Sunday is coming. Again. This is the joyful and often stressful reality for the music minister. When is the band rehearsing this week? Did I remember to send out those schedules and pieces of music? Who is doing the special music? Are there enough creative elements to support the sermon? Is the volume too soft, too loud, or just right?
If Tony Payne and Colin Marshall have it right, and the heart of disciple-making (vine work) is prayerfully speaking God’s word to one another, then many of us music ministers have some work to do. In a day when music in the church is both highly influential and highly volatile, how in the world can music pastors and leaders make time for discipleship? Shouldn’t we be focusing on other important matters like rehearsing the band, upgrading technology, learning new music, recruiting volunteers, and practising face-melting guitar leads?
While these activities aren’t evil in themselves, I do think it’s possible to have all of these things and more without having a disciple-making music ministry. What is it that defines a disciple-making music ministry? I suppose it’s the same thing that defines any kind of disciple-making ministry. That is, it must be centered on growth toward Christian maturity through a deepening relationship with God’s word and God’s people. While this is nothing revolutionary, I think those of us in music ministry, with all of its glories and dangers, must work extra hard to keep first things first. I’ll propose a couple of simple ideas and tactics that have helped our music ministry (and hopefully our church) stay on track toward maturity in Christ. Keep reading
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