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Don't Give Up! – In the rapid change in which we are involved, we must not become so overwhelmed that we give up. Too many music ministers pursue other careers because they feel that their skills are no longer relevant.

At times changes in worship and/or music help us to realize that we need to find a place where our ministry can be more effective. A wise teacher felt that you only need one ministry position at a time, so make sure it's the right one.

Personally, I have found that I can stretch much farther than I once thought possible. It is interesting how once we've stretched to a certain point, we are then able to move to the next point. Dealing with change and conflict are key components of ministry. When we become more skilled in these areas, more opportunities for ministry will come our way.

Developing Congregational Singing

Of all the music minister's responsibilities, developing congregational song is the most important, for our calling is first to the entire congregation. Even though many of us love choral or instrumental music and may find great personal joy as performers, our primary mission in the church is to lead in worship through music. Developing congregational song is an increasingly challenging proposition because, while the body of congregational song is growing at an unprecedented pace, the repertoire that is common from Christian to Christian, congregation to congregation, and denomination to denomination is continually shrinking. Individuals have their favorite worship music, which sometimes includes the shared songs of their congregation; however, rarely do churches within the same region and denomination have a broad body of shared song. The output of congregational songs increases at such a rapid rate that attempting to keep up with it can be overwhelming. Hymnic materials are growing as are praise and worship materials, and new genres are always developing. A good step is not to become obsessed with the need to keep up with everything. If a new song has staying power, you'll hear about it. If you are in contact with a variety of people and make a point to visit different types of worship experiences, you'll hear new songs and hymns.