[jbmando]

I feel that I should say something which is not the answer you were looking for. I know I'm an old guy, but I have about 13 years experience as a church musician and since last February I have been playing for the best P&W leader I have ever met.

I know that there is probably a lot more to the story, but somehow, I don't think forcing a team member to attempt a style of playing that he is not yet comfortable or familiar with is God-honoring.

What I have learned under our new leader is that it isn't about making the sound guys happy, it's about leading the congregation closer to the Lord. The people in the seats should be where the emphasis is, not the players and singers and not the sound guys. They don't like your guitar's clean sound? What part of your sound do you think God does not like?

Clearly conveying the text of the song and the creation of a worshipful mood should be what they strive for. It's called "Praise and Worship" for a reason. It isn't a concert, your team is doing a ministry to the congregation. My advice is practice what you do know, add in as much as you feel comfortable with and pray that you will be honoring the Lord with your playing. God knows what all of our talents and limitations are and He does not expect more from us than we can deliver, and the person responsible for leading others in the worship of God certainly should not expect it either.

I am sorry if this doesn't seem to help you with your stress, but I am praying for the best outcome for everybody involved in your church's P&W team.