The Church Music Ministry can be one of the most exciting, challenging and difficult ministry areas of the church.  It can range from one person singing a cappella to a full-fledged orchestra accompanying a thousand voice choir.  The combinations are limitless and because of our imagination, we can also get into big trouble.

 

The clearest way to approach this area is to look at the word "ministry" and not the word "music."  It is the easiest because the word ministry helps us to identify the purpose of the music.  In the church arena, the word ministry is used to help keep church workers who use their gifting to support the Body of Christ humbled.  The word ministry means the service, functions, or profession of a minister of religion.  So, in short, the music area for us is about serving rather than being served.  Keeping this thought in mind will help one maintain the necessary disciplines to receive the promotion this area is normally associated with, humbly. 

 

James 4:10

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

 

1 Peter 5:6

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

 

The music area is the only area of the church that houses and manages people with so many gifts and potential.  Oftentimes, musicians sing or play multiple instruments; singers can learn different genres of music, become songwriters, choir directors, ministers of music, or even recording artists (to name a few things). It is when we can recognize our skill level that we are susceptible to the spirit of pride and arrogance.  Becoming proficient in anything can be a recipe for disaster if the individual does not or cannot stay rooted and grounded in the faith.  Once again, remembering that music is ministered in church and not performed can be the difference between staying local or becoming renowned on an international level.  Outside of the preached word, the music ministry [if appropriated correctly] can be most effective in impacting the lives of believers.  For this reason, we should always strive for that place in God where we can be used of Him to affect the lives of His people, whether they be in church, in their cars, at home, in the hospital or even incarcerated. 

 

The purpose of the one-day seminar is to remind all participants in the music ministry where the gift comes from, how to manage it, and use it in concert with others.  Also, we look at how the original psalmist, Lucifer, misused his gifts and positions causing the fall of others!