Harmony Between Church Leadership the Music Department

This subject has been at the center of so much controversy in the church. If our egos and attitudes were put aside then this would never be a problem in the first place. Pastors, if you've hired someone to run your music department whether it be a Minister of Music, Director of Music, Fine Arts Director, Worship Leader or whatever title you give to the head of the music department let them do their job. If you have done do-diligence and made sure that you have hired the right person then your role should be as a supporter. Those of you that have been given the opportunity to lead a music department make sure that you are on the same page with the pastor. Remember 'HE' is the pastor and you are an employee. There has to be mutual respect. If there is any discrepancy then there should be a 'private' meeting to get a true understanding of what is needed for the church to move forward. The worst thing that we can do is to show division within leadership. "In all thy getting get understanding". Pastor we know that you are the 'CEO' in a sense but management is not 'dictatorship'. Have confidence that what you have relayed or expressed to your music department head will be fulfilled. In that same vein you music department heads respect the pastor's leadership and what directions he wants to go. If you can't 'follow' leadership then then don't expect to be a leader.

The Importance Of A Financially Stable Music Department

There are many financially stable music departments. They are supported by financially stable churches that not only realize the importance of the music department in worship but are willing to give the music department the necessary means to produce top shelf music worship. There are many churches like this but it sad to say that there are many many more churches that don't either have the means or the officials of the church don't have the insight or desire to see the need for equipping the music department with what it needs. The old adage 'you pay for what you get' applies in a lot of these situations. Sure they say they want a vibrant music department but are they truly doing what is needed to produce one. There are pastors who are phenomenal preachers and even they realize that a good music department enhances service and sets the atmosphere before he/she gets up to deliver the preached word. Let's be honest most worshippers want to hear good music and there are some people that come to church just to hear the choir. If you checked one of my earlier blogs I talked about how important music was to the ancient church. Times and music have changed but not the significance of music in the church. With proper financial support music departments can have quality musicians, do quality music, have quality concerts and workshops and more that anything take worship service to a higher level.

The Biblical Signifigance Of The Choir

There is biblical significance and reference to choirs and musical instruments. The words choir and chorus did not have their origin until the 13th century. The word 'choir' was derived from the 'Old French' word 'cuer' which is said to be adapted from the Latin word for 'chorus'. Prior to the 17th century the word 'choir' was spelled with 'qu' or 'qw' thus giving us the beginning blend we hear when we say the word 'choir'. Religion and music historian Herbert Lockyer Jr. writes that vocal and instrumental music was well cultivated among Hebrews, the New Testament Christians and the Christian church throughout the centuries. He says that in looking into the Old Testament it shows where God's ancient people were devoted to the study and practice of music. Wow, even back then they knew the importance of rehearsing and learning to improve their skills. I love to refer to II Chronicles 20:15-29* which talks about the battle that Jehoshaphat was about to go into against the armies of Ammon and Moab, and mount Seir. Jehoshaphat prayed then he 'appointed' singers who then went in front their army to sing "in the beauty of Holiness". The Bible says that the confused enemy set ambushments against themselves and were destroyed . Look at what power we minstrels have as we are given the opportunity to set the atmosphere for worship. We are to confuse the enemy. The battle is not our's it's the Lord's.