed while attendees are still unfamiliar with it.
The Reality of Production
Aaron starts by highlighting how production teams often only hear songs during Sunday services, unlike those prepping lyrics or attending midweek rehearsals. Ried adds that the ratio of rehearsals to actual services can be overwhelming, emphasizing the importance of song selection and the challenges of keeping content fresh for the congregation.
The Complexity of Song Selection
Ried discusses the intricate process of song selection, from ensuring the right worship leaders for each song to balancing the tastes and styles of decision-makers. He touches on the challenges of ensuring that songs resonate with both the singers and the audience, and the delicate balance of not overdoing or underdoing a song.
Ried emphasizes the power of moments when the entire congregation sings together, creating a unified choir. Such moments, he believes, transform a service from being observational to participatory. Aaron agrees, recalling the profound impact of songs like “Silent Night” during Christmas.
The Importance of Hospitality
Both Ried and Aaron stress the significance of treating volunteers and musicians well. From providing a balanced breakfast to ensuring a comfortable environment, these gestures show appreciation and value. Ried shares his experiences from North Point, where the level of hospitality was unparalleled, making musicians feel valued and respected.
Final Thoughts
Aaron wraps up the conversation by discussing the importance of treating volunteers well to retain them. Ried agrees, adding that simple gestures, like providing a good meal, can make a huge difference in showing appreciation.
Church production is more than just selecting songs and ensuring smooth services. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued, from the musicians to the volunteers. As Ried and Aaron’s conversation reveals, it’s the little details that make all the difference.
