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September 2000 Table of Contents
The Honor of Ministry
By Gerald Ray
Former (Retired) Minister of Music
First Baptist Church, Houston, TX
When a person feels divinely called into the ministry, he or she is never the same again, and a chain of emotions and activities begins that gives a new purpose, direction and desire to serve God in a unique way. Preparation, study and education are important to be effective, but a new sense of service to God begins to develop and grows with each passing opportunity. Most of us remember vividly those first beginnings of commitment and opportunity as we began our careers as ministers of the gospel, whether in recent or far-distant days.
The excitement of beginning our ministry often overshadows the great honor of being chosen and called by the God of the universe to a specific task in life--a task meaning physical work, long hours of study, deep spiritual commitment, and a development of the ability to work with people effectively. But the honor and privilege of our ministry far exceeds the pleasure of position or leadership. It is true satisfaction and joy that comes from pointing people to the Lord Jesus Christ through every means at our disposal creating faith in Him. It may take awhile, but we soon discover that ministry means touching others' lives with your own, and that is where I discovered something wonderful.
After 49 years serving as a church staff member, retirement is a glorious experience. I have had new emotions and insights as I contemplate the future and re-live the past as a minister of music, worship leader, staff member and confidant of people for many years. There were celebrations, accolades and gifts, but the most treasured of these events was receiving hundreds of notes, letters and emails from church members through the years of service in the two churches I had the privilege of serving--one for sixteen and the other for twenty-seven years. Here is the amazing part! Most of them did not rave about the wonderful performances, grand productions, inspiring services, pageants or tours--even though those were important. They didn't even mention my choral technique. The significant theme was centered around "touch." The "cup of water in His name" seemed to be the trigger of heartfelt emotions. They said simple things: "You stopped and spoke to my mother in the hallway," "you came to the funeral of my loved one," "you knew my name," you said this that changed my life," you talked to me when I needed help," "I knew you cared," "I saved the 'Thank-You' note you wrote," "you helped me find God's will," and the most recent email that stemmed from forty years ago--"you paid attention to me--a shy and unlovely little boy"…and so on.
I now realize that every "touch" was ministry, and it is amazing that I do not even remember most of those instances! If I had fully realized this fact during all of those years, I a, sure I would have been even more careful to pay attention in a more personal way and to take time fir the spontaneous opportunities. There has come to me the strong realization that the "good" a person does for the Kingdom is not in excellent church programming, but in touching and changing the hearts of people. This effect spreads like ripples in water through the years. Love does not come from music notes, melodies and scripts, but in a personal touch. Church programs are wonderful, but they rise and fall in size and quality, as do athletic teams and businesses. There are valleys beyond and in between mountain peaks of excellent church work. My dad's advice and last words to me as I left for Seminary were: "Remember that how you treat people is as important as any knowledge you will receive. Love people and they will love you back." And that is ministry.
I was asked recently to lead a conference entitled "Things I Have Learned." I suppose they were asking for wise words from an old man. I studied carefully to pinpoint important lessons that come from experience, and I came up with some thoughts that possibly will help a young minister focus on aspects of life that could affect relationships at church and home. Here are some of them:
First of all, after God, family is the bottom-line after all is said and done! All other human relationships and responsibilities pale to the importance of your family. It is easy to sacrifice your family responsibilities while ministering to the masses. You must work at keeping an exciting home life. Work at parenting and guidance. Take time to enjoy life and have fun. If the past few years are a blur to you, you are working too hard. Perhaps your most important ministry is to your own family.
Improve your skills…People skills are important and need developing. Language, verbal and written skills should always be improving. Your personal appearance is of the utmost importance. Be a thoughtful and considerate leader. You must stay ahead of the crowd in all these areas. You never have the privilege to embarrass anyone--child or adult, and we must mask anger, impatience, selfishness, etc. from our people. No one loves a bully.
Be exceptionally creative, even though you think you are not. It is easy to accept what comes over your desk, but it is more exciting to take material and create your individual interpretation. Surround yourself with creative and hard-working people. Develop specialists from your volunteers. Dream. Your ministry will take on a new excitement if you go the extra mile. I guarantee it!
Go for the heart! We work not with music alone, but with minds and hearts of Christian people who want to be touched. So many of us simply direct the music, but forget about phrasing, interpretation, passion, depth, text, application and inspiration. Music will come alive when you apply these ideas--especially passion!
Laughter is very important! A choir rehearsal without humor and laughter misses the great opportunity for creating love for the task. If I can make you laugh, I can make you cry--they are related. Heart-felt emotion is a treasure, but it does not come easy. Choir members are often fatigued after a long day of work and travel. Laughter erases a lot of that feeling. Develop the skill of providing moments that lift the spirit and help your choir members really enjoy serving in the choir.
Be pure! The woods are full of our friends who have fallen to temptation. Be honest! Tell the truth. Exaggeration of numbers and other facts is actually untruthful. I grew tired of the expression "ministerially speaking," long ago. The actual numbers and facts are impressive in their own right. Protect your integrity for if you lose that, you have lost the respect and love of your people and it will not return.
Love people! It is the joy of Christian service to love our flock! Mix with people, know their names, minister to them in every way, be a friend and have an open-door policy. I have a friend who went to his office every day, closed the door and was not to be disturbed for the rest of the day…so many missed opportunities for teamwork and loving relationships. Be yourself. Imitators are never powerful people. Be confident. Nothing destroys power quicker than self-doubt. Be positive--there are two ways to look at any situation--positively or negatively. Be hopeful. No matter how dark the night there is always a candle burning somewhere. Find the light and keep your eyes fixed upon it. Be outreaching. Don't live unto yourself, or for yourself. When you reach out toward others, it always helps you. Be uplifting. Nearly every person you meet needs to be helped. Think of words you can say to others that will encourage them. It will come back to you!
The best and most important thing I have saved until last: Be faithful to your faith in God. God created all the power of the universe, and when one is in proper relationship with God, power flows into him. Seek a sense of the presence of God in your life. Remain true to your faith and have courage to step down when you no longer believe in what you are doing.
Just before he died, Paul said, "I have finished my course"--that is, the race God gave him to run. Notice he didn't say he had won the race--only that he had completed it. He didn't quit. The effectiveness of our ministry will not be measured in God's eyes by our achievements, but by our faithfulness. The effectiveness of our work with people may easily be measured by the people whose lives have been touched and changed; but down the road of life, the joy that comes from that is immeasurable. May these words be a challenge and guidepost along the way to musicians who have so enthusiastically accepted the call of God to serve effectively in the field of sacred music.
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