It happens. No matter how much we practice sometimes we make mistakes. It's not like we are professional musicians. I mean, they write their own songs, they arrange their own songs, they record their own songs, they sing their own songs, and then they go out and tour with the songs, they've written, arranged, and recorded. Mistakes? Probably not. But we continue to play and sing different songs each week. And when a new song is added how much time do we really have to practice it? Maybe two weeks if we are really lucky. We might even be able to practice along with an mp3 of the recording, as long as it's in the same key we want to sing it in. (Ever try singing all of Chris Tomlin's song in the original key?) A recording made with all professional musicians, rehearsed and then mushed through a whole series of recording effects before it is allowed to be released to the public.
However, I am not advocating that we not practice, that we not give the Lord our best; that we not work at improving the talent the Lord has given us. I'm just saying that sometimes mistakes happen. And when they do, we tend to beat ourselves down. Especially when it's a team that works hard at playing the best they can, and then one person makes a mistake. We can really feel down, and pretty bummed out. But it's not about us remember? It's not about our doing a great job that will make the people turn towards God. It's not about how well we played that helps people come closer to the Lord. It's about making room for the Holy Spirit to move and letting Him do the job He was sent to do.
Something like that happened here recently. We played our best, but there was a mistake. "What if that mistake made someone think less of our church and not want to come forward?" Right then and there I couldn't think of the answer to that question. (hey, it happens when you get old.) But one of the other players did have an answer for it right then. We have a time right after the service for people to come down to the front if they want to know more about Mountain, we call it MI5 (Mountain In 5 minutes) and other questions they may have about what we believe. We also have counselors up front for people who want to make a commitment to Christ. So he turned to the person posing the question and said, "Look at all the people who came up to MI5." The Holy Spirit was at work and will always be at work when we are presenting the gospel of Christ; when we are presenting this gospel from our hearts.
Mistakes? God knows, God forgives and anyway did He really even hear them?
John
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Blog Archive
About Me
- John
- This site will be used to journal the classes I teach while at TCMI Institute. Pam and I leave every summer to work with TCMI Institute. It's a seminary for students in Eastern and Central Europe that want a master degree in Practical Ministries. TCMI offers MA and MDiv degrees. Pam teaches a Research Methods course for the Institute and I teach a course on The Theology and Practice of Worship. We have been going over and working with the Institute since 2001. This blog will follow my classes as I travel and teach throughout eastern Europe and in Austria, where the Institute is located.
3 comments:
Well said, John! Comments below:
"It's not about our doing a great job that will make the people turn towards God."
I agree entirely. God will use what He wants and how He wants to to draw people to Himself.
"It's not about how well we played that helps people come closer to the Lord."
I agree because I understand the greater point you are making. But, a wonderfully played piece or phrase can inspire.
"It's about making room for the Holy Spirit to move and letting Him do the job He was sent to do."
Well, we can't stop God from doing what He wills. But we can be changed ourselves by making this room for Him as you say. God transforms people -- it's what He does. And that means EVERYBODY--pastors, musicians, lay leaders, etc. And, to the degree as musicians in the worship context we resist being transformed, is the degree of pride and arrogance that will eventually be evident to everyone. Now there's a real hindrance to people that a bad note or two can't touch.
Well said, John! Comments below:
"It's not about our doing a great job that will make the people turn towards God."
I agree entirely. God will use what He wants and how He wants to to draw people to Himself.
"It's not about how well we played that helps people come closer to the Lord."
I agree because I understand the greater point you are making. But, a wonderfully played piece or phrase can inspire.
"It's about making room for the Holy Spirit to move and letting Him do the job He was sent to do."
Well, we can't stop God from doing what He wills. But we can be changed ourselves by making this room for Him as you say. God transforms people -- it's what He does. And that means EVERYBODY--pastors, musicians, lay leaders, etc. And, to the degree as musicians in the worship context we resist being transformed, is the degree of pride and arrogance that will eventually be evident to everyone. Now there's a real hindrance to people that a bad note or two can't touch.
Thank you for your comments. Some great stuff there.
I do agree with your statment about pride and arrogance. Both of those will show their ugly heads, it's just a matter time. And when that happens, I believe it really is more than just a hindrance. It's a major road block to people worshipping.
That's where the heart of the artist comes in. You know someone shoild write a book called "The Heart Of The Artist".... Oh, wait, someone did Rory Noland! He's written two, that one and then he wrote Thriving as an Artist. If anyone hasen't read either one, I would recommend Heart of the Artist first. that's more of a personal look. Thriving, is more of a team approach.
John
Post a Comment