It happened again. Worship didn’t feel right. The musicians satisfied themselves at the expense of their ministry.
This time it was the organ playing just the right sounds (at another church), but the music was too slow for the congregation to sing with any feeling of enthusiasm. It felt like we were singing in slow motion. On another Sunday and in another place, it was the live band rocking out so loud that the congregation could feel the beat, but most could hardly hear the melody and lyrics.
Musicians – what satisfies us may not satisfy our call to ministry. A good definition for ministry is “minus-try.” We musicians are here to serve others whose needs are different from and greater than our own. We may like to hear ourselves play, but that is not why people come to worship.
We play to serve. A congregation’s greatest need is to participate in a meaningful expression of their spirituality. They are not an audience, but a community needing help so they can fully participate in proclamation and response.
Musicians – don’t aim for people to feel that you and your music are great. As one of my church members has told me again and again – “I may not remember what you said, but I will remember how you made me feel.” What he wanted me to help him feel was simply this - the presence of God.
Get the feel of worship right and everyone will be better satisfied.
Copyright 2009 by Kenneth L. Morrison All Rights Reserved
Dr. Ken Morrison
Pastor
Via de Cristo United Methodist Fellowship
7430 E Pinnacle Peak Road, Ste 134
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-515-4490
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