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
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
Phillip, I am enjoying your writing more and more with each blog post. Thank God for your years of experience in worship ministry and your ability to accurately teach what you have learned.
ReplyDeleteOne interesting thought that might lend itself to more discussion is this... As the body of Christ continues to grow and move to perfection there is a natural tension which arises. We saw this in the Act of the Apostles and because we are still growing we will see this today and even tomorrow (if the Lord tarries). As you stated in your blog, I can remember the days when choirs provided the music and there were special songs at times from either the choir or a soloist. I can also recall a time when congregational songs were an important vehicle for the expression of praise and body ministry. As we have evolved we have witnessed the advent of praise leaders and praise teams all the way to a kind of new phenomenon known as warfare praise teams. Through these growth points, cohesive progress has not always been the order of the day, for sure. Some of this tension is necessary because the lines will need to blur in order for body ministry to become effective. For example, the five-fold ministry is for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, ref. Ephesians 4:11. Does not this speak of one entity becoming more functional while the other is making room for this function?
ReplyDeleteYour point about infighting is very good because what that speaks to is a kind of territorial protectionism which is all about pride, ego, and flesh. (And oh how much self promotion and flesh filled performing have we all witnessed at the hands of singers?) Humbling ourselves and esteeming others will always be the way of the Lord. So when these kinds of disputes arise we can humbly hear what the Lord is saying about it, remembering that no ones point of view is always correct, and that we need to remain submissive to one another, Ephesians 5:21.
Great points Makar.
ReplyDeleteAwesome information to take heed to!
ReplyDeleteOn point observations! As one who was once a "victim" of a church who flipped the script, I've come to realize that it is wise to always keep ones options open, and wherever "ministry" leads you, go leaving - just in case!
ReplyDelete