What is a church musician? After being in this position for
several years I have come to my own conclusions as to what
this title means and is all about. First let me say that
I think a lot of church musicians make the mistake of
using this as a means satisfy their own needs. A need
to be up front, to perform, to show off their musical
talent etc. But being a Christian is all about
sacrificing self. This does not have to be a negative
thing and in fact can be quite rewarding.

Let's look at some scripture about this. In the Bible
we are commanded to "Sing unto him a new song; play
skilfully with a loud noise." Psalm 33:3 KJV. In first
Samuel we see what a musician can do for a man tormented.
"Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before
thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an
harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from
God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and
thou shalt be well." 1 Samuel 16:16, KJV. You see as a
musician, a church musician, a Christian musician, your
job is to minister. And in order to be able to minister
effectively your heart needs to be in the right place.
Not on "Man wait until people hear these far out chords
I've been jamming on!" but more like, "Praise the Lord.
He is worthy. Lord I worship You." I don't know about
you but I would rather hear, "Thank you sister, that
song really ministered to my hurting heart this morning
(evening, afternoon)." Than about how cool I sounded up
there on the piano with that new chord progression. I'm
not saying I don't use chord progressions but I'm saying
keep the playing in perspective.

Try playing as unto the Lord sometime. Not for the Lord
like you have yet another adoring audience but as a
means of worship. In the same way you lift your hands
and offer praise, lift your fingers and offer the praise
across the piano, guitar strings, or whatever musical
instrument you play.

Okay so a church musician, in my words, is a servant
of the Lord who offers praise through the musical
instrument sometimes in accompaniment to the people.
You (we) are actually not indispensable and the people
can still praise and worship the Lord without you.
Sometimes, or many times if you are seeking guidance
to your playing, the Lord can and will use you to
minister unto some of His flock. Praise the Lord!

Article written by K Quinn.