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.