What the anointing might not be! Cute looks, Great voice and Great playing.

 What really is the anointing when it comes to music ministrations?

Too often, an anointed individual is usually thought of as a person that displays excellence in what they do.

A quick judgment to that effect shows that whenever an emotional desire is satisfied it’s easily been mistaken as a spiritual manifestation.

The anointed has a couple of applications from the scripture.

1 John 9:11- when Jesus anointed the blind man’s eyes and told him to get it washed in the pool of Siloam.

2 John 12:3- Jesus feet were anointed by Mary. 

3 Acts 10:38- Jesus was anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power.

I make reference to the anointing that comes from the Holy Ghost and with Power because music for the church is a spiritual exercise that is only effective when one is anointed.

 The essence of the anointing is to break bondages; set captives free during worship moments and provide an atmosphere of hope and healing.

Why do our worship services fall short of these experiences then? Too many music ministers spent a less time in understanding how to flow with the anointing and consequently minister without it. Another reason is that some churches just don’t seem to care they just want to be entertained and get excited. How sad!

Why do some churches put so much emphasis on non-spiritual factors when choosing or inviting a worship minister? I think we need to remind ourselves of what the calling demands.

There is a place of his presence that makes a difference beyond looking good and playing great. It’s called the ANOINTING!

5 ways of handling conflict in a praise team or choir

The other day I was in a cafeteria eating and I overheard some ladies that belong to a gospel choir talking about a member of their choir who performed at a concert, about how they should have done a better job.

Have you ever dealt with a situation where some musicians feel they should be the ones playing instead of the other person? Or where singers feel they should be chosen to lead the praise or sing the solos to a song?

Somehow it creates a tense atmosphere within the praise team or choir though no one wants to speak about it.

What to do!

Clear definition of roles among singers and musicians- Some people have the ability to play several instruments. There should be proper coordination to avoid a situation where people would be moving from one instrument to the other at their own will.

Avoid showing preferences- Everyone should be given equal treatment, it increases the need to commit. Many times inequality in the way people are treated generates strife and envy.

Having good and capable leadership- The leader should be a person that is to a great extent, beyond reproach and should not be part of the problem or conflict.

Unbiased pastoral interference- In handling conflicts, a holistic look at the issue involved would help to create a balanced judgment. Not being quick to point accusing fingers saves a lot of heartaches.

Even distribution of roles among musicians and singers- It adds variety to praise and worship songs when different singers and players are given opportunity to minister.

Praying for one another- most people go through a lot of issues they have not been able to and/or cannot share. Most outward expressions are reflections of the state of our minds.

Conflicts will always try to arise where there are two or more people gathered, primarily because we would differ in ideas and thoughts concerning issues.

A good friend of mine said it better “It does not really matter who leads, the goal is to get the job done good (by the whole team)”. It calls for teamwork!

There is no limit to the effectiveness of our praise and worship when we better understand how to deal with avoidable conflicts.

photo credit: William Doran via photopin cc