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.