What is a church musician? After being in this position for several
years I have come to my own conclusions as to what this title means
and is all about. First let me say that I think a lot of church
musicians make the mistake of using this as a means satisfy their
own needs. A need to be up front, to perform, to show off their
musical talent etc. But being a Christian is all about sacrificing
self. This does not have to be a negative thing and in fact can be
quite rewarding.

Let's look at some scripture about this. In the Bible we are
commanded to "Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with
a loud noise." Psalm 33:3 KJV. In first Samuel we see what a
musician can do for a man tormented. "Let our lord now command
thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is
a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when
the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with
his hand, and thou shalt be well." 1 Samuel 16:16, KJV. You see
as a musician, a church musician, a Christian musician, your job
is to minister. And in order to be able to minister effectively
your heart needs to be in the right place. Not on "Man wait until
people hear these far out chords I've been jamming on!" but more
like, "Praise the Lord. He is worthy. Lord I worship You." I don't
know about you but I would rather hear, "Thank you sister, that
song really ministered to my hurting heart this morning (evening,
afternoon)." Than about how cool I sounded up there on the piano
with that new chord progression. I'm not saying I don't use chord
progressions but I'm saying keep the playing in perspective.

Try playing as unto the Lord sometime. Not for the Lord like
you have yet another adoring audience but as a means of worship.
In the same way you lift your hands and offer praise, lift your
fingers and offer the praise across the piano, guitar strings,
or whatever musical instrument you play.

Okay so a church musician, in my words, is a servant of the
Lord who offers praise through the musical instrument sometimes
in accompaniment to the people. You (we) are actually not
indispensable and the people can still praise and worship the
Lord without you. Sometimes, or many times if you are seeking
guidance to your playing, the Lord can and will use you to
minister unto some of His flock. Praise the Lord!

Article written by K Quinn.