Recreating the 2 Chronicles 5:13 experience in your praise team and choir.

It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord; (2 Chronicles 5:13)

The second Chronicle experience has appeared to many as a fairy tale. How possible is it that a worship meeting can produce such a spectacle? Is it possible for the musicians and singers to sing as one? If it’s possible what does it mean?

What took place during that service is a demonstration of the manifest presence and glory of God. It showed a group of people that had a deeper understanding of how to touch the heavens with their worship.  Music and worship in our churches can be better if music ministers realize that the experience they church in 2 chronicles had during their time can be replicated.

 There are 3 possible factors that brought about such an experience;

1. Musical harmony- Singing and playing harmonically automatically produce pleasantness. Bad music (singing and playing wrong chords and scales) never appeals to anyone. I believe the levites and singers spent time to learn and know what they are supposed to do musically to sound “as one”.

2. Spiritual Harmony- Worship has always has a sacredness attached to it. The life of the worshiper has to go in line to with the word of God to have a response from heaven. When Spirituality is removed from worship it just becomes another musical adventure that leaves people excited and celebrating nothingness.

3. Inter-relational harmony- People love singing and playing with individuals they are comfortable with. The effectiveness of our worship is very dependent on our relationship to one another. (how much we love and forgive each other). Love and kindness towards one another sets people free and helps in the expression of our hearts to God. I bet the levites and singers were a family that loved each other.

We need to get our priorities right.

The healing, miracles and answers that most individuals seek today could be realized during worship if the music ministers learn how to yield their members unto God is one accord

How do you get the heavens to open in your life and ministry?

photo credit: Brian A Petersen via photopin cc

The music minister and church support Part 2

1 Chron 28:21 And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment.

The willingness to serve (music ministry) in any position in a church usually comes with a commitment on the part of the individual serving.

 As I discussed in the part 1 of the music minister and church support, I looked at the expectations music ministers have in regards to the place where they serve.

Here I want to look at the corresponding attitudes that the music ministers are expected to live with.

The music minister serving in a church must learn to be responsible first to God, himself and to the ministry he or she serves.  One of the important things responsibility comes with is that it helps to create discipline.

 Any individual that does not want to be considered irresponsible should not make a commitment, because with the acceptance to serve comes responsibility.

There is a deep connection between the worship experience of a church and the support the music ministers (praise team or choir) put into it.

For music ministers I have observed and seen that there are individuals that are so anointed but unreliable and unavailable. On the other hand others are available but don’t have what it takes to get the job done.

6 signs that show a music minister support his/her church.

1-    Excited when it’s time to go to go to church.- The excitement to want to go for rehearsal and subsequently worship services reflects a love and passion.

2-    You don’t complain or talk about your praise team or choir- There would never be perfect situations anywhere, issues in praise teams and choirs are best handled through dialogue and prayers.

3-     Living the life the calling of God demands- The music ministry is a MINISTRY involved in the worship of God. Living the called life is of a great necessity.

4-    Working hard at your craft- The music ministry requires a degree of perfection, be it in singing, playing and writing.

5-    You don’t have a competitive attitude against other members of your team.- Competition always leads to strive and envy. It does not matter who does the job. God takes the glory.

6-    Making a commitment to one’s self and God to put in your best while you serve there.- when an individual proposes in his/her heart, much is achieved.

4 signs that show a music minister is not supporting his/her church.

The opposite of all that I listed above serve as signs that a music minister is not supporting the ministry in which he/she is active.

I would to add an additional four points that I did not discuss in the above support signs.

1-    Making comparison of your church with another- This usually leaves the complainer unsatisfied and developing wondering thoughts. All churches cannot be the same. They differ in Grace.

2-    Always shows up late for rehearsals and worship service and gives excuses as to why.- Consistent lateness is a sign for little or no regards to what is happening.

3-    A music minister shows up in rehearsal or church only when he/she has a role to perform (sing or play)- Not wanting to give a supporting role.

4-    When his/her service is not done as unto God but man- Once commitment is established, our service unto God must come from a conviction that knows God deserves the glory and rewards diligently.  There would be no need to impress any Pastor or church leader.

What are your thoughts about this?