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

"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