​The Musings of an OLD Music Man
 
This past Saturday I was refereeing a basketball game of 9-10 yr olds, when during a break, one of the young men looked at me and said “Hey, old man!”.   I immediately said, “Bring it on, son”.   He dribbled behind his back, through his legs, you know, tough like, and I promptly stole the ball from him.  Now while it’s true I didn’t have enough energy to run to the basket and dunk it, I still made him look at me in a different way.   Now having pondered such an event and looking at myself, I have discovered an amazing fact.  I AM OLD. 
I have been a minister of music for 36 years.   That’s a long time.  I have always been an introvert with a temper and very vocally opinionated.  (Sometimes way more than I should).  I believe that I have mellowed in a lot of places.  I am not nearly as “mean” or strict as I used to be and I’m working on the vocally opinionated part.    In the area of Christian music, I have seen a lot of change.  However, there are many  things that have not changed, nor should they.  And these should influence every person involved in the Christian music ministry.
 
1. God has not changed.  He is still the God who created the world and everything in it; made man from the dust of the earth; witnessed the fall of man and the entrance of sin into the world; and made a way for man to be redeemed by sending His only Son to die on the cross for the sin of all mankind.
He is a just God, he is a sovereign God, He is a righteous God, He is a Holy God.  He is a God who loves man, but hates sin.  He is a God who has always been and always will be.  He is God, the only God.  He has not and never will change.
 
2. God’s Word has not changed.  Oh, it’s true that the devil and his gang have tried to change it to suit our world, but it still is and will forever be, God’s unchanging Word.  It is the greatest love story ever given to mankind.  It is powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.  It still penetrates hearts, delivers never-broken promises, and gives comfort and peace to all who need it.  It is God’s way of speaking to us, helping us, directing us, leading us, and conforming us to the image of His Son.  
 
3.God’s simple plan of salvation has not changed.   There is only one way and that way is through Jesus Christ.  Human thinking wants to add so much to it.   “For by grace are ye saved, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast. “ (Ephesians 2:8-9).  Salvation has always been and will always be a free gift.  Simply repent of your sins.  Believe in your heart that Jesus died for you.  And ask Him to come into your heart.   Salvation is by grace, plus nothing and minus nothing.   (Romans 10:9-10)
 
4.God’s Love has never changed.  I have been, am, and will always be amazed that God could love such a sinner as I.   BUT HE DOES!.   “But God commendeth His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  (Romans 5:8.)  Why would an all-powerful, all knowing, always present God send His only Son into this sinful world, to die a cruel death on the cross for the sin of man-kind?  Only one answer here.   HE LOVES US. 
 
So, you ask, what does any of this have to do with music.  Let me answer that with a few questions.  Why does Godly Christian music, which is scriptural by the way, have to incorporate all the elements of the world into it?  Should we bring liquor into the church?  Should we bring homosexuality into the church.   Should we bring murder into the church?  Should we bring sin into the church and let it be a norm?  I think not.   Then why would we try and mimic the world in our music and bring it into the church?  Our music should be about God; who He is, His attributes, His qualities.  It should be about His Word; what the Bible can do for me.  It should be about salvation; what God has done for me.  And it should be about God’s love; the only reason we can have a heavenly future.   There is nowhere in the Bible that it says to place the world in any of our music.   It is to be sung about Him, to Him, for His glory and for the purpose of showing others who God is. 
 
Yes, I’m an old music man.  And yes I am set in my ways.  Actually, I am set in God’s ways.  If singing about God, God’s Word, God’s plan of salvation and God’s love with no association to the worlds music
is being an old music man, then, praise the Lord, that’s where I want to be.   “Love not the world, NEITHER THE THINGS THAT ARE IN THE WORLD. If any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him.” 
 
Just musing as an old music man

Music plays a very important part in the worship services of any New Testament Church.  Today we are seeing a lot of changes in the music programs across the nation.  While change is not always a bad thing, the current trend is to make the music more like the world.  We are exhorted in the Bible to be different.  We are in the world, but not of it.  There is a fine line drawn today between Godly music and worldly music.  Our goal is not to see how close we can get to the world, but to stay true to what God would have us do.  Our goal is not to please man, but to please God.  I believe that the Bible encourages us to maintain what is referred to today as a traditional style of music.  We must realize that any turn towards the world is totally against scripture.  Here are three simple thoughts to keep our music philosophy where it ought to be:

I.  "By God's Book".  Music is definitely suppose to be a part of our worship. Psalm 100:2 tells us to "Come before His presence with singing.  We are commanded to sing.  Even for those of us whose voice may not be the best, God tells us to make a joyful noise.  However It must be scriptural.  We must make sure that what we sing does not stray from the Word of God.  The words must be doctrinally correct.  In Colossians 3:15, the Bible says "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."  "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.."  The believer must allow God's word to be dwelling, or taking up residence, in him in order for the music to be right.  The source of all our music must be based upon God's Holy Word. 

II.  "From the heart".  Today's modern or "contemporary" movement is directed more toward performing, or entertaining, rather than ministering.  A lot of good churches have been caught up in the "success" of this philosophy.  The praise of the singing of the song goes to the singer instead of the Savior.  I believe every song sung, whether by children, or adults; solos, group or congregational singing, has a purpose to minister to whoever hears it.  Back to Colossians 3:16, it says "teaching and admonishing one another".  It doesn't say to entertain.  Ministering and entertaining are two different things.  In the modern service we see a lot of hand-clapping for specials.  I believe we should be very careful not to pull the attention of the song away from the Savior and give it to the singer.  The one ministering must also make sure that the music is coming from the heart.   It is important that the message be given out in a way to be understood and received.  Our music should never be just a filler, or something sung in haste.  It must come from the heart.  Every song selected and prepared is done with the purpose of ministering to whoever hears it.  I must add here that the music does NOT take the place of the preaching of God's Word.  The preaching is the most important part of any service.  Music can and should prepare the heart for the preaching of God's Word.

III.  "For His Glory".  "sing with grace in your heart to the Lord."   As we minister in music we must always realize that we are singing or playing for the Lord.  Colossians 3:17 says, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."  Here is our main purpose:  to bring Glory and Honor to our wonderful Lord.  May every song sung, every song played, bring Glory to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  We sing for Him.  We play for Him.  God has given us the talents that we have that we might use them for His honor and glory.  

There are a lot of other things we could discuss here on music, but this is my basic philosophy and if people would just think about it, I believe it is found scriptural.

"By God's Book, from the heart, and for His glory".     

Let me begin by saying I love what God has called me to do.  I wouldn't trade places with anyone for all God has allowed me to do through Him and all the blessings He has given me.  The phrase "God is so good" is so true.  Over the past 40 years, there have been good times and bad, mountains and valleys, and through everything, I have learned quite a bit.  I would like to share some of those things in this blog.  Here are 10 things I have learned about being a Minister of Music.

1.  I am a Minister of Music. That is my title.  I have been called a lot of things:  Music Director (makes me think of someone directing the big orchestra in Boston or Philadelphia),  Nope, that's not me.  Music Man, although in jest, (somehow makes me think of a man with a band uniform on lifting his baton and leading 76 trombones down a street in a small town), Nope, that's not me either.  My title is Minister of Music.  There are two particular ministries mentioned in the Bible.  Of course, first and foremost is that of Preacher, which is the most important.  The second is that of a Music Minister.  The job of a Music Minister involves many things.  Some say my job is to prepare the hearts of people for the preaching of the Word. I agree with that to some degree, but I think it is more.  Many times as I thought hearts were ready for the preaching, the Pastor or Evangelist, would tell a funny story or joke and the mood of the congregation seemed to change.  I am not saying this is wrong.  But I am saying my job as a music minister is much more than that.  It is to minister to people in music and to bring glory to God.  Music can bless; it can speak; it can lift souls and my job is to do my best to encourage and let the Holy Spirit work.  Every song sung, every note played, every special, even the offertory should be used to lift up Jesus, His Word and His ways.  Every Pastor, everyone involved in the music program, and even all those who hear, should desire the same results.  My job and my desire as a Minister of Music, is to use music in the service; to bless, to speak, and to prepare hearts as well. I have been a front seat witness to what God can do with music that is Godly, Christ-centered, and used for His glory and honor.  This is one of the most exciting parts of being a Minister of Music, and I praise Him for allowing me to be a part of it.

2.  The music program of the church is extremely important. "There is no substitute for music in the life of a believer".  Dr. Lee Roberson said, "You can't defeat a singing Christian".  We serve a God who loves music.  This is seen in the fact that there are over 300 verses in the Bible about music.  Music plays a vital and very important part in our spiritual lives.  First of all, the music must be scriptural.  It must be based on the Word of God.  God's Word is not 7-11 music:  seven words sung eleven times.  It is not music that points to self, or exalts self.  This is one of the problems I have with the contemporary music scene and even the new southern gospel.  I would be lying if I didn't say that I, that is my flesh, enjoys some of that music.  However, it lifts up and points to the singer, or singers.  Music that makes you want to dance, or shake any part of your body, or makes you put your face in contortions, only brings attention to the singer and not the song.  Music that has an over-powering beat, and is so loud that the words cannot be heard or understood, is not Godly music.  Secondly, Godly music points to the Savior.   So many churches are trying to use the world's music to attract people to the church.  Jesus said, "And I, I f I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me".(John 12:32)  Godly music points all who listen to our loving Savior.  I believe that is the main purpose of a music program in a church. When I hear remarks such as, "the music was a real blessing today", I just say, "Thank you, Lord".  He got the glory and people were blessed.  We must never forget what God did for us in sending His Son to die for us.  We are bought with a precious price, the shed blood of our Savior, God's only Son.  And our music should point to Him, and point others to Him.  He is our song.  He should always be our song.  A songwriter wrote, "He is the lovely theme of my song".  May we always remember who we are singing about.  Thirdly, it should be music that speaks.  Godly music will have a Godly message.  It will be sung in a way that the words are understandable and can speak to hearts.  There must be a clear message in every song that is sung.  Wishy-washy songs that don't say anything, or people who sing and say words that you can't understand are not Godly music.  The music program of the church is important because it lifts up the Savior.  And every aspect of that service, from the congregational singing, to the choir special, to the special and even the preaching itself, must lift up and point to the Savior.

3.  The choir is a vital and very important part of the church service. Let me begin this section by saying "The choir is THE music program of the church".  I believe many Pastors and choir members do not recognize the importance of the choir.  In most cases, all they see is the finished product.  The choir sings a great anthem.  The special is fantastic and touches many hearts.  Somehow, people think the Music Minister just waves his magic wand and, walla, it's done.  I have had the opportunity to direct a lot of great choirs.  It has been my privilege to work with and play for a great number of wonderful voices.  And I have learned a very important lesson in every instance.  It takes a lot of hard work, time, and devoted people to have the right kind of music program.  And it all begins with practice.    Practice is extremely important.  Nothing can be accomplished without practice.  It is sad, but in many cases, choir practice plays second fiddle to other ministries in the church.   I have heard it said that 90 percent of the ministry is carried out by 10 percent of its members.  I truly believe that and also that 80 percent of those are choir members.  I heard of a church recently where if  you are a member of the choir, you cannot serve in another ministry.  I would have to think about that for a while, but I like the principle.  We must realize the choir ministry is the main thrust in the music ministry of the church and it takes practice of all who are involved in order to accomplish what needs to be done.  Choir practice is work, hard work.  And it's not always fun.  I don't remember ever hearing a choir member saying "Yea, it's choir practice time.  I've been looking forward to this all week".  But it is essential, and everyone must give their all.  There are times when I wish choir members would take seriously their position in the choir and realize just how important it is.  The Music Minister puts a lot of time and hard work in getting choir practice ready.  Many times choir members arrive late to practice, or maybe not even show up at all without letting the choir director know.  The greatest attribute that any choir member can show is that of faithfulness.  They should also consider the words of every song that is sung and do their best to present them, not just from their mouths, but from their hearts.  I praise the Lord for many faithful choir members that have been under my direction in the past 40 years and I wouldn't trade anyone for them.  Thank  you Lord.  Yes the choir is of vital importance to a church and should be recognized as such. 

4.  The Pastor is always right.  Again, quoting Dr. Lee Roberson, "Everything rises and falls on leadership".  It has been my
privilege to work with 6 great Pastors in my ministry.  I have learned many wonderful things from each one.  Each one knew the importance of music in ministry.  Did we always agree?  That's a great question.  Dr. J.R. Faulkner was the second man to Dr. Lee Roberson at Highland Park in Chattanooga for many years. When he was asked that question, his answer was, "No, we didn't always agree.  But Dr. Roberson never knew about it"  That was a great answer.  I am afraid I wear too many feelings on my shoulders to have such a great perspective on the ministry.  However, I have learned that the pastor is my boss.  He is always right and it is my job to follow him and his leading.  Although I will answer to God for the music ministry that God has given to me, he will answer for every aspect of the ministry.  A music minister must never forget this.  Part of my job is to make the pastors ministry easier for him, if I can.  Wally Beebe wrote a great book entitled, "All About the Second Man".  I heartily recommend this book.  With that said, let me say to pastors reading this.  Do not take your music program lightly.  There are times when we music ministers get the feeling that other "ministries" are more important.  Sometimes we are asked to trim the music service because of extra-curricular activities.  If time is short, it seems it is always the music that has to be cut down.  Congregational singing is not a filler.  It is an important part of the service.  Perhaps other areas, such as announcements, could be reduced instead of the music.  A lot of times, in my position for instance, I make up the order of service.  Sometimes it is necessary to meet with the Pastor and go over that order.  That way we are all on the same page.  But I still must stress here, the Pastor is in charge and what he says goes.   Most of the pastors I have worked for have given me great freedom.  In almost every instance, they have allowed me to "run" the music program to the best of my ability.  Have I made mistakes?  Oh yeah, a bunch.  But these have been learning experiences which we all need.  If I could say something to Pastors it would be this.  Respect the music program of the church.  Realize the importance of it.  Understand it takes a lot of work.  Pray for your Music Minister.  That's all we ask. 

5.  The word WORSHIP is an important word when recognized in the right way. My wife and I had an interesting discussion just a bit ago.  I was reading this article to her and she said I had left out the importance of worship.  Actually, I left it out on purpose.  The NEW church, the CONTEMPORARY church, makes a big to do about the word worship.  The Minister of Music is now the worship leader.  The choir has become a praise band.  The church has become the worship center.  The word worship means to lift up, to adore, to put someone on a pedestal.  It is very important that we worship the Lord, that we lift up the name of Jesus, that we realize who we are and who He is.  I really think this all comes down to why we do what we do.  The Bible is clear about doing all for the glory of God.  If we do that, whether it be our praying, our singing, even our preaching, are we not worshiping the Lord?  We must never forget that He and He alone is the reason we have church.  As a Christian it is He and He alone that is responsible for seeking me and saving me.  So I want my life and every aspect of it to be an act of worshiping Him.   In the music ministry, it is very easy to do things in a selfish way.  As a songwriter, it is very easy to take glory for some song.  Someone makes a comment and it's easy to say:  "I did that".  I must always realize that I deserve hell and would spend eternity there if it were not for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  My prayer is that I, nor any other music minister would lose sight of that.  If a choir, each member and the director, would get on the same page as to the importance of choir; when a group of  individuals come together with the sole purpose of serving an Almighty God that loves us, to prepare so that the music would be the very best it could be, then we could see what worship really is.  Then if the entire church would get involved in the same way, the singing, the praying, the specials, and the preaching would have new meaning in every life.  Then we might really experience what worship is all about!

6.  People are people.  Someone once said, "If it weren't for people, the ministry would be a lot of fun".  One thing is for sure.  We are all sinners.  We all deserve hell.  But God so loved that He gave His Son for us.  But we are people.  Choir members are people.  Music Ministers are people.  And as such, we all make mistakes.  I have found it is very hard for anyone to accept the fact that they are wrong.  "I was wrong",  I'm sorry", "please forgive me" are phrases that are hard to say.  And too many times that is true in the music ministry.  I believe some people do not realize that Sunday is a very busy and hard day for a music minister.  While it should never be so, there are times when we may snap, fizzle, or be just down-right mean.  There are no excuses, it just is what it is.  Forgiveness is in the Bible and should be used by church members frequently when it comes to the music ministry.  The real truth is that the true ministry is people.  People is what it's all about.  There are times when we get so wrapped up in what we are doing that we forget about those around us who may just need a smile, or a simple hello.  People are people, yes.  Music ministers are people, yes.  And we must work together for the furtherance of the gospel.  Let me also inject this here.  There is no one that a music minister can call a true friend.  Oh, there are some great people that we associate with, but as far as making them real close friends, we can't do that.  That always bothered me until I saw a Pastor I worked for many years ago who ran around with the rich couples of the church.  I saw how that could really hurt a ministry and understood.  I have a lot of friends, and a few close friends in the ministry.  But as far as someone to talk to, to go to with troubles, problems and seriously discuss things, no, not one.  That is why we always have the Lord to talk to.  A true friend that sticketh closer than a brother.  Personally, I am not much of a people person.  I am pretty much an introvert.  I know, many would disagree, but really I am.  When it comes to doing things, I would much rather do them myself than ask for help.  I have always been that way.  If there is something to do, just leave me alone and let me do it.  I know how I want it done, and only I can do it that way.  That sounds awful, doesn't it?  But that is me.  Delegating authority, getting help, getting others to be involved, is not the way I am.  I have learned this is a bad thing, not a good thing.  There are people who truly want to help and I am robbing them of a blessing.   I'm sorry.  It is just a hard thing for me to do.  I am working on it.  Dealing with people is the hardest part of being a Music Minister for me.  As far as this goes, God is still working on me.  

7.  A Music Minister wears a lot of hats.  "So little time and so much to do" is a great slogan for a minister of music.  In the past 40 years I have been a lawn mower, a ditch digger, a bus driver, an interior decorator, a VBS director, a Senior Saints director, a missions display designer, a cook, a table waiter, a counselor, a preacher, a pastor, a teacher, a sound technician, a proof-reader, a secretary, a phone answerer, and I'm sure a whole lot more that I have left out.  I am not complaining.  I have enjoyed every job that I've had.  Yes, even digging the sewer line at the church in Indiana.  However, my main thrust is to make the best music program possible for God's glory.  Let me throw in a personal word of caution here.  Do not let the music ministry come before your family.  My wife sure has put up with a lot from me.  There are a lot of things I would have done differently as far as family goes if I had it to do all over again.  There were many times when I let the music ministry take the place of family time.  I regret that immensely.  Don't let that happen in  your ministry.  Always have time for your family.  The pressure placed upon a Minister of Music is immense.  The stress level is off the chart.  There are so many things involved in getting a single service ready.  And yet some people and even some pastors think it's easy, simple and just comes together.  I will say this.  God plays a big part in the success of any Godly venture.  Many times we have put on a cantata, or play, or music program, and I thought, it is never going to be ready.  But God always blesses and He makes sure He gets the glory for it.  I think this is what I like most about the music ministry.  Seeing God take imperfect humans, having them work together, and letting something supernatural that only God can do come out of it.  Now that's what I'm talking about. 

8.  Time travels at warp speed for a Music Minister.  There is never enough time in a day to get everything done.  But one thing I have learned is never neglect vacation time.  Every Pastor I have worked for has been more than generous in giving out vacation time.  As I look back, I wish I had taken it now.  I wish it would carry over.  I would have about 10 years.  Seriously, as I look back, I would have never neglected my vacation time.  There are a lot of things I would have liked my wife and I to do that we never got around to doing because of work.  Now, as an old man, I'm afraid vacation time isn't going to work out.  And also now there is never enough time to do things the way I think they should be done.  It seems like only yesterday I was in my 20's, and now, well, I'm a lot older.  There are times when we must get away and completely forget the music program.  Who am I kidding?  That's just impossible.  When I'm away, my thoughts are always on how the choir is doing, who is singing the special, how did the service go?  However, a get-a-way is extremely important.  Everyone needs some rest.  Do not neglect this time.

9.  I have learned that one must love the music ministry to be successful.  There are many aspects of my job that I absolutely love.  I love leading the congregation in singing.  I love directing the choir.  I love choir practice, (most of the time).  I love singing, although I don't have much of a voice.  I love playing the piano for someone to sing.  I love practicing with a group to sing.  I truly love all these things.  It is a love that only God can give someone He has called into the music ministry.  I thank Him every day for allowing me to be a Music Minister.  As a boy growing up in a small Indiana town, I always loved Christian music.  I sang in the choir, sang solos, played the piano, and even  had the opportunity once to sing with my uncle's quartet.  When I went away to college, God still gave me numerous opportunities to sing and play.  I was a member of the Weigle Singers and a member of the Weigle quartet.  I played the piano at a chapel.  As I look back, it's easy to see God's hand in directing me into the music field.  And my greatest love is songwriting.  I am always looking for a theme to write about my God and my Savior.  It may come from something the Pastor says, or something a church member says, or even sometimes directly from the Word of God.  There is nothing more enjoyable to me than putting the finishing touches on a song and listening to the choir, or a group, or a soloist present that song, not for my glory, but for God's glory.  As my days get shorter, I would love to just sit at a piano and compose as I decompose. Do I always love my job?  That would be NO.  There are times when people disagree with me, or I with them, and regardless who is wrong, it hinders the ministry.  But it doesn't stop my love for the ministry God has given me.  I desire that same love to flow through me to choir members and everyone I come into contact with.  When we present that special number, and God uses it to bless someone who needs exactly what we presented, it makes it all worth-while. 

10.  Final thoughts for now:  Love the Lord with all  your heart.  Put Him first in everything you do.  Be a help to your pastor and lift him up in everything.  Be a servant to all your people.  Love your ministry.  And God will bless.  These are all things I have learned.  Have I always accomplished them?  No.  But I want to strive to do them the best that I can.  I think the word love sums up the true success of any Music Minister.  The Bible says the two most important commandments are to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and all thy soul and all thy mind, and to love thy neighbor as thyself.  That's not an easy thing to do in the music ministry, and yet it is the key.  As I look back in my ministry, I can see where I have been selfish, egotistic, actually putting myself first in a lot of things.  I am very sorry for that.  Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.  That is for sure.  And even though I may appear that way a lot, my true goal is to please my Lord and Savior.  I want Him to have all the glory for every song, every note, every sound that comes out of the ministry He has called me to.  I am a Minister of Music and I thank God for that calling.