Michigan District Council

Each May Senior Pastors bring their non-credentialed worship leader volunteers to our District Council Music Ministers Luncheon. What a great time to make new connections and renew familiar ones. Attendance for the luncheon has been good - of course, we would love to have every worship leader that ministers in the state. I encourage Senior Pastors to help by having their worship leader email me his/her name and email address. We are developing a mass email list which will more efficiently and directly provide worship related information.

Also, District Council offers challenging insights leading to personal and corporate evaluation of ministry. Those who have run the race well have my attention! This year was no exception. Dr. Ed Stetzer spoke of God’s ministry assignments concerning various commissions given by our Lord. He reminded us of one ministry assignment—reach people who are different than we are. This assignment (if approached effectively) will filter through every aspect of church vision... including our worship. Differences are vast on a variety of levels within most local churches, but Dr. Stetzer reinforced something relating to musical style and form that cannot be overlooked— the effective articulation of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and the empty tomb validating it’s effectiveness to wash sinners clean. If there is a place to begin, it must be here. If we fail in our lyrics to articulate why we worship the Lord, are we really facilitating worship? When style becomes a distraction to the message then we need to adjust. Here’s an example. Some cringe at the thought of singing hymns with lyrics obviously from another era to un-churched Teen Challenge members. Is this a style distraction? Why do we run from things that aren’t familiar? Over time these same men and women learn what those words mean. They come to appreciate “Grace, grace, God’s grace; grace that will pardon and cleanse within.” What about using Hillsong United with the elderly in service? There’s room at both ends of the spectrum for accommodation. Adjust, re-arrange if you need to. It will never be easy. Ultimately, it’s all about the message and stylistic balance.


May God richly bless your ministry assignment.


God is good,
Tim Covert


Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship

Change of Pace

Summer is on the way! It’s a season I always enjoy because things settle down a bit for me. For many music ministers this time of year offers opportunity to focus on specific projects. Examples of projects may include: organizing worship music, organizing choir music, working with platform changes, sound related organization, clean up of sound areas, drama storage room organization or lighting issues. The list is endless. Because music ministry’s scope can be large, I try to pick at least one project a summer. I include department leaders in the planning and the project itself. Some areas are continually being dealt with while others may get attention only once a year. The project may or may not be my idea. But the approach is a team effort. The goal is not to make things better just for you, but for everyone.
Also, summer is the time of year when music ministry changes slightly. Beginning in June the choir gets a break. We offer the same ministry provided but in a different format. We subdivide The responsibility of choir ministry is subdivided into various groups such as Women’s Chorus, Youth Ensemble and Mixed Ensemble. We even have a men’s quartet . This arrangement provides a change of pace and works well for those wanting to spend additional time with family over the summer. For those who want to remain involved, there is every opportunity since choir members can be in more than one group. For those who chose to remain involved, one of the ensembles offers reduced preparation and ministry load.
Finally, as outdoor activities become possible, take the time to offer something for the whole family and gather the different groups associated with music ministry. This offers drama members a chance to hang out with choir people and technical people an opportunity to hang out with the dance team, etc. These relaxed events are always a source of great fun.
Summer is a wonderful time for thorough housekeeping, organization and fellowship. A little planning can go a long way. And those in the trenches with you week in and week out will appreciate your considerations in their areas of ministry.


God is good,
Tim Covert

Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship

Your Assignment (If You Choose to Accept It)

District Council offers great insight and challenge that leads to personal and corporate evaluation of ministry. Those who have run the race well have my attention! This year was no exception. In the Thursday morning session Dr. Ed Stetzer spoke of God’s ministry assignments concerning various commissions given by our Lord. He offered revealing insight regarding our assignment. We’re all on assignment. I guess the question from his message begging to be asked was, who’s assignment are you on? We are called to reach people who are different than we are. Music ministry worship style and form will forever be critiqued because of the upfront role it plays. That shouldn’t bother us because every generation will and should have something to say about it. But one factor in every musical style and form that cannot be overlooked in corporate worship is the effective articulation of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and the empty tomb validating it’s effectiveness to wash sinners clean. If we fail in our lyrics to articulate why we worship the Lord, are we really facilitating worship? Is it possible to leave Christ out of a worship service featuring a worship style instead? When style is a distraction to the message then we need to adjust. Facilitating worship for people from different walks of life is challenging. Some cringe at the thought of singing to Teen Challenge members hymns with lyrics obviously from another era in our history (as we do). Is that a style distraction? Who talks like that anymore? But over time these same men learn what those words mean. And they come to appreciate “Grace, grace, God’s grace; grace that will pardon and cleanse within.” There’s room at both ends of the style spectrum for accommodation. Re-package, re-formulate, re-arrange if you need to. Ultimately it’s all about the message.
May God richly bless you on your ministry assignment.

God is good,
Tim Covert


Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship

Somthing To Think About

Each January, after the hustle and bustle of Christmas is over, our church family takes time to focus on the coming year. We gather on a Friday night to seek the face of God - 10pm Friday to 6am Saturday morning. Our night of prayer is broken up into various prayer themes and devotional times. We’re given different options listed on a prayer guide. This year during the devotional time, I began reading “They Walked With the Savior” (Charisma House) by Scott Hagan. It was early in the morning when I read “The Story of the Sinful Worshiper”. We all know this story of the women forgiven of much, shedding tears of thankfulness, lavishly anointing the feet of Jesus with expensive oil and the smug embarrassed Pharisee who watched the scene play out before his very eyes. Hagan writes, “Earnest worship involves both a physical action and a loving intent, both a leaning forward with the body and a reaching out with the soul to touch with both life and lyric the divine magnificence of the Father.” But there’s a disturbing flip side to this scene as Hagan gives his assessment of the Pharisee. He writes, “We don’t worship because we don’t feel forgiven. And we don’t feel forgiven because we don’t feel that we were much of a sinner in the first place. You see mediocre sinners make mediocre worshipers.” Our initial response is “yeah, I know people like that” but the story isn’t about those people. This story reminds each of us that we must be an active participant in worship and not simply an observer, whoever we are and whatever our position in the church.


For the Music Minister or Senior Pastor struggling with concerns about corporate worship, here are a few suggestions I humbly offer.


When was the last time worship was a sermon topic or series?
What does authentic corporate worship look like (what am I comparing too)?
How much tangible preparation have I given to this valuable part of the service?
What possible distractions exist that could be fixed
(wrong style of music for the congregation, music too loud, too soft etc.)?
Who am I investing in to assist in the facilitation of corporate worship?


None of this is easy, I know. It all begins with prayer and brutal honesty. But I can be brutally honest (even with myself) if I know it will help others. The Lord will lead and use me in the process if I remain open and listen to His voice.


God is good!
Tim Covert

Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship

The Gift of Touch

Last year a dear elderly couple could be seen strolling into our church on Sunday mornings using high tech bright colored walkers, smiles on their faces and still in love. But declining health forced them both into a local nursing home. And as time passed, her beloved husband went on to his reward. She was alone without her groom for the first time in many, many years. I sat by the bedside of this dear saint. She recognized me and nodded when I asked if I could pray for her. Taking her hand, I prayed, but when I finished she didn't let go. I sat there for a substantial period of time, just holding her hand. The gift of touch is a powerful thing and I was very moved. This blessed me probably more than I blessed her. Words were not spoken, just one person holding the hand of another. One person in mid-life the other close to the end of her journey on earth. There is something powerful in that I can't explain. The truth is, touch is not always physical. We talk about the presence of God and an ability to touch people with music. I know this touch is just as real. They are both gone now. They worshiped God in our sanctuary as the sounds of modern instrumentation flowing from our sound system at 90dB. Always a smile on their face. Always the encouragers. They are in my heart and I'm certain if anything can be heard from earth by those who have gone on, it's our praise joining theirs.


Make sure music ministry touches people.


God is good,
Tim Covert

Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship

Lighten Up!

Last week my daughter Amy and I were traveling together listening to a message I preached earlier in the week. During the message I started to say one word but realized mid-syllable it was a mistake and ended with a different syllable of a different word. What resulted was unintelligible gibberish. Honestly, I didn't even remember making the mistake until I heard the cd. During the message I moved on without missing a beat, saying what I intended. But when my daughter heard that, she couldn't help herself. She played it over and over and over. And every time she played it, she laughed harder. She kept saying, through her tears of laughter, "wait, wait, here it is". And when I'd say the gibberish we'd start all over again. How humbling. To make matters worse, she recorded it on her cell phone and said she was going to use it as a ring tone. Now that's low! I asked her if she remembered what the sermon was about. She said, "Yeah, I got it last Sunday Dad"! I've personally had a variety of responses to messing up. Laughter is not always one of them. Who can relate? In our church, as we practice the worship sets for services each week, my tendency is to be very focused. The last thing I want is a melt down due to lack of preparation. But when I catch myself getting too serious - I can tell and so can you - I try to stop and force myself to lighten up. You have to. I'm not always successful, but I do know what God's word says, "a merry heart (laughter) is like a good medicine". I've seen very difficult circumstances move forward because someone chose to step out and look at the lighter side of things. Taking the mask off and laughing at ourselves is not always easy, but at the appropriate moment it can be refreshing for everyone. Maybe we should stop and laugh a little more often. My daughter's laughter was contagious. Ours will be too... if we'll allow it.

God is good!
Tim Covert

Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship

How Are You Doing?

I recently read something by Dr. Mark Roberts that struck a chord in my heart. He writes in the July / August 2007 issue of Worship Leader magazine, "...if I had to isolate one thing that is most important for all worship leaders, it would be tending to our souls. Nothing matters more for our worship leadership than the quality of our relationship with God." There is an unseen wrestling each minister faces. Forces are identified by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians Chapter 6 capable of effecting our personal and professional life. Romans 12:2 tells us how to overcome. The New Living Translation reads this way, "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you which is good and pleasing and perfect." God desires a continual pursuit of His transforming renewal. The result is personal and professional stability. How are you doing with this? It's not difficult to lose our bearings and get consumed with tasks. We all have long prioritized to-do lists. Time is limited and results are neccessary. But, nothing takes the place of stable God-inspired leadership. Stay healthy, minister well.


God is good,
Tim Covert

Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship

Raise Them Up

Every once in a while my wife tells me I have "man eyes". She is from the south so this phrase is not to be confused with the sandwich spread. What she means is, I have the ability to look directly at something and not see it! I think that's a man trait. I have this problem when I'm trying to find my keys... in her purse. Of course everyone does this occasionally I hope. Yeah, I'm going somewhere with this. I can say with all confidence, someone could have looked right at me when I was 20 and completely overlooked the undeveloped potential God had placed in my life. But thank God there were those who didn't - my wife being the primary visionary. Pastor's be on the look out. There is probably undeveloped talent right under your nose. I say this to those currently searching for musicians in pursuit of developing worship within the local church. If your church cannot pay for a full time worship leader then what about raising someone up? Give a kid an encouraging word and you will have a friend. Give him or her a guitar and you may have given someone a past time. But give someone a guitar and train this person... you may end up with a worship leader. Who will you invest in? Who will you train? You say, "if I knew about music I'd lead myself". That may not be necessary. I was talking with someone recently who told me, they would be very interested in training someone to lead worship within the local church. This gives me hope that there are options in all this that have gone untapped. The Lord will help us connect people with needs. I believe that.

Hang in there!
Tim Covert

Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship

Little Things Can Mean Alot

There's probably not a successful organization anywhere that wouldn't agree, attention to detail is not only an acquired skill, but a very necessary one as well. It's usually many small details that make up the bigger picture of accomplishment. Part of the job description of a music minister includes becoming an observer of people and surroundings - NOT just during the worship portion of the service. We must become aware of our surroundings physically, personally, socially, spiritually, in every way possible. If we can't see what's going on and we're not trained to even look, how can we serve anyone properly? Being locked into the idea that we exist for the purpose of "doing" the vision exclusively is a questionable path. The powers of observation are also necessary. "Seeing" the vision through is absolutely necessary. What is going on in the hearts and minds of people with respect to the vision? For those convinced that effective ministry is what happens during the up front time, a rude awakening is coming your way with a full head of steam. A tremendous amount of work goes into every up front time which seems to transpire without a hitch. Looking to get by with the minimum is not a mind set the servant of God should snuggle up to. Generally speaking success is not associated with this kind of thinking. Because one small overlooked detail can trip us up. Over time, skills are honed and the awareness of our surroundings becomes more obvious. But not at first. Learn to look around you! Be prepared to see, learn to be accountable for, and teach what must be done behind the scene for ministry to be effective. Save yourself and others from unnecessary trouble. Do these things well and God will increase your effectiveness.

Tim Covert

Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship

Just Worship

As the snow disappears and spring begins to sneak up on the northern United States, it's amazing how quickly this transition takes place. October and April are very transitional months in Michigan. It's possible to experience snow in April and jump from a boat into 72 degree water on a Michigan inland lake the next month! I did that last year. Transition happens faster than we care to admit, particularly with respect to music personnel. One year two qualified bass guitarists rotate on the worship team, the next, no one is available to play. Fill in the variation of transitional blanks for your church. Worship leaders scratch their heads and wonder, what happened? How can "this" or "that" be played without a bass? I can't say my overall ministry focus has changed dramatically over the course of the last 9 years I've been a music minister, but I can say my understanding of how to accomplish goals and approach frustrating circumstances has been enlightened over that period of time. Whether going from feast to famine, or the other way around, seemingly overnight, certain constants become wonderful friends. For those of you who feel like you've been in a famine camping on Mount Everest for the last few years, it's time to get a new perspective! First of all, every church goes through cycles - people move, things change, transition happens. You're not alone. Work through, and continue to work through, and continue to work through your transition with this thought. Psalm 22:3; "Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel." (NLT) One thing is constant in all of this - the biblical mandate to worship and the corresponding promise that God inhabits the praise of His people. That's an open ended promise. We worship, God says He'll show up to do what He wants to do, with or without a bass. Praise God! I read recently in Tom Kraeuter's book "The Worship Leader's Handbook" (published 1997 by Emerald Books) of a worship leader who was concerned about the fullness of sound his/her worship band was able to develop. More information is available than ever before, enabling us to experience through CD and DVD what others are doing in the area of worship. Naturally, what sounds good is something others desire to pursue, like this concerned worship leader. Music ministers make what seem to be legitimate comparisons on a never ending struggle to develop "the full sound". You're not alone in that pursuit. The obvious concern is that no matter what a church sounds like musically, it's hard (on a very modest budget) for any church to develop "the full sound" of very experienced worship musicians ministering through a multi-million dollar sound system. And this can be discouraging. I by no means roll over and stop trying to improve! Don't misunderstand what's being said. However, Music Ministers must be careful they don't let themselves become discouraged or allow their focus to stray from the mandate that comes from scripture - to facilitate worship first and foremost. Then, it's possible to develop people and improve sound as time goes on. The good news is, that's possible. Make sure worship is happening first, then figure out the most effect use of funds (if available) and use them to make the best noticeable improvements possible. Next, who can improve on dedicated unified musicians providing the best they can offer to God in their local church? Unselfish, motivated, unified worship team players are able to accomplish much with little. These are attributes that should describe every worship team. The question is not, who is better (comparing worship bands or programs), but, are we facilitating worship? What do you think?

Tim Covert

Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship

Patiently building, and thankful!

It's been several months since my last post. It's good to be back. I mentioned last time that our church experienced a fire - that was last November. Slowly, repairs continue to be made. Even though the flames were contained in one classroom, smoke traveled room to room through ductword and caused a tremendous amount of damage, displacing Sunday School, Children's Ministry and Youth Ministry. Ouch! In the first month following the fire, restoration crews worked to identify, inventory and box what could be cleaned and salvaged. The inventory list was very long, compiled in a spiral bound notebook and dropped on the Christian Education director's desk - almost crushing it! Boxes of salvaged "stuff" were stacked in containers located on our property. We have to call someone to find something. The whole thing is rather inconvenient. Ha! I'm sure when the restoration is complete, there will be many happy people. Some have lost more than others. It's interesting that appreciation is directly proportional to loss. Unfortunately, we often fail to appreciate the value of something until it is lost. Things can be replaced. Yeah, I'm going somewhere with this. Things are most easily replaced. Relationships on the other hand, our most valueable of possesions, are often taken for granted. As we move further into 2007, don't forget to show your appreciation for your loved ones. And for those you work with closely. Praise God for that worship drummer who has a tough time locking in rhythmically with the worship band. Although it's very annoying, your patience will pay off in the long run. Praise God for the worship musician challenged by new musical styles you've selected. Your patience and empowerment will reap results for the future if you continue to empower and believe in people. There's a price to be paid now for what will be good later. Praise God for an occasional fizzled dream or goal - we'll regroup, rebuild. Do that together.... patiently building, and thankful.

Tim Covert

Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship

Fire In The House

The church fire alarm had been triggered by a loss of power when new construction was taking place across the street, not because of a real fire. When we walked in the building last week, the sound was recognizable but this time the hallways were filled with smoke. Not a pleasant scenario as you can only imagine. Thankfully the fire department arrived quickly, located the fire and put it out. We are very grateful. It could have been much worse. Something like this provides an opportunity to pause and consider questions like, what if my office went up in flames? Do I have off site backup copies of my most important computer files? Do I have an off site inventory list of personal office items (books, equipment etc.) for insurance purposes? And what about contingiency plans for all the ministries to function? Good questions! Even though our drama room was on the same floor as the fire, most of the wardrobe was in closed cabinets or Rubbermaid containers. We were fortunate that all we sustained was minor smoke damage to some of our costuming. This could have been really unfortunate so close to Christmas. For the church in general, most of the damage was localized and from smoke. Still, cleanup and repair will take between two and three months. It's easy to assume the tools for ministry will just be there for us. Most of the time they are. But when they're not, big time adjustments have to be made. It doesn't hurt to think about what you would do if something like this happened to your place of ministry. Maybe some preplanning could save you a big headache later. These things are never easy. We were fortunate.
God is good all the time. I think I'll get started on that inventory list.

Tim Covert

Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship

Worship Volume

If you've ever asked for an opinion regarding Sunday morning corporate worship sound levels, you're familiar with the vast array of statements. Some think it's too loud when the sound isn't even on, while others find it's not loud enough at 100dB. Who decides? This can be tricky. We've come to the conclusion that everyone cannot be pleased. Still, creating an acceptable atmosphere of worship for as many as possible should be our goal. Rick Munchow is the Worship Pastor for Pastor Rick Warren at Saddleback Church. In his book titled, "The Worship Answer Book" he states, "the music is too loud when the volume distracts from worship". We often say the job of a worship musician is to play so skillfully the team can get out of the way. We're facilitators of worship not the focus of worship. God alone is the focus of our worship. Further, Munchow states, "the music is too loud when it is no longer musical." High volume levels, no matter how wonderful the musicianship, is distracting. And finally, the music is too loud when it causes hearing loss. Now all of these may be open to interpretation as well. However, we have attempted to standardize our sound. The purchase of a decibel meter (found at any local Radio Shack) is invaluable. For Saddleback Church, the maximum volume limit is 96 decibels. We run the bulk of our sound at 90dB, however our spikes will go up to 96dB I'm sure. Without a meter there is no way of knowing. Our readings are taken at the most focused point of our speakers. For us that's 3 or 4 rows back from the front. This will require some to sit further away from the speakers than others. Most people will be accommodating. Remember to account for bodies that soak up sound. When our sanctuary is empty, the same place of measurement will read a higher dB level because there are no bodies to soak up the sound. This makes a difference in our less attended early service.

God bless your efforts.
Tim Covert

Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship

Bring Me A Harpist!

Thankfully we've come to a common understanding as Christians that worship is not simply singing familiar Christian lyrics to music so we can move on to the important stuff. Last Wednesday night, our Senior Pastor read a passage of scripture that jumped off the page as he told the story of Elisha in 2 Kings 3. Without consulting God, the kings of Judah, Israel and Edom decided to wage a preemptive strike on the hostile neighboring nation of Moab. When the plan goes bad for their armies they decide to find a prophet to help them. Elisha was sought out. Initially, he was of the opinion that they put themselves at risk so they should get themselves out. But for the sake of King Jehoshaphat, Elisha says.... "bring me a harpist." I'm sure that wasn't what the kings expected to hear. They no doubt were looking for some slick military strategy or outright miracle. But Elisha said, bring me a harpist. Who knows how long that took! Where is a good harpist when you're looking for one? The scripture says, "While the harpist was playing, the hand of the Lord came upon Elisha." Elisha received a word from God for them. And it was a very good word indeed! So good in fact, they ended up winning the battle. Certainly the combination of worship, music and preaching is nothing new in scripture. When Elisha needed to focus on God's voice, he didn't call for a great philosopher to talk to him or a craftsman to build something. He called for a worship musician. When musicians stand before God in corporate worship, they should not underestimate their role. They are to come prepared and at their best. Because during times of corporate worship, God speaks to individuals. He may choose to give a much needed word to a pastor seeking direction for his / her church. This word may in turn effect your city, or even the nation. Jack Hayford writes, "Worship in spirit and truth involves the total human being - spirit, mind, emotions and body." And it is reflected in the total human being as well. The result of worship in spirit and in truth is intended to go beyond the individual. Who knows what effect this coming Sunday's corporate worship will have on your church and beyond?

God bless,

Tim Covert

Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship

Transition

Like someone has said, "the only constant in life is change". If you stay at any church long enough, change in instrumental worship personnel will eventually occur. As a worship leader it's great when a worship band has been together for a long time. Musicians become comfortable with one another. They communicate without even thinking about it. And yet, to think this will always be is unrealistic. Preplanning for an inevitable season of change is valueable on two levels. It allows young musicians an opportunity to develop as God leads them and seasoned musicians teach them. And eventually it will provide choices when there is an opening. God staffs His church very well. It's important to remember, none of us are indispensable. Those who invest in the young today will see results in the future as musicians excited about involving themselves in God's work are given a chance to become part of the team. Longevity has it's advantages. Certainly, prayer is key in this process. Worship bands were never intended to be exclusive groups. Sometimes our bench is deep. At other times it isn't. But, we've learned to be patient, thankful and use what we do have effectively. Hang in there. God will provide the right match.

Tim Covert

Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship

Time for a Vacation?

The year is half over. Can you believe it? I'm currently getting my ducks in a row for vacation, scratching mosquito bites from last weekend, and listening to Christmas choir preview music of course. Yeah the planning never ends. I do like summer. I've wondered like you, "Did Jesus take a vacation?" Did he tell his disciples, "Okay Peter, why don't you take the second week in July, and John, you take the third"? All of us deal with an undeniable level of stress and need opportunity to let it drain. Sometimes it's more work organizing for vacation than it is to stay home. But I encourage you to get out of town anyway. Get away! At least a week. Do it, your brain will thank you later. And so will your family. Oh, and the volunteers you work with need time off too. Plan for their absence as much as you can. The ministry doesn't have to suffer if you plan enough in advance. I've learned that I'm replaceable. That's not a license to be slothful. I work hard and consider myself a valuable team player. But I also know, that if I died tomorrow, someone would quickly fill my place. I'm replaceable and so are you. But our health isn't. And our role as either father or mother, grandfather or grandmother isn't replaceable. Stress has a way of fighting our efficiency and our physical bodies. Plan your work well and likewise plan your rest well. You deserve it. Even Jesus took time to get away. Stay with us a little longer.

God bless,

Tim Covert

Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship

Music Ministry

Last week I had an opportunity to speak with a wonderful group of individuals. Each person will eventually receive ministerial credentials. And most of them will have the honor of leading God's people in music ministry. We began with the minister's personal relationship with God and continued covering specifics about music practicalities. Their curiosity was very familiar. I remember giving my life to God's service standing on that same precipice wondering, "What will ministry be like?" and, "Am I up to this challenge"? My first official position was in youth ministry. Soon after I was hired I was given advice by my Senior Pastor during a staff meeting that has stood the test of time. He stressed, any associate pastor is a minister (servant of the people) first and specialist second. Only after stepping into ministry does the reality of the statement hit home. Another way of saying this is, music is a seperate issue from ministry. Education is a separate issue from ministry and right on down the list. Before you scream sacrilege, understand what I'm saying. As far as music is concerned, modulations, key signatures and song selections are incredibly important. But there is also a long list of ministry issues concerning organization, how the congregation will be treated, etc. that cannot be ignored. Guided by the Senior Pastor's philosophy of ministry, music is married with ministry to support worship in the local church. Education is married with ministry to build the saints, and so on. Understanding music with little concern for true ministry is an invitation to disaster. And likewise, so is ministry that has little concern for music as it relates to worship. The Senior Pastor's philosophy of ministry is an incredibly valuable and necessary guide in the process of joining these two elements into something that facilitates worship in the local church. A Minister of Music is first a minister (servant) and then a specialist. And those truly called of God will work on understanding both.
May God bless your understanding and your efforts.

Tim Covert

Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship

Our Highest Calling

Most associate pastors have portfolios that include their main responsibility and various additional tasks, I am no different. Office hours are valuable and necessary. It is no secret they're used to organize and create a conducive environment for others to succeed in ministry leading us to our greatest joy, being with people. Ultimately, the calling of music minister is intended to be an influence on more than one level. Your input must go beyond back ground vocals, the sound of the drums or driving modulations. Creating a worship band that can flow and connect with a congregation is a necessary function in any church. It is not however the only function as Lin Sexton, the Director of Worship Arts at a church in Modesto, California writes in a recent article. Her specialty is drama, but her comments could just as well translate to worship teams or special singers. She comments, "At times, I've been tempted to give roles to performers with great talent, yet who I know struggle with spiritual immaturity, pride, wrong motives or jealousy. It's my duty to watch their responses when they are not put in the game. Then, it's my job to shepherd these sheep in a way that offers them a clear path to maturity, lovingly helping them identify and evict the idols of performance and pride they may have never recognized, but that can be seen through the spiritual eyes of believers. It can be done." The goal of empowering people is a humbling endeavor. This is not easy for anyone. Caring for people is an act of self sacrifice. Unpopular decisions will be made and possibly misunderstood. That's why the dimension of relationship is invaluable. This is something Jesus requires for everyones benefit. Lin Sexton continues, "It's my responsibility to disciple artists through the very act of creating art. And there is no better place to do that than within a biblical community." Amen

Tim Covert

Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship

Mentors

I am continually humbled as I witness leadership on a level above where I am currently operating. Like it or not, there is always a level above. Maybe there's something to be said about the ability to recognize this. Good leadership demands of the leader the ability to see yourself honestly, accurately and clearly. Recently I went fishing on one of Michigan's pristine rivers. April is a great month for steelhead fishing and this became my focus with my very good friend Mark. We did something a little different this spring. We hired... a guide. Since we already know how to catch these fish, our objective for the day was not to catch great numbers, but to learn how to more effectively catch fish. And we learned some valuable lessons. So it is in leadership and ministry. There's an art to effectively encouraging and leading God's people. It is learned over time and requires power of observation and the utmost patience with yourself and others. There is much to learn from valuable guides. As a music pastor the position of facilitating someone elses vision has always intrigued me. For those with the alpha male complex, always having to be out front, the man with the answer, you will expend alot of energy. Your life in ministry will become wearisome over time. Watch and learn. James tells us we must be "...quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." James 1:19-20 Things happen more effectively when the load is distributed, Jethro taught us that in Exodus. His words ring in our ears when he said (with great concern for Moses), "Why are you trying to do all this alone ?..." If your response is "because I'm the only one with a good answer" look out! I have spent the last 10 years building a team simply for worship and drama. Wow have 10 years really slipped by? But as I look over the landscape, much has been accomplished glory to God! The valuable input of those I trust litters the landscape and has helped develop the place we stand in today. We have a long way to go as well. But in all of it, I carefully view my life in terms of God's word, His call, and wonderful examples I see around me. Keep your eyes open and lead on!

Tim Covert

Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship

Resource Materials

Recently, I picked up a DVD I hadn't looked at in a while. It wasn't long after that, an intern came bouncing into my office wondering if I had anything he could use to help the youth worship band. Do I? I believe in empowering the next generation and helping them thrive in their giftings. Here's one way of making an investment in the future. If you haven't looked at leadworship.com you need to check it out. Paul Baloche does an incredible job of "showing" people the elements of a good worship set in the DVD "Leading Worship: Creating Flow". Additionally, another DVD "Music Styles" breaks down several styles part by part. The idea of every instrument in it's rightful place, and less is more can easily be understood through this demonstration. Certainly Paul Baloche has gained the respect of those involved in worship through his gift of song writing and relaxed confidence as a worship leader / guitarist. Now you may not be able to do all that Paul does, but his DVD's are worth taking a look. He all about teaching. If you're going to spend money on an instructional DVD, you should consider starting there.

Tim Covert

Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship