Combating the Unspoken Struggles of the Music Ministry: Staying the Course in our Service to God (Part 2)

In part one we explored the reality that the music ministry faces hidden challenges, both external and internal, that need to be addressed to help it grow and succeed. By understanding the sources of these problems, such as societal pressures or internal conflicts, the ministry can overcome obstacles and thrive. I highlighted 4 out of 8 practical principles for worship ministers to help navigate struggles and find peace in God's presence, ensuring protection and preparation for their spiritual journey. 

Here are the next 4 practical principles for worship leaders to embrace which will ensure that they worship from a place of depth and understanding:

Four Practical Principles for Worship Leaders

1. Servanthood and Expectations 

Managing expectations and embracing servanthood are foundational to ministry. Entitlement mentality must yield to a posture of humility, recognizing that serving God entails sacrifice and selflessness. God expects us to submit ourselves to one another and our elders (1 Pet. 5: 6). He expects us to humble ourselves - to lower our estimation of ourselves - under His mighty hand, that in due season He may exalt us.

True appreciation must be God-sought and God-given and that way we shield ourselves from the danger of competitive jealousy because this is pride and God resists the proud.

We must guard against Pride with all our heart and might. It is a silent and silent killer. It has crippled and annihilated ministers and ministries in their prime. Pride, disguised in self-sufficiency, poses a grave threat to spiritual growth. Embracing humility and recognizing the value of community safeguards against the pitfalls of pride and this further fosters a spirit of unity and collaboration.

2. Craft Enhancement

Striving for excellence in our craft is both a duty and a privilege. Continuous improvement through diligent practice and learning is essential, reflecting our commitment to honoring God with our talents. I learned something from a seasoned and experienced worship minister and Pastor when he was interviewed. Something he said struck me and has formed one key value I hold till this day. It is this phrase, ‘I am positioned to improve my crafty every day’. It's good to have a tool but what is crucial is that the tool is maintained to ensure it retains its cutting edge and performs optimally when required.

As worship ministers, we must have a strategy that ensures that our gifts perform optimally when called upon.

Worship leaders should have a plan written down which focuses on exercising, vocal health, listening to a wide range of music, practice regimes, rehearsals, and building in rest. We must be open to tools, software, and training that enable us to exhibit the excellence that God deserves. Remember, it's a privilege to be called a servant of God, for which we are accountable to God for how we have used the talent He bestowed on us. 

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3. God-Centric Living 

Authenticity in our relationship with God transcends mere words—it permeates every aspect of our lives. Being God-centric means embodying His values and principles, even in secular environments, where our actions speak louder than words. This simple analogy freed me up a long time ago and it's this, if God sees all, knows all, and has all power, who am I fooling if I try to be one person behind closed doors and another in public, it's too much hard work.

We owe God to be authentic in our relationship with Him and with others.

“Much like Benjamin Franklin’s pursuit of moral perfection, we all harbour a unique set of governing values that shape the core of our identity. These values, intrinsic to our being, encompass traits, beliefs, and aspirations that serve as the fundamental building blocks of our daily decisions.” How awesome would it be for us as believers to carve out values from the word of God which we live by? These values in themselves form a boundary around us that we are not willing to transgress.

One of the mentors of blessed memory was frequently quoted as saying ‘others may but I can’t.’ When it comes to living by the values of God’s word, he will not compromise His love for God by willingly violating God's commandments.  

4. Patience in Process

Trusting in God's timing is pivotal amidst challenges and setbacks. Patience, coupled with active engagement, allows us to navigate through seasons of refining and emerge victorious in His appointed time.

2 Timothy. 1:12b “........for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He can keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.’

This scripture always encourages me and instills patience in my dealings with people and God. Listen! In an ideal world, we will not have disloyal people, betrayals, competitive jealousy, strivings, gossiping, etc but the reality is that we do not live in such a utopia. Patience is a fruit of the spirit, and this means we can embrace it as we go through the process, and we develop studying and meditating on the word of God and by praying in the spirit. We must come to a place in our relationship with God where we can come into His rest - His restful stillness - where we know that God is in control.

In conclusion, to deal with the hidden struggles in music ministry, we need a well-rounded approach based on spiritual reflection and biblical principles. By focusing on God, staying humble, and putting service first, music ministers can handle challenges with strength and grace, glorifying God through their work. Let's take time to reflect, making sure our ministry shows the love, grace, and humility of Jesus Christ.

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