When not careful, a music ministry program can become an impenetrable fort.  Generally, the more advanced the program, the harder it becomes for people to see themselves being involved.  I often hear excuses like: “Oh, I’m not a professional like the rest of your choir” or “I would do more harm than good.” Sometimes it’s true, but often it’s not.

We have to encourage people to focus on their potential, NOT their past experience.  Yes it is proven that people pick up musical concepts easier at younger ages, but that should never stop one of our parishioners from giving it a try.  We as ministers have to make sure the environment we create always encourages people to think outside of their own little “box.”  If you encourage people to focus on potential, your choir will grow as long as they are committed.  I generally find, the less experience they have, the more commitment they have to make, and I make this very clear to people in this situation.  It might include voice lessons, meeting with me personally, or rehearsing with a practice tape that I make.  I have also found that the people who make that commitment get more out of their ministry than others.

With that said some people feel they cannot sing.  How else can they get involved?

We have a woman in our Church who doesn’t sing but writes poetry.  She has become our resident hymn writer and as a result is very active in the artistic side of our congregational life.

We have another woman who cannot sing but is an excellent hostess who loves to coordinate our receptions after concerts.

There is PR to be done, a library to keep up; you do not have to sing to be involved.

In your music ministry program, are you doing everything you can to help people “find their voice?” Are there people you could encourage to do jobs related to music ministry even if they cannot sing?  Are you making these people feel vital to your ministry program?

One Response to “Breaking the Wall”

1. Barb says:

   November 6, 2009 at 2:14 pm

   Thank you, Matt. That’s really something to think about. Sometimes I am so focused on the perceived ‘quality’ of the music produced, I forget that it’s not all about me and what I’m bringing to the service. Everyone has something to share, and everyone should have that opportunity.