PerusalCopyPreviewOnly

Instruments – Ministers should be familiar with ranges, transpositions, characteristics, and other qualities of orchestral instruments. They should know about guitars, synthesizers, and other instruments associated with popular music. Experience with the pipe organ and piano is also essential.

Children/Youth/Adult – Knowledge of the developmental characteristics of different-aged persons and its applicability to worship and education is vital to good leadership within age-specific groups. This includes such information as comprehension of appropriate vocal development, techniques, literature, and motivational strategies.

Solo Literature – Solo literature used in worship includes instrumental solo repertoire and vocal and keyboard repertoire. While solo literature varies from congregation to congregation, the minister of music should have basic awareness of what is available within different genres. He/she should know where to obtain help when additional resources are needed.

Administration – The minister of music must have administrative skills to manage a music ministry with numerous choirs and additional paid employees. These skills include budgeting, scheduling, and organizing. Generally, the larger the music ministry, the more time the minister of music spends doing administrative tasks.

Philosophy – Philosophy is the study of why we do what we do. Music ministers should have a good grasp of the philosophy of music ministry. If we do not know why we do what we do, we are likely to make poor choices. In an effort to master skills and accomplish tasks, we often overlook this thoughtful and critical phase.

Theory/History – Theory background should include harmony, sight singing, ear training, form, analysis, counterpoint, and other appropriate items. Additionally, music ministers should be literate in various periods of music history and should be able to connect them with the history of congregational song and church history.

Conducting – An effective music minister should be confident conducting choral and instrumental groups of various levels. Gestures should be expressive, easily understood, and appropriate for various musical styles.

Applied Music Skills – Music ministers should have at least one performing area in which they are proficient. They should also have functional keyboard skills and be able to produce a good vocal sound for choral demonstration.

Improvisation – These skills are an asset to any minister of music, especially the ability to do keyboard improvisation.

Vocal Pedagogy – Ministers of music should have a thorough understanding of how the voice works and should be able to provide instruction in individual and group settings.

Ethno-Musicology – Acquaintance with the music of different cultures is helpful for ministers of music, especially in light of the influx of global music now available for the church. In addition, understanding music from different cultures is valuable for understanding popular music and other musical styles used in worship.

Biblical/Theological – A good knowledge of the Bible, theology, and church history is helpful in understanding the church's doctrine, our personal faith journey, and the faith journey of others.

Ministry Skills – Music ministers must be not only musicians but ministers as well. They must understand the dimensions of ministry and be willing and equipped to minister in the lives of people.

Sources for Training

Undergraduate Programs – Many schools have undergraduate programs in church music. These programs are designed to prepare potential ministers for graduate study and/or to launch them into an initial ministry position.

Graduate Programs – Graduate programs are available through seminaries and universities. They are usually specialized and allow the student to major in church music with an emphasis such as organ or voice. These programs usually have a theological component, and they are specifically designed to equip students with skills and knowledge for effective ministry and/or for the pursuit of further study.

Professional Certifications – Professional certifications are sometimes available for church musicians. These may include various certificates through such groups as the American Guild of Organists, Kodaly, and Orff. Some denominations also have certificate programs for completing various course work; however, these programs may be recognized within denominations yet have limited acceptance ecumenically.