"Starving Musicians" by Phillip Carter

I remember growing up in Washington DC watching great musicians such as Donald Vails, Andrew Rowe and many others as they blessed us with so many years of great singing and great songs. I always thought that they were rich or at least very well off because of all of the great things they were doing not to mention how in demand they were in at the time. It was only later that I found out that many of my local idles died with very little money. My father always told me to NEVER put all of your eggs in one basket.  He also stressed to me that I should never quit my full time job with benefits for a church job unless the church was financially stable and could match the stability of the secular job I was leaving(benefits, heath insurance etc.)

It is with that concern that I write this blog. So many of the younger generation , and some not so young, musicians are full time musicians with no job security, no benefits, no insurance and no wisdom to negotiate these life necessities. Their seems to be no concern for the future on their behalf and churches have a history of not offering benefits to their minstrels. If you are a full time musician, how can you be secure in your employment without heath insurance and retirement. Do you not realize that one day you will need these necessities  You can not afford to wait until you get older to attain these must haves. If your place of employment does not provide these things then its up to you to provide them for yourself which is so costly. It's costly because most of you are not paying for full coverage and that means if you get really sick then you will be in serious trouble financially.

If you are a Pastor, Head Trustee or decision maker at  your church and you have musicians who are full time at your church and you do not offer them what they need to thrive and survive then SHAME ON YOU.        I am so tried of seeing musicians pimped while Pastors, Church Administrators and other ministerial personnel and their families thrive. Musicians think about your future before you take a full time position. Make sure its a divine appointment and beneficial to your portfolio. If it's not then get a job in the market place and take the pressure off yourself and your church to provide for you. I absolutely love working a job outside of church because I get the best of both worlds. My regular job provides the necessary benefits that I need for me and my family and my church appointments provide the extra income I need to do other things I desire to do.  Think About it......


Peace
Phillip Carter

"Bringing Unity To Your Music Ministry" by Phillip Carter

Ever since I have been in church, there has always been a problem with unity in the music ministry. It is very clear to me that the most successful  music ministries have strong leadership and unity among the members of the music ministry. It's a formula that works every time yet there are so many churches who either have not adopted this formula or is ignorant to it all together. I do not buy in to the whole Lucifer, Chief Musician theory as the cause for confusion in the music ministry. If your music ministry is in chaos that's because the leadership is in a state of confusion and sometimes denial. If you knew that Aspirin was the cure for headaches, would you take it? I would in a heartbeat yet some of us would still try some other form of medication in the hopes that it would yield the same results or better. I preach leadership and unity everywhere I go because I have been apart of and seen successful Music and Arts ministries at work and when it's right it's beautiful. When it's wrong its chaos, confusion and stagnation. Of course there are people who thrive off of chaos, confusion and stagnation as a way to keep things the way there are but God wants us to thrive and multiply.

Here are just some of the traps music ministries fall into that contribute to  the disunity. By no means have I covered them as some of our churches have unique situations.

1. Multiple Choirs with Multiple Officers

It is very hard to have unity if each choir has their own officers. Officers tend to overstep their boundaries which creates an open flame of confusion with the particular director of the choir. I have seen it work ok before but its very rare that it does.  If your church has multiple choirs or praise teams it would be more efficient to have one slate of officers for the entire music ministry under the Minister or Director of Music.

2. Pastor Interfering With Music Ministry

When Pastors try to control every aspect of what goes on in the music ministry then confusion will reign unless the Pastor is the Minister of Music as well. Pastors have to trust their leaders and allow then to run their departments. Pastors should oversee the ministry but when He/She tries to dictate every facit of the music ministry then all kind of problems occur as a result.

3. Overlapping Roles

It's important that every body know and accept their respective roles in the ministry. Choir members should know that it is their job to show up, be committed and sing. Officers should do their jobs well and no others. Musicians should play and Directors should direct.

4. Administration

Administration is always a big factor in unity. Great music ministries keep great schedules and their participants are  notified when changes occur in a timely manner. Pastors play a big role in administration as they can sometimes be a hindrance by not communicating to the proper individuals when they are in need of  of services of the ministry in a timely manner.

I sincerely hope that these blogs are a help to you and your respective ministries.


Peace,
Phillip Carter
www.sovministries.com

"IT'S TOO LOUD IN MY CHURCH" by Phillip Carter

My dear Aunt Helen said to me last week that she has to stand in the lobby of her church when the music and the preaching is going on because she says its too loud for her in the sanctuary. I was singing with my group this past weekend, at a church where I serve,  and my wife comes in the sanctuary and waves at me to inform me that its too loud so I immediately told the house guy to bring the overall volume of the house down which was the right thing to do since I could not access, from where I was standing, if there was any one particular thing peaking out in the audience. All of us have our opinions as to when something is too loud or not and all of us think we're right so I am going to approach this from a technical perspective later on in this blog. It's a fact that listening to loud music for long periods of time can and will damage your hearing. Many of you reading this blog go to church on a regular basis and most of our churches are probably projecting our sound systems at high levels not realizing that our hearing is being damaged in the process. I am very guilty, as I am writing to you, of demanding more volume as I play or sing on Sunday morning due to the intensity of the music that I sing and/or play partly because I have trouble hearing myself. Gospel Music is demanding and when the energy comes so does the loudness.

When preachers, especially in the black church, get excited and raise their voices  they tend to get closer to the mic instead of backing away from it because of the excitement and intensity of their preaching. That's a normal thing but it can be harmful as well if the sound tech at your church does not take the necessary steps to control the volume. Many of our churches do not invest in people who have the knowledge to run audio equipment efficiently but we are quick to hire people to do other jobs, in our churches,which require competency. Audio Engineering is a skill which requires a lot of training. It's amazing to me that we entrust our ears to Deacon and Trustee so-and so on the sound board.  Are we that ignorant?  Whether you are in a small or a large church we must protect our ears while being able to hear everything we want to hear at the same time.

Technically anything above 75 decibels is considered loud and anything above 100 decibels is getting dangerous for long periods of time. If the noise gets to 200 decibels for any amount of time then loss of hearing takes place immediately.  It is true that all of us have our own noise thresholds. Its not too loud all of the time. Let's be honest. Some of us make those claims partly due to the fact that we don't necessarily enjoy the type of noise being made whether its music or the preached word. I remember growing up in church and every time I played a gospel song it was too loud but every time I would play a hymn (at the same volume) it was heavenly.lololololol.   The same old saints were talking out of two sides of their mouths.

IT IS possible to be intense and for the levels to be controlled at the same time. It's not always the musicians fault if the music is too loud. Your church might have an incompetent sound technician especially if your church has everything miked up. Your instruments might be placed incorrectly in the sanctuary. There are a number of reasons why things may be too loud in your church. Stop assuming and seek answers that make sense to the church and to the musicians. On the other hand, musicians should try to exercise some wisdom when dealing with their own volume levels, in church, especially if you are in total control of your volume. We must not let our personal liking's overshadow what may or may not be going on in our houses of worship. We must seek and implement solutions because there are millions of Christians who maybe suffering from hearing loss due to the Saturday or Sunday morning worship experience. 

You can refer to this table below from http://www.abelard.org/hear/hear.php to give to your sound techs and your Pastors at your church as a reference.

Peace,
Phillip Carter

HOW LOUD IS LOUD? Common Noise Levels and Typical Reactions

Activity	Noise Level [dB(A)]	Apparent Loudness	Typical Physical Response	new:quadratic equations, model answers part of how to teach your child number arithmetic mathematics advertising disclaimer
Rocket launching	180		Danger level
Threshold of pain Gunshot Jet engine taking off	140		Danger level
Military jet Air raid siren Shotgun Hydraulic press (3 m away)	130	512 times as loud	Limited ability to hear amplified speech. Noise may cause pain. Can damage hearingafter  3.75 minutes exposure per day
Car horn Propeller aircraft Air-raid siren	120	256 times as loud	Can damage hearingafter  7.5 minutes exposure per day
Sand-blasting Squealing pigs Inboard motorboat Typical night club Unsilenced motorcycle (7m away)	110	Over 128 times as loud!!	Maximum vocal effort. Can damage hearingafter  30 minutes exposure per day
Amplified Rock Music	110-130	Over 128 to 512 times as loud!!	Can damage hearingafter 3.75 – 30 minutes exposure per day
Helicopter Motorised/power mower	105		Can damage hearingafter 1 hour exposure per day
Jet takeoff @ 500m Train horn @ 30m Diesel truck Pneumatic drill/jackhammer	100	64 times as loud	Can damage hearingafter 2 hours exposure per day
Heavy truck @ 15m Busy city street passing motorcycle Lawn mower Loud shout Screaming child	90	32 times as loud	Very annoying. Can damage hearingafter 8 hours exposure per day
Average factory Electric shaver	85
Busy traffic intersection Motorway construction site Outboard motor Alarm clock (with bell) Freight train (15m away) /td>	80	16 times as loud	Annoying.
Motorway traffic @ 15m Roadside traffic Train horn @ 500m Vacuum cleaner Mixer electric sewing machine Noisy restaurant Conversation in a loud voice	70	8 times as loud	Telephone use difficult.
Washing machine/dishwasher	65
Light car traffic @ 15m City or commercial areas Noisy office Normal conversation Clothes dryer Background music	60	4 times as loud	Intrusive.
Quiet office	50	2 times as loud	Speech interference.
Refrigerator	45
Quiet residential area Kitchen/bathroom Public library	40	Arbitrary Base  Reference Level	Quiet.
Leaves rustling Very soft music Recording studio Living/dining/bedroom	30	1/2 as loud	Very quiet.
Threshold of sound perception	10	1/8 as loud	Just audible.
Threshold of hearing	0	N/A	Not audible.

"Who's Going To Hell"

I used to think that the issue of "Speaking In Tongues" was the most confusing subject to gain an understanding of but ohhhhhhhh!! was I mistaken. The issue of  who's going to Hell is even more confusing and here's why. Depending on what church you go or what denomination you belong to there is a different interpretation out there as to the certainty of  Hell and Heaven and who will make it to which. It wasn't until I grew up and started visiting other churches that I realized that people and theologians interpret the Scriptures differently. That's why some Pastors don't like you and me visiting other churches because they do not want you or me to hear other interpretations which could be confusing. However I think its the various interpretations that ultimately lead us to the truth.

Everybody claims their right and everybody else is wrong on so many biblical issues. I do believe that the Bible is clear but we aren't. Some believe in Eternal Security that means "Once saved always saved" and others believe that Salvation is a process and that even though we accept Him initially, we have to continue to work on our salvation or we could lose it and end up in HELL. On one hand you have John 3:16 and on the other you have Hebrews 12:14. WHICH IS RIGHT?  I thought the word of God was supposed to be simple.

I can tell you that there is one common denominator in all of this and that is BELIEF. If you deny the existence and Lordship of Jesus Christ  your mansion in Heaven is defiantly on hold. I also know, based on my study, that it is possible for one to be saved and not sanctified. I think that many people confuse the two. Just because your saved don't mean you Holy.Well.... All the other stuff is debatable and I will leave it for the scholars and prognosticators of the Gospel and to comment on.

Peace,
Phillip

"Dealing With Unruly Church Employees"

As I stated in earlier blogs, being a leader is quite a daunting task especially in the church. One of the challenges that leaders often face is dealing with unruly employees. One of the definitions of unruly is " Disorderly and disruptive and not amenable to discipline or control" (Google). I would suspect that the latter part of that definition applies to most of our unruly situations (lacking discipline or control). There are 2 kinds of unruly employees. There are those who do all of their dirty work behind the scenes using the telephone, internet and group discussions. They secretly plot against you or someone else and form regimes to either overthrow you or to make your job difficult, unproductive or sometimes unbearable. Then there are those who have no fear in publicly displaying their displeasure's, thoughts, emotions about anything and everything you do with no complete thought in mind as to the effect of their public outcry. In other words they choose to hang themselves.

I know some of you are thinking "I would rather have the public outcry then the private stabbing in the back". Well keep in mind that the public outcry can cause folks to leave ministries, choir stands and pews. It does just as much damage. So how do you deal with unruly employees. If you are a Pastor, or a person who has authority to hire and fire, then you could just fire the person right? Well that only works if the person has no credibility or fan base within the congregation. I've known many Pastors who have fired employees on the spot for valid reasons and suffered consequences because they did not take into account the public sentiment for the individual they fired. Maybe you could sit the person down to talk and pray with them about the situation in the hopes that they will change right?. Well that works sometimes but most of the time it doesn't because the unruly individual does not see their own behavior as a problem. They view you, the employer, as the problem and maybe you need to change rather than them. So here are some tips that have worked for me and others when dealing with an unruly employees.

1. Keep an accurate timeline and documentation of where, when and what was said and done by the individual(s).

2. Try to avoid public confrontations with the individual unless your support system is so strong that it can withstand the possible backlash.

3. Always approach the unruly employee with kindness not letting him know how you really feel or what your possible strategy is in dealing with that person.

4. If your a Pastor, never call out that particular employee from the pulpit. Again you never know the public sentiment for a person and you do not want to gauge it from the Pulpit. If your public rebuke does not work in your favor then you have lost credibility and respect among your parishioners regardless of whether they express it to you or not.

5. Approach the individual with your evidence of their unruly behavior and ask them to stop or face the possible consequences that you have laid out. Most will not stop but they might change their method of attack so keep that in mind.

6. When the dismissal takes place never offer up the reasons why unless someone asks. You weaken your position as leader if you have to over explain your self to any and everybody. Just have the evidence ready if and when they come calling for it. NO ONE CAN ARGUE WITH THE TRUTH.


These are just a few ways to deal with unruly Church employees but there are others that I am sure some of you will mention. I welcome your thoughts, ideas and suggestions and I pray for you if you are in one of these situations.


Peace,

Phillip Carter

"Leading A Music Ministry"

What Does It Involve?

Leading a Music Ministry or Music and Arts ministry can be a daunting task. It involves administration, psychology, the skill to lead and most importantly a comprehensive musical understanding of the needs of the particular congregation you are serving. Great leaders are also great followers. When you learn how to follow you learn how to lead. In leading a Music Ministry, you have to take into consideration the different parts of the ministry you are attempting to lead. You also have to have a clear understanding of the vision of the Pastor and church that you are serving. If they do not have a clear vision then you will need to assist them in creating one based on their wants and needs as a church and Music Ministry. You would be surprised how many churches do not have mission and/or vision statements concerning their Music Ministry.

Whether you are currently a Minister of Music, getting ready to be one, or aspiring to be one its important that you understand your job in a particular ministry. In general a Minister of Music is in charge of the overall operation and musical health of the church. In my opinion, you should possess the skills play, teach, direct, sing and administrate especially if you are working at an African American church. You should not be dependent on anybody in order for you to be successful in your job. NOW, even though you possess those skills having a staff is surely helpful in being successful.

HIRING AND BUDGET

 If your church has the budget for you to hire help then you should always hire the kind of staff that will aid and enhance you and the church in the worship experience. In other words, do not hire inferior musicians. You should always seek to hire people who can make a significant change in your worship experience musically and spiritually.  I always seek to hire people who can do what I can't.  

Sometimes as the Minister of Music, churches try to short change you financially by forcing you to settle for less qualified musicians but they want the best quality of music and worship. ISN'T THAT IRONIC. Its like they don't get it. They do not understand that quality comes with a price. Quality musicians are NOT hard to find they are just hard to keep. They are hard to keep because if they feel hampered by the restraints that are sometimes put on them by Ministers of Music's, Churches and Pastors then its time to leave and seek other opportunities. Restraints can be spiritual, music and/or financial. Churches are quick to honor Pastors but ignore the musical leaders in the house. A "Thank You" sometimes can go a lonnnnngggg wayyyyy.

SONG SELECTION

Ministers of Music who are great build comprehensive programs for their choirs, praise teams, musicians and congregations that they serve. They not only teach music but they teach the Ministry of Music which is more than just reading and/or learning music and notes. They are sensitive to the musical and spiritual needs of the church they serve and often pick music that is relevant to those needs. You should pick music that is also relevant to the vocal ability of the choirs you teach. Always be mindful that unless your choir is vocally super natural they can't sing everything. You should carefully select music that will bring the best out of a particular choir. For some of you that may mean doing a lot of unison singing until your choir can handle some part singing. You should research musical selections and not just the Top 40 songs you hear on the radio. Most of the time you, and the people you serve, will receive the greatest blessing from songs that are less popular. You should always teach music that has some scriptural basis to it. Songs that have scriptural background to it are more effective and more likely to stick in the hearts and minds of your choirs and congregation.

NON-  MUSICAL RELATED ACTIVITIES


It's important to coordinate a few activities throughout the year with your music ministry that are non music related. Fellow shipping out of the choir stand is very helpful in attaining unity. Sometimes the people just need to know that you as the leader are a human being and that you like to do other things. People trust who they know and like. If they can see another side of you, every now and then, it helps in the choir stand.


TRAINING AND WORKSHOPS


Leaders who do not attend training sessions and workshops are stag net and boring. You should always be in a posture of learning. Its VERY important to get out of your church as much as you can and attend workshops so that you can hear and see what others are doing. Workshops are often great sources of opportunity to get new music. The bible commands us to sing unto the Lord some new songs. It's hard to get new songs if you can't get out.

LEAVING A LEGACY


Everybody should aspire to leave something positive behind for the next person to use providing that you had a positive impact on the people you were serving.Creating a musical library of your works, whether physical and digital, is important to the next person who will have your job after  you. A great Minister of Music does not operate out of spite but out of love for the Ministry of Music and the people you serve.


Peace,
Phillip Carter

"What is Church/Gospel Music Supposed To Sound Like"

This is a great debate in a lot of churches and among Christians around the world especially in the US. This debate is not a new one. The great Thomas Dorsey,  whom we revere in all of music, was ridiculed for emulating a blues sound in church with his piano playing and singing. Edwin Hawkins was slammed for his hit song "Oh Happy Day" which was initially rejected by church audiences for sounding to secular or what about The Saint's in Praise Vol 1 which was spearheaded by the West Angeles COGIC in 1992 and was initially rejected by its own church members and mainstream black gospel radio for sounding too white.  I remember when "Stomp" by Kirk Franklin was released to radio and many Christians and Clergy went completely bananas over theology of the song. Now we have Holy Hip Hop which is being completely ignored on mainstream Gospel Radio due to the fear of rejection by mainstream church audiences. We also have Christian Rock, Neo Soul Gospel and and many other sub- genres of Gospel music that is out there right now being embraced by some and rejected by others.

We all have our ideas about what Gospel Music/Church music is supposed to sound like. All of us need to consider the fact that our ideas have been shaped by someone or something else. If you grew up in church then most of your thinking and opinion is rooted in what you heard in church as a child or what you were taught. Because many of us have our own ideas,  its important to define what church music is then to verbally assault or reject a modern day sound that you or I may or may not understand. Church music is defined as "music intended for performance as part of services of worship"(The Free Dictionary). Its a broad definition with little specifics. I would define it as "music rooted in scripture or personal experience to be performed in worship or other venues for the purpose of edifying the body of Christ".

Church music has evolved from the Gregorian Chant to Holy Hip-Hop. If society and its music were not allowed to evolve then we all would still be chanting in service with cloaks on. Its important that we do not judge the sound of the new wave of music but rather the content. I can name many songs from Negro Spirituals to some of Gospel Musics current hits that were not rooted in scripture but it had the so called "Church Sound". One example is the song 'Down By The Riverside" which has no biblical meaning but rather a cultural meaning instead. When slaves needed to converse with one another or arrange meetings they would say words and catch phrases that the slave master could not understand in order to meet up such as "I'm gonna lay down my burdens down by the riverside" which  means meet me at the river, I got something to tell you. Now that song is considered a church son by many and some of us shout over it but it has no spiritual significance. It's important to remember, appreciate and pass down our heritage as African Americans but it shouldn't be mistaken for a church song.  Just recently there were major questions over the hit song "Back To Eden" by Donald Lawrence and its biblical meaning. Does God really want us to go "Back To Eden"? That's for you to decide. I never sung it in church because I could never understand why I needed to go back. I prefer to go forward to Heaven.

We are more opinionated about the sound of something then its content. We tend to shun what we do not understand. Some of the deepest, scriptural based lyrical content I have ever heard has come from the Holy Hip-Hop generation and its music. On the other hand, I have also been blessed by the poetic scriptural lessons that have been placed in Hymns. Any song that blesses God and edifies the believer can be a "Church Song" or can be sung or spoken in church. It's fine to have your preferences about the kind of song or style you like but it's not ok to ridicule others for theirs. In many of our churches today our youth and young adults are shut out from expressing themselves in their modern day vernacular with music. Many of us who are older were treated the same way when we were young yet we do not extend the grace, that we wish we had, to our younger generation. Let's get over our narrow mindedness about what Church or Gospel music is supposed to sound like and lets embrace what, I believe, God is doing through the new sounds that are out their today. All music comes from God. It's what man does to it that makes the difference.


Peace,
Phillip Carter

"My Top 10 Gospel Music Pioneers"

There are many great artists  past and present in Gospel Music and not just the top 30 that you hear on the radio. However their are only a few who have really shaped our worship experiences and musical styles since the inception of Gospel Music and those are the true pioneers(some of which are living today). Pioneers are people who create new avenues of thought, research and development whereby we all can eventually benefit from. I need to say that there is a difference between great artists/singers and pioneers. I have listed MY Top 10 Gospel Music pioneers of all time along with a brief description. This list is fully debatable and I am sure that many of you could add or take away names based on your preference. This list is not in order of importance.

1. Thomas A Dorsey-  Most of us in Gospel have heard of Thomas A Dorsey, his story, his music and one of the greatest songs ever written "Precious Lord". He pioneered bringing Gospel Music into the church. During the Dorsey era, Gospel Music was considered to Jazzy an inappropriate for worship but Thomas pressed on and now musicians today have the freedoms to express themselves freely in worship through their playing and singing thanks to Thomas Dorsey. He caused the acceptance of the use of  Blues and Jazz chords on Sunday morning. 

His other pioneering contribution is the National Convention Of Gospel Choirs and Choruses which is held every year in August. This is the oldest Gospel Music convention in the world. Its a forum where people can come and learn how to sing, play, teach and learn new music to take back to their respective choirs and congregations.

2. Mahalia Jackson- One of the greatest singers of all time in any genre of music. Mahalia is a pioneer for bringing Gospel Music to the mainstream music community and to the World. She was well respected and cherished like Rock Bands in Europe. Mahalia Jackson is one of  the reasons why Gospel Music and American Gospel Artists are so loved in Europe. She is considered an American Music Icon not just a Gospel Music icon. 

3. James Cleveland- The King of Gospel Music and the founder of the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA), which is still the largest of its kind. The GMWA has been the starting block for too many artists to name. Without the GMWA, Gospel Music would be far less popular and advanced then it is now. Rev. Cleveland also helped so many artists and choirs across America by giving them a national platform through recordings that he spearheaded. With just his voice on an album, one was ready to go and purchase it.

4.Brother Joe May- Before there was a Bobby Jones there was a Brother Joe May. He hosted a show called TV Gospel Time(look it up on youtube). Joe May was a pioneer for bringing Gospel Music to Television. During his era, anybody who was doing anything in Gospel Music was on the TV Gospel Time. Joe May was also a great singer and artist in his own right.

5. Kenneth Morris-Many people, in this day and time,  haven't heard of Kenneth Morris but Kenneth was the Gospel Music publisher and transcriber for so many artists. His company (Martin and Morris Music Company) co-founded by Sallie Martin is the oldest Gospel Music Publishing Company. He played such a key role in preserving the music that is now golden to us and will live on through sheet music.

6. Richard Smallwood.- Richard Smallwood is and will forever be known as the one who gelled classical music with Gospel. His style of playing, writing and production is unique to him only. He has influenced generations of musicians, choir directors and singers all over the globe with his style of Gospel writing and singing.

7. Thomas Whitfield(The Maestro) - One of the greatest Gospel musicians and producers of our time. Besides his Gospel Music hits that are still being sung in churches today, his style of playing and writing has influenced so many of our mainstream artists such as Donald Lawrence, Fred Hammond and Kurt Carr. His musicianship like Richard Smallwood led musicians to a whole new style of playing Gospel Music especially in the Midwest portion of the United States and He was one of the first artists to display a different style of  worship after the song is over on his albums. A lot of our style of worship can be attributed to Thomas Whitfield approach to Gospel Music and worship.

8. Patrick Henderson- During his tenure as the Minister of Music at the West Angeles COGIC, Patrick Henderson, under the leadership of Bishop Charles Blake, is the one who introduced Praise and Worship music to the black church. It was not readily accepted but eventually it was through the recordings of West Angeles under his leadership that Praise and Worship, in the African American Church, is what it is today.

9. Kirk Franklin- Kirk Franklin is the most successful Gospel Artist of our time and his songs have raised up generations of young people into soldiers for Christ. His ability to draw Gospel and Secular audiences with his music has aided the church in reaching souls for Christ.

10.Edwin and Walter Hawkins- This dynamic duo is directly responsible for breaking Gospel Music into the mainstream with their 1960's hit "Oh Happy Day" which opened the doors for so many other artists like The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Kirk Franklin, William Becton and Yolanda Adams to receive the same airplay opportunities. Edwin and Walter Hawkins are one of the main reasons why we have music to sing on Sunday morning. They have written so many Sunday morning compositions which has added to the Spiritual fabric of so many across the world. "Oh Happy Day' penned by Edwin Hawkins is still thee most popular song in Europe and one of the most popular songs in the world Gospel or Secular. Every year Edwin Hawkins hosts the "Edwin Hawkins Music and Arts Seminar" which gives many artists and songwriters opportunities to share their gifts to a mass audience. 

HOLD UP- I GOT ONE MORE

11. Andre Crouch- I could not possible leave Andre Crouch off this list. He has given us so many songs for worship past and present. Songs such as "Jesus is The Answer", 'Take Me Back", "Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus", "My Tribute", "Oh It Is Jesus" and lately "Let The Church Say Amen" and so many more. Andre Crouch is one of the few Gospel Artsts who appeared in church Hymn Books in the 80's and 90's.  Andre Crouch was one of the first Gospel Artists to appear on a network television show with appearance on the "Jeffersons". He is a consummate song writer with every lyric based on scripture. He along with his sister Sandra are true pioneers. You could literally sing a Crouch song every service for 6 months and not run out of songs to sing.

Praise and Worship vs. Hymns

What is the real difference between a Praise and Worship song and a Hymn. Well here it is. The best analogy I can think of is the difference between fast food and a slow cooked meal. Praise and Worship songs are quick and easy songs designed to engage the worshiper. Praise and Worship songs are not meant to be complete works but rather a collection of simple versus and musical hooks with lyrics speaking directly to or about God. Hymns are complete musical works that often follow a pattern. The language of Hymns tend to walk you through this life and introduce you to life eternal. Hymns are a slow cooked meal. They don't always grab you or engage you right away. Hymns written in the earlier periods often require some understanding of the language before an appreciation can be developed. While Praise and Worship songs are designed to engage the worshiper right away, Hymns  are designed to grow and develop the worshiper. Praise and Worship sets the atmosphere while Hymns tend to preach the sermon.

It's important to have both in the lifestyle of the believer.  They both serve a greater purpose. I pity congregations who exalt one style over the other. It's not the style of Christian music that is the most effective but rather the attitude behind the music being offered up in worship. Many Pastors and Praise and Worship leaders have replaced Hymns with  Praise and Worship songs because the hymns were being presented poorly and  Praise and Worship songs do not require as much energy and time to learn, sing and produce. In other words,  fast food music was preferred over music which is rich in information about the One we worship. Many do not realize that the phrase "Praise and Worship Music" encompasses all Christian music. It's ignorant to say that one song is Praise and Worship and one is not when both glorify God in one way or another.  It bothers me to see that many of our churches, who only do Praise and Worship music, have relegated hymn singing to funerals and special occasions. Isn't it ironic that when a funeral happens we, all of a sudden, want to hear "Amazing Grace" or "Precious Lord". It also bothers me to see churches who refuse to embrace Praise and Worship out of fear that it may somehow replace the Hymn experience in worship.  When you understand the role of both then the intimidation will go away. Praise and Worship is no longer a phenomenon, it is here to stay and churches who refuse to embrace are also doing themselves a musical and spiritual disservice.

The slow cooked meal is always a necessary meal to eat although sometimes you need to eat a little fast food first as an appetizer for a boost. Praise and Worship music, as we know it today, serves as a spiritual boost to any dead situation. It also helps to have an anointed song leader who understands how to lead the congregation in singing Praise and Worship songs. Some of our greatest songs written to date have been Praise and Worship songs. Its important for every church to have a healthy musical diet. It keeps our spirits in a posture of expectation.

 Praise and Worship (Fast Food) can get the job done but Praise and Worship alone can also lead to spiritual and musical immaturity.  Hymns(slow cooked meal) have served a vital role in our lives as Christians but God has given us new songs to sing along with the Hymns that take us threw new experiences with Him. The most powerful services I have ever been in are the ones where the leaders and congregants understand, accept and apply both well in the worship experience.


Peace,
Phillip Carter

The Gospel Music Industry vs. The Gospel Music Ministry

There are thousands of artists (Major and Independent) that are not only involved in the Industry of Gospel Music but also the Ministry of Gospel Music. I, like many of you, have one time or another, intertwined the two as one but they are different yet they can come together depending on the vision of the artist. The word "Industry" refers to the production of an economic good or service. (Wikipedia). It's important to understand that the Gospel Music industry can involve ministry but ministry is not the focal point. The focal point is the marketing, distributing and selling of products for money. Without money, an industry would fall and that's why so many artists and some major labels in the past have fallen because of the lack of financial resources due to various reasons. The Gospel Music Industry is comprised of major Corporations, small labels, mom and pop record stores,( which are vastly dying) promoters,media, marketers, publicists, radio personalities and churches.The industry is primarily ruled and influenced by major labels who have the necessary funding to reach the average Gospel Music buyer with their products and services. The labels products are their artists and the products they create(CD's, DVD's etc) and depending on the success of those products other residuals are created such as royalties, merchandise etc.

The Gospel Music Industry does not have to follow any moral or religious code nor do the artists they promote. They concentrate on making music that people want to hear. When major labels sign artists, they look at the talent and marketability of the artist. If lifestyles were a prerequisite to being signed by a label then there would be no labels because most of the artists that we know and love have lifestyles that wouldn't measure up. There would be no industry. Just think, if you only bought products from corporations and artists with whom you knew were operating by biblical principals, how easy would it be for you to get what you wanted although it would be interesting to know how many corporate executes, who promote Gospel Music, actually know Jesus as their personal Savior.  To the Gospel Music Industries credit, many songs, videos, songbooks and award shows have been beneficial to the everyday lives of Christians around the world. Gospel Music would not be where it is today if it weren't for the Gospel Music Industry but let's not spiritualize it folks. It is what it is. I'm in the industry and if I don't make money, I can't continue to make records and travel. Major planning and implementation makes major artists. Artists don't do well just because their anointed. Their are people in our local churches who are anointed and if they had the right business model behind them they would be selling records too.

The Gospel Music Ministry is different. When one is in the ministry of Gospel Music, their primary focus is the salvation and uplifting of souls. Many artists, major or independent, when they step on stage their goal is to minister God's music to the waiting audience or congregation. The ministry is not focused on money, although money is needed to survive, the ministering of music is essential to their mission in life. I would venture to say that most Gospel Artists make an attempt to minister Gods music every time they are offered an opportunity. However sometimes personal ambition and arrogance gets in the way.  The Gospel Music Industry and Ministry can walk together if the artist desires it to be so. When you are sold out for God your integrity means more to you than money. You thrive off of ministry and you let the ministry drive your business and not vice versa. I hear some of you saying now, I would prefer ministry over industry well let me tell you that without an Industry you and I would not be exposed to the ministries of most of our wonderful Gospel Artists.


Peace,
Phillip

"Losing a Generation of Young Church Musicians"

As I reflect back on my early years as a musician. I thank God for my father with whom I had the opportunity to play with on many Sundays and during the week in church. Most of the churches that I played  in were small and the music was somewhat behind the times. However it was at those humble beginnings that I learned how to be a church musician. I learned praise songs, hymns and spirituals. I learned that it was not about the money but it was about my relationship with God and His music. I learned how to teach parts and deal with people. I also learned how to work with and respect the Pastor. For a long time getting paid was not even apart of my vocabulary. In addition to playing in church, I also worked part time cutting grass after school and on weekends. When I finally started receiving some kind of compensation, my compensation started at $35 a service which included rehearsals. Later on, as I matured as a musician, my father and I decided that it was time to explore other church options because we had outgrown our current situation. WOW!! Those humble beginnings really paid off and I thank God for it as I reflect back now. I wonder how many young musicians have a similar testimony today? My guess is not many...

It seems that we are in some what of a crises as it pertains to the younger generation of church musicians. There is minimal integrity,  minimal knowledge of music repertoire, no anointing and not enough mentors to go around. Every Pastor that I talk to, that is looking for a musician to hire, all want the same thing. They want a seasoned musician but their are none to go around. A seasoned musician is one who has been trained with a certain measure of experience to handle a certain job. Seasoning has little to do with age. I was a seasoned musician at the age of 16 because of my father and the exposure that I had playing and directing at a young age. There is NOT a shortage of musicians but there is a serious shortage of seasoned musicians.  I am 36 years old and most of the musicians who are 10 years younger or more have become arrogant because of the early pedestals that some of us have put them on due to their exceptional abilities. They are demanding respect and competitive salaries with little to no training(musical and spiritual) and/or experience. They view music ministry as a way to pay their bills and gain popularity and not as a calling.

You may ask "How did this happen and who's to blame". Let's start with those of us who are seasoned musicians who have become so self-serving and self indulgent that we are no longer taking the time to mentor/teach the younger generation what it is to be a minstrel in the house of God. We no longer have the time to pass on what was freely given to us.  We are so focused on our own careers that we forgot to go back and help somebody else. I don't want to leave out the fact that many of us(musicians) are threatened by their musical abilities so we decline to mentor them so save our own jobs or positions. Next up is the Pastors who, out of desperation and lack of spiritual discernment, have and continue to hire these young musicians out of desperation and the need to keep up with today's church musical environment.  Just because someone knows the latest chords and chord progressions does not qualify them to be the next musical Moses to bring you out of your dark ages. Then after you hire them you do LITTLE TO NOTHING to invest in them as musicians and as people.

Thirdly is the parents who see dollar signs like their children and have allowed them to leave the nest too early without the proper training and spiritual development which has led to all kind of problems such as homosexuality, fornication and drugs just to name a few. Lastly its some of the Gospel Artists, who many look up to, who take these youngins on the road with them, in the name of cheap labor, and create a false sense of  reality by not explaining to them how they arrived themselves.  Everybody has to crawl before learn to walk.

This is an indictment on the church. The sad thing is that it is too late to save some of the musicians. They are LONG GONE and have been exposed to too much of the negative to turn around now. However we can save the ones we can and the new young musicians who are coming up with our mentorship, help and support.  Let's teach our younger generation to work for what they want out of life instead of handing it to them on a silver platter.

Peace,
Phillip Carter

"Hell In The Choir Stand"

Have you ever asked yourself the question, why is the Devil always in the choir stand/loft? There is always somebody complaining about something. Then there are those who are just plain nasty and you can't figure out why they are even there. Hold up!! Then you start to believe they are there just to get on your last nerve as a choir director.(lol) Many people believe its because Lucifer was a chief musician thriving and working through music so naturally the choir stand at church would be a  prime target. While the first part of that statement is very true, the last part I choose not to believe. If you are having problems with your choirs at church its not Satan's fault. It's yours(Pastor or Choir Director) The reason why your church choir acts the way they do is because some of the people in it DON'T BELONG THERE.

Regardless of church affiliation or denomination, it seems we all have something in common. We believe in placing people in positions of authority who belong there such as Deacons, Trustees, Stewards, Ushers, etc. These positions are filled with people who have the passion to serve in those capacities and the gifting/skill set to fulfill the need.  Isn't it ironic that most of our church leaders do not require the same scrutiny for people who wish to sing in the choir or praise team. It's amazing to me that we open up the doors to the choir stand for all to come when its the choir who is responsible for singing and ministering the songs of Zion unto the Lord and a waiting congregation. The praise team or the choir has the awesome responsibility of setting the atmosphere for true worship. Why on earth would you want to have someone, who doesn't belong trying to fulfill that responsibility? The only folk who can fulfill that responsibility are minstrels and psalmists called by Almighty God. You got to be "Called" and a "Anointed" for the work of ANY ministry and that includes the MUSIC MINISTRY.

People who have a passion and gifting for a certain ministry tend not to raise hell or complain because IT'S A PASSION. People who are passionate about music are intense individuals who are in a constant state of growth, learning and application. Passionate people do not have the time to raise hell. In church, choir members who are passionate about learning, singing and ministering the songs of Zion have a different zeal then the ones who are not. I have NEVER seen a person passionate about any subject try and sabotage that which he/she is gifted to do. 

I have tried on many occasions to remove folk from choirs, that I have directed in church who obviously don't belong, only to be thwarted by the Pastor who doesn't see music ministry the way that it should be seen. Some Pastors value "quantity" more than "quality". If you are a choir director you have either heard or said this statement before "I'd rather have 10 folk who want to be here then 100 in the choir stand occupying space and not here to glorify God". If the Deacons, Trustees and other "important" positions in the church require approval and scrutiny, so should the potential choir members who wish to minister during service. 

It's not longer cute to have hell raisers singing in worship. We need  people with the right attitude, right gifting and right living to minister on Saturday/Sunday morning. If you don't have any minstrels in your church then play some anointed tracks. (lol). Time out for folk who think their doing us a favor by gracing us with their presence in the choir. They need to consider what their REAL gifting is and then the hell raising will stop immediately. You've heard of the expression before that your "attitude determines your altitude". If that statement is true, and I believe that it is, some of our altitudes during worship could be much higher if we had the right attitudes leading us in worship. 

Peace,

Phillip Carter

"Should Church Musicians Be Paid"

This is one blog that is easy to write. The answer is "Yes", absolutely unless they opt to volunteer their time and some musicians do. I think the bigger question is how much should they be paid? That answer is based on the job description and the economical status of the employee and the employer. I remember this debate being heavy in my youth especially in the more charismatic churches. Well actually it wasn't, if you were a musician in the Pentecostal church you were not going to be paid. The philosophy was you (the musician) were supposed to volunteer your time and talent for the Lord and the Lord is going to bless you as a result. This debate is still a heavy one in our christian churches. Today there are many who believe that paying musicians is terribly wrong and on the flip side their are many musicians who refuse to do anything for free.

I am not going to quote biblical scriptures on the reasons why I think musicians should be paid because I have had the experience of hearing preachers and church folk twist the Gospel up and down to make it fit their perspective on the situation. I will say that in the OT musicians were NOT paid but their needs were met by the Temple while they were working. The Temple provided shelter, food etc.  In this day that would equal to mortgage, car note, insurance, retirement, clothes and food. Who would need a check if this were taking place? However that would be ever so costly wouldn't it? So compensation would be the most logical solution. 

I think what most people do not fully understand is the amount of skill and time it takes for a person to become a skilled musician yet a alone a skilled church musician.  Many people like myself have gone to school, studied and received degrees in order that we might perfect our craft. Then their are some who never went to school but through experience and mentorship have become excellent musicians sometimes better than the ones who went to school. It take equal amount of time and effort to become a skilled musician as it does becoming a preacher or Pastor. I know that's a controversial statement because many Pastors do NOT see musicians as equals in any way but that's more of a philosophical belief then a biblical one. 

Church musicians are not equal to deacons, nurses, trustees or any one else. You can't wake up one day and decide to be a musician. It's a gift from God that some have from birth and others develop later on in life. You can't go to a few training courses and learn to be an excellent musician. IT'S HARD WORK.  Some of us just make it look easy because we've been doing it for so long.  Now if your in the Black Church you most likely will have to play, sing and direct at the same time unless you have other persons in the church who assist you in the other areas.

As I mentioned earlier, churches should compensate musicians based on their(the churches) needs, economical status and musicians qualifications. If your church cannot pay a musician, for whatever reason,  to play for your church then you should consider other options unless you have someone who is willing to donate their time and talent to the church which is perfectly fine. I am in awe of the musicians who have the financial resources to not have to ask for compensation from the church. If I could play for free I would. Many churches think that musicians are money-hungry freaks that go to the highest bidder and some are but the majority of us are Disciples of Christ and we wanna see the ministry flourish. However we have needs to and they must be met. Many of us have outside jobs as well as church jobs trying to keep our families afloat. My father always told me to have an extra job because churches can flip the script on you in a heartbeat and you will be out of work and money. I pass that on to you young musicians who are relying on the church for your well being. YOU BETTER GET A DAY JOB. (LOL)  

Lastly, if the church has enough money to pay the Pastor,  the electric company, the water company, the insurance, gas, and the accountant (all who provide services for the church) then they SURELY ( I feel the organ coming in right now) they can compensate the Levite in the temple who provides the sweet melodies of Heaven here on earth. 

(There are many who read these blogs but don't leave comments. Please leave your comments. It helps us as a body to engage in these meaningful discussions)

Peace, 

Phillip 

"Musician vs. Pastor" -Round 1

Sometime between the 80's and 90's there was a shift in the Black Church concerning the role of the Musician/Minister of Music in the church. When I was growing up, the musician/director was just that. They came and played/directed the choir and then the preacher would preach and there was minimal confusion because it seemed like everyone knew their role in the ministry and worship service. I could not remember a time when I was growing up that their was noticeable confusion between the Pastor/leadership and the Musician/Minister of Music or Director.

We are in an age now where, in some of our churches, one can see and feel power struggles going on in worship. The Musician wants to preach and the Pastor wants to direct the choir and tell the musician/director how to play/sing and direct. We have gotten so self-centered in our approach to worship that we have forgotten that the worship service is about our Praise/Worship and service to God and the salvation of lost souls. We've traded those commands in for the longing of "Self Glory" and "Recognition". Also, their is this other underlying thought that if the Spirit doesn't move when it's my turn to shine then it must not be present today or the people didn't come with a mind to worship today. lol


Pastor's and musicians need to understand that  they both hold significant roles in the worship and servitude to God and infighting doesn't help or enhance anything. Now infighting is different from disagreements. Disagreements are sometimes healthy and often lead to a greater understanding between the Pastor and Musician. Ultimately the Pastor is the Spiritual leader of the church and is in charge of the spiritual health of the congregations he/she serves . The musician should respect the Pastors role and wishes concerning worship and try to assist the Pastor in carrying out the vision that has been laid out. If there is any discrepancy regarding the musicians willingness or ability to carry it out then changes need to be made.  However that does not mean the Pastor has the right to use the musician as a stepping stone for his/her(the Pastors) glory.

Musicians should be clear in what their role(s) are in a particular church. If the Pastor asks you to play, direct and lead Praise and Worship then that's what you should do with all of your heart. Notice the Pastor did not ask you to preach or teach "Sunday School" during worship. That's the Pastor's job. The Pastor wants you (the musician) to lead worship and usher Gods people into the presence of the Lord with accuracy.  Pastors you should trust your musicians to do the job you assigned for them to do and not attempt to do it for them, or in some cases, with them. Even if you were a choir director yourself, back in the day, you should still allow your musician/director to do their job and if the Spirit leads, then you jump in on the reprise(my opinion). If the only people you hire are the ones you can fully control then your are an insecure leader.  


The churches that have successful music ministries are the ones where;
1. Everyone understands their role and open dialogue is welcomed
2. No one individual is above reproach including the Pastor
3. Visions and Roles are understood and accepted by all parties involved

The Hiring of a Church Musician Vol 2 (From a Musicians Perspective)

It seems that the latter part of 2011 heading into 2012 was a changing of seasons for a lot of musicians including myself. When those changes happen we find ourselves in a sort of wilderness as to where God is taking us. Some of us know where we are going because God has already hooked it up before we left the last assignment. However there are those of us who had to exit the premises because it was time to go and staying at that assignment would be detrimental for us and the church. Of course some of us were let go for various other reasons as well. I think it is important to take some time to reflect on your last assignment before taking another position in a church. Reflect on what went right and wrong. Reflect on what you can tolerate and no longer tolerate in the next assignment. If you didn't know, the older you get the more intolerable you get when it comes to certain characteristics of a church job but in the end you love it because it is what God has called you to do.  SO HERE WE GO. 

 The word gets out that you are free and available and here comes the Pastors, Bishops,  Deacons, heads of search committees, music committees, loddy, doddy and everybody calling you inquiring about your availability to come and help with their ministries.  You find yourself in a sea of newness eagerly anticipating the interviews and opportunities that you are now exposed to and often consider the interviews without doing some investigative work first. Here are some suggestions as to what you should consider BEFORE you walk in the door to interview.

1. Who was there before you? You should always try and find out who was there before you and, if possible, talk to that person to get an idea of their perspective of the ministry. There is always to sides to every story so its important to get both sides (The Musicians and The Churches). I recently resigned from a church and the new Minister of Music called me before he took the job and we discussed the pro's and con's of the ministry there so that he would know what he was getting himself into. Pastor's do it all of the time. They call each other and have conversations about you (the musician) before they even talk to you so you should do the same.

2. What kind of Pastor does the church have?  You REALLY need to know what kind of personality the Pastor has before you walk in the door. You absolutely need to know if the persons a very hands-on Pastor or not because if they are, they most likely will be controlling every thing you do. You should ask the previous person who held the job and, if accessible, other Pastors as well about the Pastor you are interviewing with. You will be surprised as to the insight you would receive.

3. What is the financial position of the church? You need to know if the church is bad with their finances for OBVIOUS reasons. lol 

Now!! If you are satisfied with the answers to these questions then you can go into the interview with the next set of questions.

1. Ask the Pastor or leadership, What is your vision or what is the vision of the church? You want to make sure that you can fulfill the needs of the church and its Pastor so get a clear understanding as to where they are trying to go. You need to know if their vision lines up with your spiritual beliefs. WARNING- Keep in mind that visions do change throughout the course of your potential employment that's why its important to know the personality of the Pastor.

2. What is the position entail?  Ask plenty of questions to make sure you get the most accurate answers about what they are asking you to do. KEEP IN MIND that the leadership doesn't always know how to explain there needs so its important that you help them by restating to them your understanding of what they said to you. 

3. What is the pay?  Please understand that, more than likely, whatever you walk in the door with that's what its going to be for a long time or for good. Most churches make promises that they cannot keep to musicians regarding pay raises again for various reasons.

4. What are the benefits? Now you know that most of our churches DO NOT offer benefits to musicians for various reasons but it doesn't hurt to ask. "You have not because you ask not"

5. PAID VACATIONS?  Everybody needs a vacation. You wanna know if the church is willing to supplement that and for how long each year.

6. What is the Music Ministry budget? You defiantly want to know how much they value the music ministry. Value=Money. Anything a church places value on, they will invest money into.

7. Music workshops? Many musicians really deprive themselves by not asking or sometimes demanding that the church pay for there future development as a "Minstrel in the house of the Lord". Pastors have no problem, if the church can afford it, charging the church for their educational development. You should do the same. You should be able to attend local and/or national workshops so that you can be exposed to new music, new experiences and new approaches to music ministry. 

These are some basic questions that everyone, who takes a leadership role in the music ministry, should ask before considering the position. You as the musician know what you can deal with and what you can't. Just know that you are a human beings and not herded cattle and never take a job JUST BECAUSE OF THE MONEY because it will backfire on you. Churches who pay a lot demand a lot. Lastly and most importantly, pray about every potential situation and let the Lord lead you as you go through the various interview processes.  

Peace,

Phillip Carter

Praise Team Do's and Don'ts

The Praise Team aspect of our modern day worship is here to stay. We have successfully called out a group of our best singers from our choirs and put them out front to lead us in songs of worship. However most of us have resorted to religious jargon that we use to pump our congregations or crowds up which creates a false since of a REAL MOVE OF GOD.  I will be the 1st to admit that I have been guilty of this sometimes myself in an attempt to get the people on one accord. Anyone who leads in worship has to be very careful in the choice of words they use. There is a fine line between a "Leading others in worship" and "Manipulation". We spend to much time trying to manipulate our people into doing what WE think they should be doing under the sound of OUR voices. I submit to you that God's intention for us when we come together is something totally different. The whole purpose of Praise and Worship (which is a lifestyle) is to bring us to a point of total surrender unto God which will allow Him to move.

The effectiveness of Praise and Worship in a congregational setting depends on the understanding of the people involved. Understanding comes from teaching. The teaching comes from the leadership. If  leadership doesn't teach the concept then the concept cannot be applied effectively. Most of our congregations have not been taught to Praise and Worship in a way that ushers in the Glory of God.  Most of us have been taught to react to "Feelings" thus creating an atmosphere where one has to be "Prodded" or "Pumped Up" to do something. All of this leads to some of the carnal comments that are made by Praise Leaders just to get us to participate in something that is supposed to be lovely, refreshing and life-changing.

This leads me to my comments about Praise Leaders. I am one so I am speaking to myself as well. We need to stop using certain catch phrases because they are not working and they create a FALSE atmosphere. While it is our job to lead the people, it is not our job to judge the people. Here are some of the phrases and why you shouldn't use them.

1. "Come on and let ME hear you tell Him that you love Him" or "Come on let Me hear you Praise Him".    Any Phrase with the word "Me" in it is not a phrase that is going to lead the people toward the Glory of God. You are the leader have put yourself in the judgement seat as to whether the congregant is accurately worshiping the Lord or not.

2.  "Touch Your Neighbor and tell them ............"  . This phrase, in my opinion is not a bad phrase as long as you explain the reason for asking someone to touch their neighbor. If I use it I often explain to the congregation that this is an attempt for us to witness to each other or share a brief testimony which is a biblical thing to do and it will get you a greater response. It's when we use it "25" times in one service that makes it ridiculous and totally unnecessary. By no means should you ever ask someone to "Slap Their Neighbor" . If you slap me.............well that's another blog.

3. "Lift up your hands, open up your mouth and Praise Him". This phrase is used by someone every almost every Sunday in many of our churches. Here's the problem "The one making the command is usually the one not doing it" (Lol) . The leader is often watching, standing in a seat of judgement as to whether the congregation is doing what THEY commanded INSTEAD of "leading by example". As the leader YOU should first open up YOUR mouth and bless HIM and then you can encourage others to do so as well as David said "Oh Magnify The Lord With Me" but before he made that statement he gave God a personal praise in the 2 versus before He invited others to join Him in (Psalm 34:1-3).

4. "What's The Highest Praise" and everyone responds "Hallelujah". There is only one problem, I can't find that phrase anywhere in the bible and it also suggests that one has reach their pinnacle in praise to God by merely saying or shouting the word itself. Romans 12:1 states that we should offer our bodies as a living sacrifice which is your reasonable service. With that being the case, then Hallelujah is NOT the "Highest Praise" but rather a High Praise which lines up with bible more accurately ( Psalm 149:1). The Highest Praise unto the Lord is a lifestyle dedicated to him.

5. "When The Praises Go "UP" the Blessings come "DOWN" This is NOT false statement but it is false in how we imply to our congregations that the blessings are mostly material rather than spiritual. It is the spiritual blessings that really come down like Joy, Peace, Self-Control etc. Those are the real benefits of acting upon this phrase, not to say that God will not bless someone materially  because God can do anything. However that should not be the intent(in my opinion) in using this phrase.

These are just a few of the phrases, there are many more. I invite you to comment below on some of the phrases that you hear on Sunday so that we can discuss the meaning.I am attempting to get us to think and pray about how we approach our congregations or audiences. Remember we are lead to "Lead" and not "Command" If you insist on commanding then command yourself to Praise Him and maybe others will catch on based on your example.  Remember "Shepherds" lead sheep, they don't bang them over their heads with chastisement to try and get them to follow.  Have you ever noticed that when "REAL WORSHIP" comes into the room words become obsolete an inadequate.

Note: If you ever need something to say to the people of God in and attempt to create an atmosphere of worship, just use 'The Word". It still works and it will yield greater results then "Catch Phrases"  every time.

Peace
Phillip Carter

The Hiring of a Church Musician Vol 1 (From The Church's Perspective)

Music plays such an important role in our worship that hiring the right or wrong Musician, Minister of Music or Director could move your ministry forward or backwards for years (in some cases). Whoever is doing the hiring in your church should have a clear vision on where the ministry God has blessed your church with is going. Without that answer you have no idea who to hire. In most cases, the Pastor has the responsibility to share that vision with the potential candidates.  The Pastor or Leadership should never hire someone just based off of ability or popularity. There should be open dialogue about personal and spiritual things concerning both the Pastor and Musician. Every decision made concerning worship in the church should be a spiritual decision.You (Pastor and/or leadership) should be clear about your expectations, needs and your personality as a leader and/or congregation. You should investigate the spiritual and musical strengths and weaknesses of your potential applicants.

For some this is a whole new level of relationship. Back in the day it was just "I need a musician and this is what  I am or am not paying" and you hired the 1st one available. No talk of vision or ministry. Of course salary/benefits is a major issue. It's important to be open and honest about what you can afford before you waste your time and the interviewees time with frivolous conversation. Musicians/Directors wanna know "How Much". That's not a greedy question. Its a necessary question that often gets answered last (Oh how frustrating). Most musicians, that I know of, really care about the needs of the church but they also wanna know about the payment as well. 

Pastors, Leaders don't hire anyone you are not willing to support and trust as a leader or future leader. You should hire someone that you are going to respect and vice versa. 

Every hire, unless you have previous history with the Musician/Director, should be on a trial (60 to 90 day) period so that if things don't work out you can get out of the arrangement. Sometimes you have to search and pray hard and long for that person(s) to come your way but it's well worth the wait. Just ask the Pastors or Leaders who are happy with their Music Ministry leaders.  They will tell you that the marriage between Pastor and Musician can be wonderful when two are in agreement and operating correctly.

Phillip Carter

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