How do YOU Know?

Someone suggested that I discuss how I know I’m called to music ministry. I would like to first apologize for this late entry. I am currently having my computer worked on by a friend whom I believe is working in a calling that God has given him. I plan to use this friend to reinforce my opinion. While I am extremely tired; I will try to write more than a simple one-line answer.

My friend is an extremely intelligent and talented computer engineer. He is probably the most sought after PC company in our county. One day, a lady from our church was seeking someone to donate a website to raise money to purchase a wheel chair accessible van. Not only did this particular friend donate the website, but he came to our church and donated the labor, a lot of the hardware and software, and another website for our church. The “greatness” of my friend’s skills need not be discussed to make this point. Just know that he was helping any churches in our area with these things because he is passionate about it being done and it being done well; and beyond that, being done correctly.

I’ve visited this man’s house and had to leave because he was in some kind of “computer code zone” and could not communicate with me. He knows that this is his calling because it, at times can consume him. He operates effectively in this ministry, correctly and insists that it be done well. These are great qualities to have when operating in a ministry. Even though none of us are perfect, God will see these qualities and improve us to be what we need to be to get the job done where we’re at.

There is no doubt that many people have different responses to the question of how they knew they were “called” to do something. Some say that they saw visions or dreamed dreams. Some say they were prophesied to. I say that it was a natural occurrence in my life.

I know that this may not even be coherent, but I don’t care. It’s too late to go back through this and start erasing and replacing stuff. But I believe one way for people to know they are called to something is the natural manifestation of that ministry in their lives. Please note that Saul was called to be king and it was his qualities that became associated with those that would be king. Then David came with a totally new set of qualities. There is not much of a “standard” set for people being “called” into certain ministries. God needs a willing vessel that will allow Him to equip and qualify them. Just as SSD said, God needs laborers. We shouldn’t feel like God only wants to use certain people in certain ministries. He’ll use whoever will allow Him to use them. Sometimes that willingness can bring a “calling.”

God bless!

Praise Singing

Consider the praise singer; lovely to behold, always sings in tune (or even in harmony), always at church on time (or even a few minutes before the start of service to review the song list with the worship leader). Maybe, just maybe, you’ll be at pre-service prayer. Maybe I’ll be at pre-service prayer. You just never know with some people.

Praise singers are an unheralded, underappreciated, and, all-too-often, under-miked group of folks. Yes, it’s a thankless job being a praise singer. For some it’s simply doing time before reaching the big leagues of being a worship leader. For others, it’s a terminal station in ministry—no ambition to lead worship, or simply lacking the talent, good looks, or opportunity to do so.

Why aren’t there more men that are praise singers? Are they not as lovely to behold? Are they less likely to sing in tune? Are they less likely to be to church on time? Or is it that there are just fewer of them?

How many praise singers should you have? One for every twenty-five members in the congregation? Once you reach that twenty-sixth regular member, time to add another praise singer? Three at fifty-one; four at seventy-six? Or is there some other matrix for calculating the correct number of praise singers of which I am unaware?

What is the reason for praise singers? Are they the “back-up” singers in case the worship leader forgets the words, doesn’t quite know the tune, or is too lost in worship to sing straight?

And what about the congregation that doesn’t utilize a “worship leader” proper, the one with the person behind the keyboard or guitar slung around shoulder where the band is sitting and nobody singing from behind the pulpit? Should you still have a praise singer (or two) even if you don’t have the traditional worship leader?

And people, can I just make a few pleas? Would you please sing in the microphone? So I can hear you? Pretty please? Do I have to ask again? Can you please, please smile? Or at least don’t look like you are suffering or terrified or miserable. And please, wear something nice. No denim.

Yes. I am trying to provoke you. No. I am not really serious on some of the points outlined above. But I would love to hear your thoughts!