Why do you call it “Ministry?”
Recently, a friend messaged me after seeing my website. She had liked the music but was curious to the meaning of the term I use “Music Ministry.” After our conversation, I continued thinking about the concept, so I’d like to share some of my thoughts.
I know I will continue to develop this definition as I grow and think, but I believe I have developed a small understanding of the term and its purpose.
Ministry is often used to describe the mission of those in roles as pastor, deacons, or nuns. Aka, Those who serve others for the glory of God. I feel that, while that is an accurate description, ministry is not limited to the category of clergy. We are all called as the Body of Christ, the Living Church, to be disciples or missionaries to those around us. For clergy, that is very direct and through the Church setting.
But I believe mission and ministry is also part of our every day. We are called to mission, or minister if you will, to our coworkers, our clients, our employees. We can mission in our relationships and friendships, our families, our students, our patients, our customers, so on and so on.
However, I believe ministry for musicians is core to our being.
Music is so profound and relates directly to the heart, mind, and soul. Music is in every part of our world and cultures. It is the way we express our rejoice, grief, anger, serenity and everything in between. It is cultural— graduations play Pomp and Circumstance, birthday party goers sing Happy Birthday, and every country has their national anthem. It conveys what cannot be spoken in far more precision and expression than any speech could. That is the beauty of the art; it relates and connects with our very human experience.
Music’s role in ministry is most clearly seen through the Sacrifice of the Mass. I believe that music’s highest glory is seen in its use during the Mass. As a musician, it is an incredible honor to participate in the music for Mass, and it is also a beautifully intimate participation in sharing your gifts for such a holy purpose.
But it is important to note that music ministry is not just limited to the Mass. If music really plays a core part of our human experience, we need to make as much beautiful music as possible! We need to produce music that is good, true, and beautiful and we have a responsibility to share it. I hope that, even in a small way, I can serve in this mission and that is my goal with this website.
Music Ministry is music with the intention and purpose of lifting hearts, minds, and souls to God. Music ministry is different than other music because God works through it in a unique way. He uses this universal language to divinely connect with our human experience and open our hearts to Him. He meets us in music and lifts us up, so that we might share in a small piece of His supernatural joy, comfort, and peace.
In conclusion, I’d like to share a fun song. And with that, let’s talk about Jesus Everywhere We Go.
(Yes I know it’s technically a Christmas Song, but I never get tired of it lol.)