Church+Musicianship

Church musicians have a range of responsibilities that are different from those of regular musicians.

The purpose of church music, of course, is to enhance the worship of God through glorifying Him in songs and in pure music. Anything that takes away from that makes subverts the purpose of music in the church service. And yet some of the foibles of musicians can be carried into the church and manifested there. So...here is a consideration of skills, characteristics, and attitudes that are helpful for church members.

Flexibility One significant characteristic for a church musician is flexibility because the worship of God can go differently from what was planned. For example, when doing an invitation, the pastor may have people sing all the verses or they may stop and say something and then sing another verse, and so forth. Also, when someone is singing, that person might sing slower or faster than planned and the church musician has to adjust. Planning is a good idea, but hanging onto plans at the point when the plans do not lead to the worship of God.

Humility The only reason a church musician has the ability to be a church musician is because God made him/her so. It's so easy to develop ego around music, but that has to be checked at the church door. (In any case, ego is not truly helpful in any other musical situation as far as that goes).

Musical Skills that Churches Need Music reading Playing by ear Being able to follow a conductor or music leader Conducting Teaching Setting up special events Using sound systems Arranging music Staging skills (e.g., for skits) Being able to accompany a soloist Making good choices about music