Performing vs. "Performing Your Ministry"

By Tom Booth

Most musicians, in any form of music ministry, learn that music in ministry is about service — not anything else. It can be hard. Most of us were "performers" at one time — or still perform from time to time in musicals, concerts, etc. But once we learn to lead people in prayer, to pray ourselves while performing our ministry, it is close to impossible to "go back" to making it about us.

This thought process can be "hair splitting." We need not worry and fret about it. "If God is for us, who can be against?" Our Lord delights in his people. But my point here is a simple one: the liturgy, or a prayer meeting, or a worship service or singing at adoration is no time for personal performance. We have all done it, or at least some of us have. But we are human. We learn and we grow as we go.

The song Heart of Worship (recorded by Matt Maher) says it so well: "I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I made it, cuz' it's all about you, it's all about you, Jesus." Perform? Yes! Perform our ministry, perform our role, and serve the people of God.

Let's all make a concerted effort during Lent to serve especially well, in whatever ministry we are committed to. Let's you and I sing and pray as best we can, and perform our ministry with humility and love. Music is beautiful, but optional! We don't need music to pray, and music that is not played as a prayer is just not that effective. Those who sing, pray twice — and those who sing while praying, pray thrice!