Interview with Natalie Tyer (C Fernandez)

Partial Transcript: Caroline Fernandez: I just wanted to start, I guess, with, like, a little bit about, like, your music background, like, what brings you here to Hill City, any – yeah. Like, what drew you here?

Natalie Tyer: So, um, as far as music goes, I...my whole family’s musical, and so I kind of grew up singing and, ah, I started playing guitar when I was, like, 15. Um, and writing music and stuff, and I just loved it. And, um, so, I did, like, all the choirs, and I did a cappella in college, and then.... I went to JMU for a year and a half and then transferred to VCU, um. And I needed – I was a PR major at the time, and I needed an internship. And I had, like...I, I grew up Christian but I kind of walked away from my faith ‘cause I was like, “I just, like, want to do my own thing.”

Um, and so I saw this internship for this church, and I was like, “Ah, I guess I’ll, like, try it out.” And, um, so I started interning with them and I was like, “I guess I should start going here?” Like, “I don’t know.”

And, um (laughs), so – but I loved it, and everyone was so wonderful and still are. And, um, and so I was interning with them for a while and I think about, like, six or seven months in, I was like, I was like, “Hey, like, I like to sing, you think I could join the worship team?” They were like, “Are you good? Like, I would never – like, you’ve never mentioned it before.” I was like, “Yeah, sure.”

And, um. And they were really mad at me ‘cause I never said anything, and they were like, “Why did you never say –”

Fernandez: This could’ve come up sooner, yeah (laughs).

Tyer: Yeah, yeah, yeah. And so I was like, “I don’t know, I just, you know.” Anyways, so I was part of the worship team, and then, um, I graduated in May 2016 and I went – I went home for a little bit.

And then in January of 2017 I left for a year-long, like, missions trip, um, called the World Race. And so, um – it’s like eleven countries, eleven months – and, um, at some point throughout the year, Wags – my, my boss, our pastor – reached out to me and was like, “Hey.” Like, um, “Sled,” who was the worship director at the time, “Is thinking about setting – like, stepping down; would you be interested in something like this?” And I was like, “Oh my gosh, that’s a big job, I don’t know if I could do that.”

Um, and, but ultimately, like, I got back, I accepted the position, um. And then a few months in – Wags always wanted, like, two part-time people to work together, as opposed to one full-time person. So a few months in, we hired Dorrall to work with me. Um, and, yeah, been doing that all year, and. That’s how I got here, so.

Segment Synopsis: Natalie talks about her musical and religious background and how she ended up at Hill City.

Keywords: Hill City; JMU; VCU; World Race; a cappella; choir; faith

Subjects: church music; college

Partial Transcript: Fernandez: (laughs) Gotcha. Um, did you – okay, so, you definitely, like, have a music background. Um, I guess, like, how did that – did that play in at all, to, like, I guess, your doing, like, stepping into the worship and whatnot? Like, are you classically trained, or was it just, like, listening, audible?

Tyer: Yeah, so, I’m not classically trained. I mean, like, I did, like, all the...like, in high school I did, like, a ton of choir, which included, like, all the All States and the Honors Choir and, like – So I had, like, training. But, like, as far as university, I didn’t study it. And so, um, it’s...it’s, like, funny because our joke here is, like, everyone on staff is unqualified. Like, none of us have de- has, have done, like, what we’re doing now, um. And so, it- that was really comforting, coming into it. ‘Cause I was really insecure about it, ‘cause I was like, “I...” you know, it’s a lot harder for me.

Especially when Dorrall came in, ‘cause he is classically trained. So he knew a lot of things that I didn’t, and so it was...like, I had a lot of insecurity about it. But, um, but ultimately, like, it was just, like, my love for music, my love for the team, and, like, my love for this church.

And so, um, yeah. So that wasn’t – really wasn’t, like, a factor in whether or not I was hired.

Segment Synopsis: Natalie talks about how she's not classically trained in music or worship directing.

Keywords: all state; classically trained; honors choir; worship

Subjects: classical music training

Partial Transcript: Fernandez: Okay, good. Yeah, um. Yeah, can you just, like, walk me through the general, like – I don’t know how often this happens – but, like, the weekly process of, like, picking music, and then having rehearsal, and then Sunday morning – you know. How does that all work here?

Tyer: Yeah, so...in the past, it’s been more, like, kind of discombobulated. Like, songs – so we have practice every Thursday at night at, um, seven. And, uh, in the past songs have gone up, like, a few days before. And it’s just been a little tougher. So, um, what I’ve really tried to do this year is get songs out at least a week in advance so people have enough time to look over them and practice and stuff. Um, and then...once those are out, um, yeah, if anyone has any questions or whatever they’ll ask me. Get everything ready, like, the sound and the music and everything, and the stage and, um, we practice it Thursday night.

And, luckily, we – like, everyone on the team here is, like, super talented. And there’s, like, no ego at all, which is really cool, but like – so it’s never an issue of, like, practice is super chaotic and crazy and no one knows what they’re doing. ‘Cause everyone’s really talented. Um, so luckily there’s not a ton of legwork on my side, like, having to make sure everyone, you know, has their ish together.

So, yeah, so that’s pretty nice.

Fernandez: Gotcha. And then, how many times do you guys have service on Sunday? And, do the same people play, like, for both services, um, and whatnot?

Tyer: Yeah. Yeah, so we have two services, 9 and 10:30. And, um, the same people will play. When we were in – we just moved into this newer space a few months ago, so it’s a lot bigger. ‘Cause we, just, ran out of room. We were next door in that room, um, and at our, at our biggest we had four services.

And so we had three morning and one 4 p.m. And so we tried to split the band up to be, like, morning band and 4 p.m. band, but it was really just discombobulated and, like, just rough. That 4 p.m., coming back, like, after taking a Sunday nap, you’re like, “Ugh” (laughs). So, two services was, like, really great to switch to. Um, but, yeah, we’ll have the same band for the services.

Segment Synopsis: Natalie talks about a typical week at Hill City from the perspective of the musicians.

Keywords: Sunday morning; discombobulated; service; songs

Subjects: church music

Partial Transcript: Fernandez: Okay, gotcha. And how do you, like, recruit members for the band? Do people just, kind of, come up and say they want to play? Or, is there any sort of, like, process for people to join?

Tyer: Yeah, so, that’s something that we’ve been trying to figure out this year, is, like, the best process to do that. Um, and most of the time what we’ve found is, like, the people who are really good and really passionate about it will, like, like approach you and be like, “Hey, I play this instrument and, like, I really want to be in the band.”

Um, there are...there’ve been, like, some times where people have been super passionate and approached us and they have not been great, and that’s really hard for me because I don’t like saying hard things. (laughs). And I don’t, like, telling someone, like, “No.” Um, so that’s been really rough.

But, um, so we’ll usually – if someone wants to be part of the team, we’ll usually have them send in, like, a video audition first? Um, just because we’ve had instances in the past where, like, live auditions are really awkward ‘cause it’s like, “What do we say ‘cause this is really bad...” Um, so we’ll have video auditions, and then we’ll, um, have them come in for, like, a practice, maybe. And, like, um, practice with the in-ears and maybe sing a song with the band and see how they feel and everything.

Um, and yeah. So that’s still a process we’re trying to figure out, ‘cause it’s never been super smooth or, just, detailed or anything. Um, but that’s right now what we’re trying to do, so. Yeah.

Fernandez: And, right now, how – how many people, about, I guess, are in the worship team?

Tyer: I’d say...worship/media team I’d say about forty.

Fernandez: Okay. Gotcha, gotcha. Wow. Um, that’s a lot (laughs). Uh, let’s see...okay. And so then, when you do have all these, like, musicians coming together, um, would you say that during rehearsal.... Is it, like, a collaborative thing where people kind of just, like, pop up with their ideas? Or is there more, like, some kind of, like, insight that you and, uh, Dorrall have going into the rehearsal that you’re like, “This is what we want to achieve from this.” Like, what’s the balance there?

Tyer: Yeah, it really depends. I think Dorrall would be more, like, this is what I see the song doing, this is where I see it going. Whereas I’m...like, it’s just personality difference. Where I’m like, “What do you guys think?” Like, “Where do you...” Which, like, there are pros and cons to both approach.

Um, and I think, depending on the band that’s playing each week, like, we’ll have members who have been a part of it for longer, or members that are just, like, way up here in terms of skill, and so they’re kind of mentors to other members. Um, and so I’ll.... If it’s, like, a ton of people like that that I’m playing with that week, I’ll be more...like, I’ll lean more heavily on, like, “What do you guys think here?” And they, they know, like, who they are. And they know that, like, they can – I mean, anyone can, like, speak up. But, like, they’re more apt to be like, “Hey, I think we should do this here.” Or like, “What do you think...?”

Um, whereas if it’s a band that maybe the members are a little more, like, a little shier, quieter, they’re just, like, not as, like, assertive, then I, like, I know their personalities and I can be more like, “Okay! We’re just gonna do this.” And, you know. ‘Cause....

Fernandez: Yeah. And how many people, like, typically play each Sunday?

Tyer: I would say about six or seven.

Segment Synopsis: Natalie talks about the Hill City worship team and how people audition to join the band.

Keywords: auditions; band; passionate; recruit; rehearsal; video audition

Subjects: church music; contemporary church music

Partial Transcript: Fernandez: Okay. Gotcha, gotcha, gotcha. Um, okay. So then, like, kind of shifting gears to, like, music selection. Um, how do you guys pick what music you play?

Tyer: So, um. It’s...so this year we’ve really been trying to, um, like, be more creative and, like, think more outside the box with music and have a more diverse sound? Because, like, ultimately, we’re not trying to be...like, we’re not trying to emulate, like, one church that’s, like, doing it.

You know, like, um...we want to, like, we want to be a church for all people, so we want, like, all people to feel like they can appreciate the sound and appreciate, like, a worship song on a Sunday. Um, and, so.... We’ve really tried to, like, branch out and, and, and, like, find new songs that are not, like, typical contemporary Christian music that you hear on the radio.

Um, but at the same time, like, some of those songs, like, people love. Like, we just did this Lauren Daigle song that I’ve been hearing on the radio for forever. And I was like, “Oh my god, this song,” like, “I know we have to sing it ‘cause everyone loves it.” And we did, and everyone was like, [singing] “You say –.” And I was like, “Oh my god, this song” (laughs).

So, like, it...it really depends. But, we’ll try, and we’ll, like, we’ll have, um, different Sundays where, like, maybe it’s just me and Dorrall and our guitars; and so, we’ll, like, switch it up and play a fast song as a slow song. Like, we’ll, we’ll try and, like, keep things different and, and not just, like, you know, the same all the time and.... Does that make sense?

Fernandez: Yeah, it does. I think so, yeah. Um...I guess, like, one thing – um. So, I’m interviewing some churches that are, like, denominationally, uh, affiliated? And, Hill City is non-denominational, right? Um, do you feel like that gives you more freedom with the music that you can play? Or just, like, creative freedom?

Tyer: I think so. Like, I grew up in a, in a Baptist church that was, like, kind of non-denom but, like, mostly Baptist. And...yeah. I would say, like...because there are no, like, rules? Like, we try to keep – the songs that we choose – so, we want to be a church that people who don’t go to church feel comfortable in.

And they...so they’re not coming in, and we’re not using all of this really Christian-y language that they’re like, “I have no idea what these people are talking about.” Or, like, singing about, you know, something that you would know about if you read the book of Ezekial; but, like, rocking into a church for the first time, you know, you’re like, “I don’t know.”

Um...so, I think in terms of that, that definitely puts limitations and that’s been hard. ‘Cause, like, a lot of Christian music uses a lot of that language. And so, that is more limiting.

But in terms of, like, you know, trying to think outside of the box and be creative, anything goes. So, I guess that kind of helps being non-denominational, as opposed to, like, Baptist or Presbyterian or, I don’t know...ton of denominations.

Fernandez: Yeah (laughs). Um, yeah. Um, do you ever, like, tie the music – I guess, so then, because you don’t have the denomination thing to, like, worry about as much – do you ever tie the music to, like, the sermon or anything, like...the themes going on in the church at all?

Tyer: Yeah, um. Yeah, for sure, like.... It’s funny, actually, because that is a goal but it’s usually something that I don’t.... Like, I don’t have Wags’s notes, like, when I pick songs. But more often than not, one of the songs will line up really well. Which always is a nice surprise, ‘cause I’m like, “Oh I didn’t do that on purpose, but it’s – I’m glad that it worked.”

Um, but yeah. But, like, um, we’ll definitely try and do that with the different sermon series. Um, or, like, if we have – like, usually we’ll do, um, three songs at the beginning of the service. But some – once in a while, we’ll have either communion, or we’ll have, like, a response song at the end? So, if we do a response song or communion song, it’ll be more.... I don’t know how to, how to phrase it. Like, more personal, or more, like...we’ll just be, like, extra choosy about that song. So, yeah.

Segment Synopsis: Natalie talks about how she selects music for services, and about how Hill City's non-denominational affiliation impacts music selection.

Keywords: Lauren Daigle; baptist; contemporary christian music; creative freedom; diverse; music selection; non-denominational

Subjects: church denominations; church music; contemporary christian music

Partial Transcript: Fernandez: Interesting. Okay. Um, yeah, and then, like, in service, like...um, what kind of atmosphere are you going for in terms of, like, lighting or just, like, the general sound atmosphere? I guess you were talking a bit about catering to people – or, like, encouraging people who’ve never been to a church service to be here. So, is there anything that you make specific decisions on – based on just how you present, like, the worship?

Tyer: Yeah. Yeah, um, like, we don’t...like, I’m very, very anti-, like, lasers and, like, fog machine.... Like, I’ve seen, just, a ton of, like, megachurches use that to just, like, create this atmosphere. And that’s great for a lot of people, um, but I think we’re pretty simple.

And so, we want – we’ve been, like, playing with the lights, ‘cause before we had them up all the way, but I noticed that people get really distracted, and they’re, like, looking around. And if they’re not comfortable – like, typically singing in a church is what’s most uncomfortable for people who don’t usually go to church.

Like, that’s...even people who used to go to church, or, like, came back after a long time, like...singing in church is the most uncomfortable thing. Um, and so, we want to make that as, like, comfortable as possible. So, like, we’ll turn the lights down during worship so you can’t really see – I mean, it’s not, like, pitch black, but, like, you can’t, like, you’re not like, “Everyone’s looking at me,” you know? Um, and then raise it back up for the sermon.

And, um, with sound, like, we’ll try and make sure, it’s not, like, you know, destroy your ears and blow out all the elderly. You know, so, like, those things are definitely we think about all the time.

Segment Synopsis: Natalie talks about decisions the worship/media team takes to make people who don't normally attend church services more comfortable at Hill City.

Keywords: comfortable; fog machine; lasers; lights; sound

Subjects: church atmosphere

Partial Transcript: Fernandez: Gotcha. Gotcha. Um, yeah, in terms of – you mentioned the elderly, so this is seguing. But in terms of demographics, I guess, age-wise, at least, first of all, um – do you guys have, like, a specific demographic that you see the most? Or that you’re, like, gearing your services towards? Or, how does the music factor into, like, appealing to different ages?

Tyer: Yeah, um, we definitely tend to be more young adult, um. But, this year alone, it’s been crazy to see, like, how many boomers have started coming to our church? And, like, just, I think our age demographics specifically have, like, really diversified in the past year, year and a half. Um, and that’s been really cool to see.

And it’s been cool because we see, like...like, I think people typically think like, “Oh, the older people want to hear hymns,” or, like, you know, whatever. But, we’ve seen, like, fantastic response from, like, all ages with, like, different songs that we’ve chosen that have been, you know, kind of out of the norm.

Um, and it’s been really encouraging, because that is what we want to be, is, like, a place where the music is just, like – like, it’s not just liked by one demographic. ‘Cause that’s not what we want. And if that’s what it is at the end of the day then we’re not doing our job right.

So, um. But we’ll, we’ll throw some hymns in there every once in a while (laughs). Just for those, like, my parents come here every once in a while and, like, I know you want to hear the hymns. So, like, we’ll, like, you know, throw those in there. But.

Fernandez: Gotcha. Yeah. Um, have you – do you, like, get feedback from the congregation about the music, or, like – I guess, like, how much do you, like, stand in the back and, like, watch people when they respond to the music?

Tyer: Oh, yeah. So weeks that I’m not leading, I’ll stand in the back, um; I’ll usually try and help with, like, the media, um, but I’ll, like, stand in the back and kind of watch people. And that’s how I kind of notice people with the lights, like, people looking around, getting really distracted. Um, and stuff. So I’ll try and do that as often as possible.

And there are, like, um, there are some people in the church – specifically on the worship team, um, and people who have just been, like, going here a really long time and are really trusted voices and stuff that’ll, like, feel okay to be like, “Hey, like,” you know.

Um, and, um, we always – um, as a staff, like, staff meetings, we’ll talk about, like, “wins” from the weekend and we’ll always go over music and, like, how it went. And I know that the staff, like, like, has our backs, um. And they’ll be honest with us, like, if something didn’t work. Or if they felt – or if people said something, or. Um, so, yeah.

There’s definitely, like, we definitely get feedback from people, which is really good. ‘Cause, like, there’s a lot of things that we don’t catch. And we’re like, you know, I’ll be like, “Oh, that song went over really well,” and they’ll be like, “No one was singing.” So I’m like, “Okay.”

Fernandez: Yeah. So, yeah, I guess, like, the general staff, um.... It sounds like you guys are pretty close, um...yeah. Would you, like, think – does that, like, factor into, I guess, just, like, how you think about, um, like, coming up with the music, or if you have, like, problems with the music at any time, like. I don’t know, I guess, like, does that just, like, I feel like that would give you more support in some sense?

Tyer: Yeah. Like there have been tons of times – like, like I said, I’ve super – been super unqualified for this job, um, and...so there’ve been tons of times where I’ve been, just, like, “I’m not doing this right; I’m messing it all up; I’m picking the wrong songs, like, this isn’t happening,” like.

And, like, um, Wags and Lacey, specifically, and the rest of staff have always, you know, said, like, “You’re not doing this – like, you’re not out here on Worship Island doing it by yourself. Like, we’ve got your back and, like, we’re here to help.”

And, like, our goal – the collective goal of the staff is to make a Sunday, like, is to keep the people in mind who are coming on a Sunday who are looking to meet with Jesus. And so, like, we want to make sure that, like, everything on a Sunday is working the way it’s supposed to. And so, it’s kind of, like, branches on a tree.

So, like, I...I could feel like my branch is, like, dying or something, and it’s my fault. And, you know, whatever. Um, but the rest of them don’t see it that way, and we’ll all, like, work together to make sure.... Do you know what I’m saying?

Fernandez: Everything’s like...everyone’s supporting everyone, which is good.

Tyer: For sure. It’s, like, pretty much, like, the most ideal work environment. Ever.

Segment Synopsis: Natalie talks about the age demographic of Hill City and how the music impacts that demographic. She also talks about the congregation and staff's feedback to and support for the worship team.

Keywords: boomers; demographic; feedback; hymns; support; young adult

Subjects: church music

Partial Transcript: Fernandez: Gotcha (laughs). That’s always good to hear. Um, yeah, I guess – okay, so, like, zooming out a bit. ‘Cause we have – so in my class we’ve talked a lot about, like, the city of Richmond and just, like, um. How much do you guys feel, like – do you ever have, like, connections with other churches where you guys, I don’t know, connect over either music or just, like, ah, just, like, church in general? Has there been any, like, cross-communication between you and other, um, like, worship teams or anything like that?

Tyer: Yeah. Um, we had...uh, Center Church used to practice in our old space? So, I’ve met with their worship director, Makeda, a few times. Um, and...um, met a few times with.... They also – so, she also does, I don’t know if she’s, like, the specific leader for it, but there is this, um, kind of worship team, band, oh, what are they called? They’re so great. They, they play at, or they sing at East End sometimes.

Um, but anyways, we’re close with the people from East End Fellowship and, um, Center Church and, um...I know a lot of our people used to go to ComChap.

Um, I think, like, in the future we definitely want to, like, do more musically with other churches in Richmond. I think that’d be really cool; I just don’t think that’s where we’re at right now. We’re just trying to, like, manage what we have here.

Fernandez: No, that makes sense. Um, yeah, I guess – okay, what did I write down here? Um, oh, yeah. Do you think – this kind of goes off of that – but, like, how much do you guys feel connected to...I guess, the city of Richmond, in terms of, like, who comes here? How does that...I don’t – does that ever impact your music?

Like, the fact that you’re here, in this – like, the fact that Hill City is here in Richmond versus in another city. Does that ever become something that processes, like, that you process when you’re thinking of music? Or just worship in general?

Tyer: I think, like, probably not, like...maybe with the music, specifically, like, making sure our songs, like, we’re trying to be diverse in our song choices and, like, creativity and stuff like that. Like I said before. Um, because Richmond is obviously not just one kind of people, and we want to be for all of Richmond.

Um, but I think, like, worship specifically...I think I know how much I love this city, and, like, it’s, like, my favorite place in the world. And I know how much, like, the rest of the staff and, like, the rest of this church loves the city of Richmond. Like, and I think when it comes to worship, when I think – when I connect the two, like....

Like, there’s people in this city that I love who are gonna be here maybe the first time, maybe the second time, maybe, like...they are, like, at their wits end with their lives. And are like, “Alright, I’ll give this a shot.” Like, I don’t know. I think about, like, those people specifically and I’m like, “Okay. If you want to, like, change a city, if you want to have a big impact, like, it starts with people individually and grows.”

And so I’m, like, if that is, like – if I have some sort of, like, um, an impact on their experience here on a Sunday, and maybe it has an impact on their lives, like...I take that really seriously. And so, um, like, ultimately, we want to have a big impact in the city, and so, like, it starts individually.

Segment Synopsis: Natalie talks about inter-church communication in Richmond and about the impact she thinks Richmond has on the church.

Keywords: center church; comchap; east end; richmond; worship

Subjects: church music; community; richmond, virginia

Partial Transcript: Fernandez: Yeah, interesting. Cool. And then, just, like, some broad, meta questions, I guess, um.... In terms of, um, like, when you’re thinking about the future, do you think...like, is there anything you imagine for Hill City that’s, like, a long-term goal in terms of, like, your worship style or, um, just, like, what you envision for the worship team doing?

Tyer: Yeah, I, um.... I think I...I think the thing that you typically see happen with worship at churches is you want to get bigger; and you want to have more lights and more sound; and you want to write your own music; and you want to record that music and sell that music and play that music and, like...I have never wanted that for Hill City.

And I don’t think...I think, like, the rest of the staff would, like, back me up on that. Like, it’s not...we’re not trying to be Hillsong United or anything. I think what I would love to see is our worship team being put to use to help people in the city.

So, like, we could write our own music, or we could teach songwriting. Like, we could teach guitar, we could teach, you know, all these instruments, um, to people or kids that, you know, could really benefit from the skills. And, um, just stuff like that I think would be so much more us and would make so much more sense than trying to, like, promote ourselves with, like, albums and...that’s just not something I’ve ever wanted.

And, um, and I think, like, the vision for Hill City, especially if you talk to John, like, is very unique. And, like, just with how much we want to, like, help the city and be a part of it, I think it wouldn’t make any sense to have any other, you know, use for the worship team than to help people and, like, pour back into people. So, yeah.

Fernandez: That’s really cool. Very, like, humble. In a good way (laughs).

Tyer: Thanks, I’m really humble (laughs).

Fernandez: No, but, like, you understand, yeah (laughs). Um, okay. Yeah, yeah, that’s really cool. Um, and then...I guess, just, like, my last question, which you’ve kind of already answered, is just, like, the difference between, like, Hill City and other churches you’ve worked at or attended or, um, if there is anything that you guys, like, feel would set you apart.

Fernandez: Yeah. I think one thing that, like, would make us different is how much we think about the unchurched person. Like, we’re not trying to cater to Christians. Like, so, if people come in who are long-term Christians, they might not find what they’re looking for.

‘Cause we’re not gonna talk in the language that they’re used to, we’re not going to tell people that they need to repent or, like, do whatever, um. We’re gonna, like, share the gospel with them, and we’re gonna love them and accept them into the community. And, like.

But, like, just how much thought – and I didn’t even realize it until I got on staff – like, how much thought goes into those kinds of people. People that have been hurt by a church or don’t go to church and stuff, um. And that’s the way that we’re always gonna be.

So, it’s never gonna be, like – if we get to the place where we have our church body is mostly Christians, then we have an issue. Because we want to have – to keep having people come in. So I think that is very unique about all – different from all the churches I’ve been to and experienced. So, yeah.

Fernandez: Gotcha. That’s really interesting. Um, okay – I feel like you have to start, yes? [Referencing a gathered crowd.]

Tyer: I don’t know these people (laughs).

Fernandez: Oh, okay (laughs).

Tyer: We share the space with, like, sports people? So, it’s not my band.

Fernandez: Great, just checking (laughs).

Segment Synopsis: Natalie talks about her future hopes for Hill City's worship team and congregation.

Keywords: hill city; hillsong united; language; long-term goal

Subjects: church music; worship

Partial Transcript: Fernandez: No, but, like, you understand, yeah (laughs). Um, okay. Yeah, yeah, that’s really cool. Um, and then...I guess, just, like, my last question, which you’ve kind of already answered, is just, like, the difference between, like, Hill City and other churches you’ve worked at or attended or, um, if there is anything that you guys, like, feel would set you apart.

Fernandez: Yeah. I think one thing that, like, would make us different is how much we think about the unchurched person. Like, we’re not trying to cater to Christians. Like, so, if people come in who are long-term Christians, they might not find what they’re looking for.

‘Cause we’re not gonna talk in the language that they’re used to, we’re not going to tell people that they need to repent or, like, do whatever, um. We’re gonna, like, share the gospel with them, and we’re gonna love them and accept them into the community. And, like.

But, like, just how much thought – and I didn’t even realize it until I got on staff – like, how much thought goes into those kinds of people. People that have been hurt by a church or don’t go to church and stuff, um. And that’s the way that we’re always gonna be.

So, it’s never gonna be, like – if we get to the place where we have our church body is mostly Christians, then we have an issue. Because we want to have – to keep having people come in. So I think that is very unique about all – different from all the churches I’ve been to and experienced. So, yeah.

Fernandez: Gotcha. That’s really interesting. Um, okay – I feel like you have to start, yes? [Referencing a gathered crowd.]

Tyer: I don’t know these people (laughs).

Fernandez: Oh, okay (laughs).

Tyer: We share the space with, like, sports people? So, it’s not my band.

Fernandez: Great, just checking (laughs).

Um, okay. Um, okay, then just one – ‘cause that prompted me to think, um. Do you ever worry that, um, like, a population of people who have been –. Like, for example, I know some college students come here from UR. Um, and do you ever worry that, like, people who have been attending churches their entire life, but just, like, are finding a new one, um, but are still familiar with, like, the Christian I guess, like, sense of – like, Christianity – um.

Do you ever worry about them coming into the church and...if, like, I don’t know, not being traditional enough or anything?

Tyer: No, definitely not, ‘cause I think with people who, who are like that, who have come in and kind of been like, “This isn’t...”.

You know, something that we really try to focus on is like, “It’s not about our preferences.” Like, it’s – you’re never gonna meet everyone’s preferences. So, like, I like things done a certain way that maybe we don’t do, um, but it’s not about me. And so, that’s kind of the culture that we try to instill.

And if someone is really, like, not down with it then...they’re not down with it. And, like, there’s so many other churches that I’m sure they’d find that they would love.

Um...and, like, I think we do a really good job of, like, like, people who, like, are Christians and are coming in, like, helping them understand why we do it the way we do? Teaching them to be contributors instead of consumers. ‘Cause usually you go to church and you consume, and then you leave and you come back, and it’s like, “What programs are you offering? What events are you having?” Like, stuff like that.

Whereas it’s like, “No, no, no, when you come here you’re gonna be part of the team. And you’re gonna bring other people into the circle.”

And so, that’s what, really, we try to do. And I think, like, once you catch that vision and you’re like, “Ah, yeah”; then you’re, like, in. And you’re like, “Okay, this is good.” So, yeah.

Fernandez: Okay. That’s very – yeah. I feel like that’s a very unique perspective.

Tyer: Yeah. This place is pretty great (laughs). I love it a lot.

Segment Synopsis: Natalie talks about Hill City's unique mission of ministering mainly to non-Christians, and how the music caters to that vision.

Keywords: consumers; contributors; gospel; long-term Christians; unchurched

Subjects: christianity; church music