Biblical Worship

When I talk with prospective students who feel called to music ministry, I try to give them a realistic view of what it takes to be a music minister.  Those who serve in full time ministry in the area of music and worship wear many hats:

• pastoral minister
• theologian
• worship planner
• worship leader
• conductor of choirs, instrumental groups
• administrator
• media/tech consultant
• musical arranger
• music educator
• cultural analyst

Being a music minister in today’s church calls for a person who is trained not only musically but in many other areas.  Other traits that are needed for this type calling include:

• an active personal faith in Jesus Christ
• a passion to share the Gospel
• a calling and commitment to ministry
• personal integrity
• good relational/people skills
• a diligent work ethic
• emotional maturity
• good music reading skills
• vocal and instrumental skills
• a willingness to teach
• a lifelong learner

These lists can look daunting but it all begins with a call to ministry.  Is the Lord calling you into a full time vocational ministry?  If so, what training are you going to seek to prepare.  I strongly believe an undergraduate degree in music ministry like we offer at Boyce College is the foundational beginning to this training.  I also strongly encourage students to continue their training with a graduate degree at seminary. 

If a student is in high school and feels a call into music/worship ministry, don’t wait until college to start your training.  Here are several suggestions on how to begin in your teen years to prepare for ministry:

• learn to read music now – take private lessons on piano, take music theory at school.
• get involved in music groups in your home church.  If you play an instrument, seek to use it in an ensemble at church.
• if your church has a worship choir or praise team, seek to join these groups and serve.
• if possible get involved in the choral or band program at school.  This will give you some good musical experience.
• seek out a mature worship minister (or your pastor or youth minister) to be your mentor.  Meet for Bible study and prayer.
• be diligent to have a quiet time each day – read your Bible and pray – seek to grow in your walk with the Lord. 

A call to ministry is a call to prepare – begin today.