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Sep
19
2011
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Posted 142 days ago ago by Doug Lawrence  0 Comments
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2 likes
Only talk about what you’re good at...
I was very naive when I started in church ministry. I was cocky and thought I knew everything about everything because, well...I was sophisticated and world-wise. After-all, when I finished doing what musicians do, people would applaud.
I often felt that pastors only knew about churches, while I—I knew about the larger realities of life. I sometime wondered why they didn’t think I was right about everything, because frankly, their POV was just an opinion. Right? I was wrong—again!
Here’s what pastors know...
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Pastors know how hard the job is. They put up with piles of garbage every week and they are good at putting out fires before they get too big to be mitigated. If they were unsophisticated when they started, they don’t stay that way!
- Pastors have a relatively good grasp of theological fundamentals. They don’t know everything, but they know where to look and what resources are most trustworthy.
- Pastors usually know what to say to families who are grieving. They sometimes try to fix everything, but smart ones shut up and listen, and listen, and listen.
- Pastors have a underlying conviction that they are right. It’s not an arrogant belief, it’s part of the job of telling the “truth” and advocating for the Gospel message.
- Pastors have no sense of time—especially when they’re talking. Their basic assumption is that people enjoy listening to them.
Here’s what church musicians know...
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Church Musicians see themselves as people of global sophistication—mostly because they played a Schubert etude when they were 10. They believe that they are more innovative and clever than the av-er-age bear.
- Church Musicians often feel superior to the pastors they work for, mostly because they are frequently the sole representative of the arts in the church and have to carry that fact like a ungainly mantel. Heavy stuff, that.
- Church Musicians have a good sense of what’s too long. They have become expert at cutting, trimming, hacking, and not repeating endless passages because the piece is just too inappropriately long! [Note: Do they care about altering a legally copy-written work? No, not really.]
- Church Musicians are meticulous presenters. The details are often more important than the object of the exercise. They relish producing “moments,” because they know all about moments.
- Church Musicians love a good debate, because it allows them to demonstrate their artistic temperament. It might be annoying to others, but it sure feels good to them.
Here’s what they need to do to help each other make it work...
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They need to stop trying to prove to each other that they know a lot. Relationships can’t be forged during (or after) a prize fight.
- They need to listen to one another when the expertise needed resides in their counterpart.
- They each need to talk more about what they admire in the other.
- They need to grow up and take responsibility for their mistakes and failures.
- They need to laugh more together, about life, the church, and themselves.
In Closing
When you get down to it, many pastors and their musicians are like oil and water (that’s not always true—thank God). Yet, they are incredibly fortunate to learn from each other and enjoy a mutual ride more precious than gold. Learning to applaud differences is at the heart of a good marriage and Pastors and Church Musicians ought to sit down and talk about them early on in their relationship.
Doug Lawrence, internationally recognized speaker, author, and advisor, helps churches assess and improve their skillfulness in creating engaging worship experiences by utilizing his more than 35 years of "deep trench" worship leadership in prominent mainline churches. has been a consultant to church leaders for 35 years and is anxious to be helpful to you in leadership, musical, and staffing considerations. Or, if you wish, call 650.207.8240 for assessment information and scheduling.
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