Handling Egos and Attitudes

While being a clinician, a guest musician/director or even just talking with other choir leaders the subject of egos and attitudes has come up quite often. It's sad to say that 'church folk' can be some of the most disrespectful people you can run into. In leadership there has to be guidelines and parameters. It's great going into a choral setting knowing that you have the support of church leadership, so that when certain situations come up and the Minister of Music/Director can't get the cooperation that they should get they can have church leadership to step in and squelch the problem/s. I use the term 'church leadership' because some churches have other people besides the pastor that deal with certain ministries. It maybe 1or 2 people or even a committee. It is ideal, however, just to be able to confer with the pastor in certain situations but that's not always the case. These egos and attitudes that were stated earlier can come from choir officers, musicians, directors and choir members. If you came in strong and are on top of your game then you probably have gained the respect of your people. Even if they have a problem they likely will keep it to themselves or eventually step away from the ministry. The latter would be the best because hidden problems can be 'cancerous' and eat away at the ministry.  If you are trying to re-establish your place in leadership then you need to set your guidelines and parameters explain them to leadership. Have a meeting with the ministry and leadership together so they know that you mean business. Don't let family and friendship get in the way of leadership and by all means stick to what you have said. Remember 'Plan the work and work the Plan'. Of course we can't be so dogmatic and autonomous sometimes that we build up a wall and intimidate the people. If Christ handled His problems with love then we should be able to do the same. Never try to embarrass an individual or call them out but go to them in private to discuss the problem you are having with them. Afterwards, if there in no understanding or conclusion then go to leadership (and that's BIBLE). If you find these problems, the earlier you handle them the better. It's always good to document problems so that when you present them you can state what happened, when it happened and the results after it happened. This may seem a little tedious but in the long run this will keep you aware of ongoing occurances. Try not to make these situations personal or a vendetta and always be ready for reconcilliation.

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.