Whos Kingdom Are You Building?
As a solo jazz saxophonist, I didn't see a place in the contemporary Christian music industry. I knew God had given me a talent and gift for a reason. God had also given my wife Pamela, singer and songwriter and I the vision of Touch Ministries. We traveled throughout the Midwest ministering in various churches and organizations, though this was exciting time for us to learn and experience, we didn't see very many first-time conversions.
After attending bible school at Christ For the Nation, we sought God for direction and for a ministry that would change people lives and not just entertain. God answered the prayer and open the door to go into the Texas State Correctional Institutions, and Youth Correctional Institutions. In the past four years we have see many men, women and youth come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
In December 1992, I went on a 4-day mission prison revival in Kingston, Jamaica with the C.O.P.E. Ministry. (Coalition of Prison Evangelist). My job was to draw the people in through the music and make war in the spiritual realm. This experience was a confirmation to the call that God has placed on my life. And if I really submit to his will and seek his kingdom and not try to build mine own, to be faithful in the little things and to be obedient to his word, that he will open the doors and do thing that I never dreamed I would be doing.
When a new client comes to TMP, I want to get to know more about them. I ask several questions to understand what they want to accomplish through their music. Most will say that they want to sign with a major record label. My next question is, "Why do you want a contract?" The reply is usually one of the following: (1) to reach more people; (2) to earn a living. It is very interesting that not many people say, they want a" music ministry"; this is usually an afterthought. I begin to ask them, "How many people have you won to the Lord through your music within the past 30 days. The answer is normally "none". Then the most important question is: "Whose kingdom are you building, yours or God's?
We must realize that God is in control of everything and that He is the Lord of our lives. We often say your will Lord, not mine, but do we really mean it? Everybody seems to be seeking for a contract as the ultimate way to minister through music. To be realistic, everybody is not going to get a contract. We spend too much time and money trying to produce a quality demo to submit to a record company instead of looking for an avenue to minister to win souls to Christ and spending time in the Word of God. We, as musicians and singers need to know what is God's will and plan not only for our lives, but God's overall plan for everybody's life.
I believe that Jesus permits musicians and singers to seek after a contract, but He would have us seek the kingdom of God first. I'm not saying not to pursue record deals, but a record deal may allow more people to hear your music, but not necessarily minister to more. We must be seeking ways to minister through music other than just a recording contract. Jesus said to, "Occupy til I come." The last thing He said before He ascended was, "Go ye and preach the Gospel to all nations." If one devotes time and energy to acquiring a record deal and never achieves winning souls to Christ, it's like the man who buried the talent because of his selfishness.
Copyright 1992 Ray L. Baker / Producer
After attending bible school at Christ For the Nation, we sought God for direction and for a ministry that would change people lives and not just entertain. God answered the prayer and open the door to go into the Texas State Correctional Institutions, and Youth Correctional Institutions. In the past four years we have see many men, women and youth come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
In December 1992, I went on a 4-day mission prison revival in Kingston, Jamaica with the C.O.P.E. Ministry. (Coalition of Prison Evangelist). My job was to draw the people in through the music and make war in the spiritual realm. This experience was a confirmation to the call that God has placed on my life. And if I really submit to his will and seek his kingdom and not try to build mine own, to be faithful in the little things and to be obedient to his word, that he will open the doors and do thing that I never dreamed I would be doing.
When a new client comes to TMP, I want to get to know more about them. I ask several questions to understand what they want to accomplish through their music. Most will say that they want to sign with a major record label. My next question is, "Why do you want a contract?" The reply is usually one of the following: (1) to reach more people; (2) to earn a living. It is very interesting that not many people say, they want a" music ministry"; this is usually an afterthought. I begin to ask them, "How many people have you won to the Lord through your music within the past 30 days. The answer is normally "none". Then the most important question is: "Whose kingdom are you building, yours or God's?
We must realize that God is in control of everything and that He is the Lord of our lives. We often say your will Lord, not mine, but do we really mean it? Everybody seems to be seeking for a contract as the ultimate way to minister through music. To be realistic, everybody is not going to get a contract. We spend too much time and money trying to produce a quality demo to submit to a record company instead of looking for an avenue to minister to win souls to Christ and spending time in the Word of God. We, as musicians and singers need to know what is God's will and plan not only for our lives, but God's overall plan for everybody's life.
I believe that Jesus permits musicians and singers to seek after a contract, but He would have us seek the kingdom of God first. I'm not saying not to pursue record deals, but a record deal may allow more people to hear your music, but not necessarily minister to more. We must be seeking ways to minister through music other than just a recording contract. Jesus said to, "Occupy til I come." The last thing He said before He ascended was, "Go ye and preach the Gospel to all nations." If one devotes time and energy to acquiring a record deal and never achieves winning souls to Christ, it's like the man who buried the talent because of his selfishness.
Copyright 1992 Ray L. Baker / Producer