How Do You Motivate Christians Musicians-Part 2
Have you ever been told or heard someone say; “ God is not concern with your ability as much as He is with your availably.” This statement sounds good and religious. Think about it and apply it a musician. (I don’t need to practice to improve my skills, just be available God will use me.) This may have be the case for Moses. But for the musician, I don’t think so. Another example: Have anyone ever been told to “lay it down” pertaining to your musical gift? Did anyone ever tell you to “pick it up”? Someone who is not a musician usually makes these statements. I was told this at one time by Brother Jack, so I laid it down, that same week I was called to play for a wedding and a funeral. God never told me lay my musical talents down. But He did say to seek Him first. Understand God has created us (musicians, people in the arts) to think and act differently than other people who are not musicians, or people in the arts. If you are a “called” musician, you have a desire to play music, just like a preacher who is called, has the desire to preach. Have you ever been to a service where the pastor recognized another preacher and ask he or she or come give a few words? The preacher comes and gives a 45-minute sermon, because there is a desire to function in the calling. But for some reason, musicians are not to have this desire to play music and enjoy it. Brother Jack to this day has never told me to “pick it up.”
Have you ever been told, “ You’re too polished, too professional, or you are performing not ministering? At this point the musician begin to go into a shell, and the fullness of what God has place in the musician has been smothered by people who want to put them in a “religious box.” There are certain words that you cannot not use, like the word “perform” it becomes “minister”. “Improvisation” becomes “ playing in the Spirit”. "Jamming" or "Groove" becomes "Flowing in the Spirit". We get so caught up in being “Spiritually Correct” that as musicians we miss the fullness of what God intended. Musicians in the church are not being taught and trained by seasoned and knowledgeable musicians, but by people who do not have a clue about the calling as a musician. (Study the Levitical priest hood)
I realize that in a church setting, there will be both the committed and the uncommitted musicians, and for some, music is just a hobby. Although this does not excused them to be mediocre. This is why there must be standard for musicians and singers in the church and the
In order to play with the Dallas Symphony one must have the ability and the skills to handle the material. This is determined by an audition. Once selected, the musician must meet up to the expectation of the position. If not he or she is replaced. Most worship groups lack musical accountability concerning musicianship. More importance is placed on prayer and Christian living than musicianship. Yes, these issues are important for every believer. But there is another responsibility for the musician that should not be overlooked. There needs be a “high standard” set for musicians and singers concerning their musicianship and it should be just as important as maintaining a standard for Christian conduct to be on the team. When this happens, even those who are just hobbyist will be motivated.
Copyright 2001 Ray L. Baker / Producer
Have you ever been told or heard someone say; “ God is not concern with your ability as much as He is with your availably.” This statement sounds good and religious. Think about it and apply it a musician. (I don’t need to practice to improve my skills, just be available God will use me.) This may have be the case for Moses. But for the musician, I don’t think so. Another example: Have anyone ever been told to “lay it down” pertaining to your musical gift? Did anyone ever tell you to “pick it up”? Someone who is not a musician usually makes these statements. I was told this at one time by Brother Jack, so I laid it down, that same week I was called to play for a wedding and a funeral. God never told me lay my musical talents down. But He did say to seek Him first. Understand God has created us (musicians, people in the arts) to think and act differently than other people who are not musicians, or people in the arts. If you are a “called” musician, you have a desire to play music, just like a preacher who is called, has the desire to preach. Have you ever been to a service where the pastor recognized another preacher and ask he or she or come give a few words? The preacher comes and gives a 45-minute sermon, because there is a desire to function in the calling. But for some reason, musicians are not to have this desire to play music and enjoy it. Brother Jack to this day has never told me to “pick it up.”
Have you ever been told, “ You’re too polished, too professional, or you are performing not ministering? At this point the musician begin to go into a shell, and the fullness of what God has place in the musician has been smothered by people who want to put them in a “religious box.” There are certain words that you cannot not use, like the word “perform” it becomes “minister”. “Improvisation” becomes “ playing in the Spirit”. "Jamming" or "Groove" becomes "Flowing in the Spirit". We get so caught up in being “Spiritually Correct” that as musicians we miss the fullness of what God intended. Musicians in the church are not being taught and trained by seasoned and knowledgeable musicians, but by people who do not have a clue about the calling as a musician. (Study the Levitical priest hood)
I realize that in a church setting, there will be both the committed and the uncommitted musicians, and for some, music is just a hobby. Although this does not excused them to be mediocre. This is why there must be standard for musicians and singers in the church and the
In order to play with the Dallas Symphony one must have the ability and the skills to handle the material. This is determined by an audition. Once selected, the musician must meet up to the expectation of the position. If not he or she is replaced. Most worship groups lack musical accountability concerning musicianship. More importance is placed on prayer and Christian living than musicianship. Yes, these issues are important for every believer. But there is another responsibility for the musician that should not be overlooked. There needs be a “high standard” set for musicians and singers concerning their musicianship and it should be just as important as maintaining a standard for Christian conduct to be on the team. When this happens, even those who are just hobbyist will be motivated.
Copyright 2001 Ray L. Baker / Producer