The Music Exchange

'Anyone know a Christian organist or pianist?'

Many churches are desperate for a competent musician to join their meetings. They know that the quality of music can move congregations to weep tears of joy, or can simply make them weep.

It's a great encouragement that many evangelical churches have started to employ part- or full-time directors of music. In the past, we've shied away from investing in music because of a correct emphasis on Bible teaching, but often this has been seen as a reason to let the music side of things fall into disrepair. However, music is such a powerful tool in word ministry because of its ability to root gospel truths that are taught from the pulpit into our minds and hearts.

Equipped?

Now if there is a growing demand for music directors, then it follows that there needs to be a corresponding supply of Christian men and women who are equipped for this role. I was disheartened by the news that a director of music post advertised in EN received not one application. Good church musicians are few in number. However, good church musicians who are Christians are fewer still. We need to pray for competent musicians to be converted!

Building the church

The trouble is, when we're desperate to see an improvement in the quality of our music, the temptation is to polish the ego of the first musician who walks in the door by saying that they're the answer to years of prayer. They may be, but before we buff up the old organ bench, or spend thousands on a snazzy new PA system, remember that Jesus wants obedient disciples more than competent musicians, and musicians certainly don't need their egos massaging!

The sad fact is that musicians have a knack of splitting congregations if they turn out to be self-serving rather than serving Christ and his church. This is largely because musicians are trained to be performers, rather than to help lead others in the praise of Jesus - many of the musicians at music college are told that their instrument must be their god if they are to progress in the field. I'm so privileged to work with musicians who love Jesus, because it means that they mould their gifts and skill around the needs of the church, rather than their own personal gain.

So please join me in praying for God to do a mighty work in the music community, turning musicians' hearts back to the Creator who gave them their art. Pray for them to find roles in churches where they can use their gifts to serve their Lord. And if yours is a congregation that has godly musicians in its midst, do consider whether any of them could be trained to fill these roles.

'Anyone know a Christian organist or pianist?'

Equipped?

Building the church

Richard Simpkin

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