Perspective and Encouragement on Musical Vocation
Sometimes church musicians, whether professional or amateur, get discouraged. We wonder if the time and energy we put in each week matter. We can get burnt out, especially in those seasons of the church year where there are mid-week services, special occasions, and high feast days and the hours of preparation that goes into them.
I was perusing through one of my organ method books, The Concordia Organ Method by John Behnke, and came across the closing section of the book. In “A Final Thought” Behnke succinctly provides encouragement to the church musician:
There are many occupations in life, but there is no greater privilege than to serve in the house of the Lord and to lead God’s people in song.
The music which you play and the attitude which you bring to your music and work are a profession of your faith and a true ministry to the people around you.
Always remember that your calling is a high and noble one and that your labor is never in vain.
With the words of the great poet, Jaraslav Vajda, we can say,
With my talents, skills, and time
realize your will sublime;
let the world around me hear
wisdom, hope and Gospel cheer,
and my love for you remain,
my life’s refrain.
(From his hymn “Spirit, God, Eternal Word”)
Soli Deo Gloria!
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Strange as it may seem, as I was writing this blog post, I received a call of encouragement and thanks from one of the members in my congregation. Today the choir and I (on the organ) introduced the musical portion of Divine Service Setting Four from Lutheran Service Book. He wanted to thank me for the time and planning that went into it.