What Do You Do When The Congregation Isn't Responding?

We have all found ourselves in a season when it seems we step on the platform and attempt to usher our congregation into the presence of the Lord -- and nothing happens.  How frustrating this can be!   Yet we all find ourselves in this familiar place sooner or later.

The below is a short illustration from an acquaintance of mine who is also involved in music ministry.  I believe you will find it most informative and a blessing too.

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I’m a behind the scenes guy at my church. A lot of what I do shows up in the finished product that is presented on Sunday morning, but I seldom come to the front myself.  But there was this worship medley by William McDowell that I wanted the praise team to sing, and I kinda knew even before I presented it to them that I’d be asked to sing it. His voice is similar to my own so it only made sense.
So I teach the song and everything goes well. Sunday comes and we present it. I begin leading the song and right away I notice only a small handful of the audience seems to be into it at all. Only 3 or 4 or standing, maybe another few that I can see actually closing their eyes and making an attempt to worship. That’s the downside to singing with your eyes open, unfortunately. Sometimes you can “see too much” and discourage yourself.

So we continued to move through the medley and everything went well, but I was discouraged. I had people come up to me and say they enjoyed it, but I personally didn’t feel good about it. I blamed much of it on the audience, and the rest on myself. You see we used to be one of those churches who had “testimony service”. We did it for many years-most of my life, really. So even though we’ve had a praise team for several years now, many of our older saints just don’t “get it”. “We don’t know how to worship”, I told one of the young ministers who was encouraging me.

Then there was me. See I've always had this inward battle about my own singing and whether it’s “hype enough” or “exciting enough”. I struggle with thoughts that my singing is “too calm” or “too boring”.  It didn’t help that our regular worship leader is a powerful anointed singer and woman of God that just electrifies the service every time she sings.

So, overall just not especially having enjoyed the experience, imagine how I felt when our worship leader sends me a text saying she wants me to do it again the following Sunday. I hemmed and hawwed and stated my case, but in the end I promised I’d be obedient. So I’m sitting there on the keyboard that Sunday playing and she’s going forth with the praise team. And just when I’m convinced the spirit is leading her another way she stops down and asks me to come up.
Any time I get up to do something I try to prepare myself mentally and spiritually so I’m in the right frame of mind and I have the right attitude. I just won’t get up in front of people with a negative spirit, I don’t care how I feel personally about what I’m about to do. I call it my 5 Second Rule Of Music Ministry.  So in the few seconds it takes me to get up to the stage I decided that this time I’d do two things. I’d make more of an effort to go deeper into the songs emotionally myself. To make sure I’m actually worshiping, lifting my hands, closing my eyes and talking to God.

But then the second thing I decided to do was to do a better job leading, encouraging and guiding the audience in worship. So right away when I took the microphone this time I began to just talk to them about worship, encouraging them to surrender all they had been through that day, even the previous week. I began to explain to them that worship isn’t something that “happens to you”, it’s something that you do.  I began to sing, this time moving my hands more, lifting them more, talking to the audience more. This time the atmosphere was different. There were many more people worshiping. Many more standing, lifting their hands. Many more who were seated were doing the same thing. The atmosphere was filled with a spirit of worship. Even when the pastor came up, which was much later, the praise and worship portion of the service was still on his mind. He began to talk about the songs we sang and the kind of worship we offered, referring to it as a “slow rain”. In fact I ended up going back into a portion of it again by his request.

So now, thinking back on it I realize that it wasn’t necessarily the audience that had the problem the first time, it was me. It wasn’t them that needed to surrender, it was me. It wasn’t them that wasn’t worshiping, it was me that wasn’t. I learned that day something I really already knew. Something I’ve said to others before. Simply, that when you stand before God’s people you have to give God your best. It has to come from a pure place that isn’t influenced or affected by what the audience is doing- or not doing.

Because the truth is even in the second performance of the medley there were still people who weren’t really into it at all. And there always will be, in every performance; for all of us. But the solution is not to simply keep our eyes tightly closed for the entire thing and ignore the audience entirely. The solution is to sing from the purest place you can, giving God the best praise or worship you can. Connect with and focus on those who are with you and being blessed. Avoid focusing your attention on those who don’t seem to be interested, and don’t take it personally. Doing so could cause you to miss being a blessing to someone else. Or worse yet, miss being blessed yourself.

Why Should We Worship Jesus?

Greetings to all my friends in blogland!  Today I am very excited to kick off the first in a five-part series titled, "Why Should We Worship Jesus?"  Last month it came to me that as participants in various types of music ministries, we often use the word worship interchangeably with other terms.  For example, worship service, worship music, a time of worship, etc.  But exactly why should we worship Jesus?  And how does worship affect each of our respective ministries?  Come along with me as we explore worship and how it is vital to our calling.

Why Should We Worship Jesus?  (Part 1)  by Nathan Kesler

What Worship Is Not

We will define what worship is but we must first define what worship is not.  This is because there is a tendency among some Christians to define worship too narrowly and thereby overlook the fullness of what worship is according to scripture.  First, worship is not something solely by Christians or "spiritual" people.  Rather, because everyone was made to worship God, everyone is in fact a worshiper whether or not he or she has any religious or spiritual devotion.

Second, worship is not merely a style of music.  In conversation I often classify Christian music by genre.  For example, I refer to albums by Hillsong as 'contemporary praise and worship', an album by Selah as 'traditional praise and worship', a Gaither Homecoming album as 'southern gospel' and a Ricky Dillard album as 'black gospel'.  But in reality a song from any genre of Christian music is essentially worship music - only arranged and presented in different venues and contexts.  If you have been involved in church ministry for any length of time you undoubtedly have witnessed spirited debates between those promoting one style of Christian music over another, usually in the context of corporate singing.  Sadly, such conflicts can reduce the concept of worship to little more than a style of music or preferred kinds of instrumental accompaniment.  When the Bible speaks of worship, it does include God's people gathering to sing praises to God (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16), but worship is also something much bigger than simply singing or musical tastes.


Third, worship is not something that is connected to a time and place.  In John chapter four there is a discussion between Jesus and a woman who is uncertain of where and when worship is to occur.  Jesus responds to her by stating that worship is an ongoing, unbroken life of communion with God empowered by the Holy Ghost and informed by the truth.  Therefore, while worship does happen in specific places at specific times, such as Sunday services at a church building, worship is not limited to any time or place.  Rather, worship is to exist as a ceaseless lifestyle of God's people in every time and every place.



Fourth, worship is not something that starts and stops.  Church worship services may start and stop but the worshipful life of a Christian is to continue unceasingly.  As has been said, if you will not worship God seven days a week, you do not worship Him one day a week.

Stay tuned for my next post in this series.  Now that we have discussed what worship is not we will discuss what worship is.

Hello to all my music ministry friends and acquaintances.  First I would like to apologize for my lengthy absence since my last post.  Truly I have been through a season of difficulty, self-examination and change (with the help of the Lord).  I would like to echo Paul as stated in Philippians 3:13-14:  "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (KJV).

Today I would like to touch on the passion we all share as Christians who have been called to some aspect of music ministry - whether it be vocal, instrumental or the leadership of such ministry.  Ephesians 4:1-3 is my focus for today and it reads:  Verse 1: "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, Verse 2: with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love."  (KJV).

For the sake of this discussion let us consider our respective music ministries as the spiritual vocation we have been called to in this text.  Ephesians 4:1 in the NIV says, "As a prisoner of the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."  If Paul had not thought it important for us to walk worthy he would not have appealed to us in this manner.  In verse two Paul proposes we do this by exercising lowliness, meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love - endeavoring to keep unity and peace.

In other words, by being humble, gentle, patient, understanding and peaceful.  We could fill volumes discussing applications of these precepts as they pertain to our lives and our music ministry callings.  For today though let us turn our focus inward and examine the application of the aforementioned attributes as they pertain to service within the walls of our churches.

Ask yourself these questions:  When I attend a music/vocal rehearsal what is my demeanor?  Do I strive to create a positive, joyful atmosphere? Do I give my team the impression I know it all?  Do I come across as a microphone hog?  Would others feel my instrument/voice is usually louder and overbearing as compared to the others?  Do I end up singing the majority of song solos?  And ultimately if I wasn't a leader in my department would I desire to serve someone just like me?

I will be the first to admit during the past twenty-two years of involvement in church music ministry I have been guilty of such behavior at times.  Thankfully the Lord has taught me maturity over time and allowed me to minister in a variety of denominal settings and culturally diverse venues.

Ask yourself: Prior to ministering in church services do I spend time in prayer and spiritual meditation?  Is my mind focused and determined to enter into the presence of a holy God by offering my sacrifice of praise and worship?  For that matter, what is my motive behind taking a place behind an instrument/mic?  Do I give less effort if I am ministering before a congregation of ten people or ten thousand?  And ultimately am I living a life worthy of this musical calling He has placed in my heart?

Once we have examined ourselves let us humbly bring these questions of personal introspection to our church's music departments.  Encourage each member of your music department to examine themselves and to be accountable to Jesus.  Finally, allow Jesus to continue being the center of our music ministries.  As the Colorado Mass Choir titled an album, "God Gets the Glory".

Don't lose sight of your department's role in the grand scheme of things

Hello, the title of this post is a little different... It may even seem contradictory.  But in a few minutes you will understand where I am coming from in this post. 

Yesterday I sat down with an older gentleman in my office to complete a business transaction.  In casual conversation I learned he was a Christian and he told me which church he and his wife attend in Houston, TX.  He was very animated and excited about his church and I complimented him on this.  I always feel it important to convey to others your enthusiasm for your church; this is often the first step in that person wanting to know more about your church.  After all if you are excited about going there, your excitement ignites curiosity in their minds to know more.

I continued to discuss this gentleman's church building project, size of the congregation (around two thousand), and many other facets of this work.  When I questioned him about his church's music program he explained they only sing acapella and there aren't any instruments utilized in his church.  I am familiar with Christian organizations that do not use music in their services so this was not a shock to me.  However I was surprised when I asked him their service times.  He very happily let me know that his church conducts services seven days per week!  I asked him more about this and he explained that in the early church services were held around the clock and sometimes spontaneously - and his congregation feels that by conducting services every day of the week, all members have ample opportunity to be in services.  I could only agree to that. 

What's the point of me relating this account to you?  Here is what I realized and what I've been thinking about the past day or two: this man's church is well-attended, is a huge organization with churches in numerous countries, and does not utilize music in their services.  Furthermore they hold services seven days per week.  If this man is very excited about his church and is inviting others, maybe us musicians/singers/worship leaders need to step back and realize that not every one of our Sundays must be 'perfect' from a musical standpoint.  I know there is a habit to get pulled into the performance mindset for Sunday or midweek services - after all, we only provide much music for one or two services per week and we want everyone in the congregation to feel God's spirit and respond to the Holy Ghost.  So we have a tendency sometimes to over think each worship service, each song, every aspect of every service.  When you compare all the music we provide for each of our services vs. the Christian who attends a church with no music or very little, and you still see that Christian growing in Biblical knowledge and understanding, you are forced to realize that as minstrels/worship leaders we just need to focus on ushering in the presence of the Lord into our services -- and not be over focused on who sings the verses to this song, or which pianist is playing for this song....  

Please understand I am not advocating sloppiness or a lazy approach to our ministry -- only reminding you to realize that God doesn't *need* any one of us to accomplish his work -- we only are allowed to assist in ushering the presence of God into our services.  And since this is the case, why be preoccupied with having a perfect studio sound when we should be worshipping and praising God with our whole hearts (not our performance facades) as we sing?  After all, God inhabits the praises of His people - let's set the atmosphere for God to show up!  Let us refocus on what is important when we minister to our congregations.

Moving My Music Department Forward - Musician / Vocalist Helps

Hello to all my friends out in blogland!  Just this past Sunday I called a meeting with my musicians and talked over several things that I feel we could benefit from working on.  I believe reading what I am dealing with may benefit you and your approach to your musicians.  Or if you are a musician it may give you pause to think about how you interact with the other musicians in your music department.

Here are the topics I covered in this meeting:

1.  Musicians - if a singer(s) begin singing in a service and you do not know the song, there is nothing wrong with not playing your instrument during that song.  What we were experiencing was well-intentioned musicians jumping in on songs they did not know, and inadvertently creating more musical chaos than positive contribution.  Now I do not say this in a negative way, as my musicians all have good intentions (I have a great group I am privileged to work with) and only try to help by supporting the singer(s) with their instrument.  However my message to them was this: if you don't know the song, don't play.  The only exception I distinguish is the drummer (if your drummer is proficient enough it really helps most songs to have tempo and percussion involved) and the keyboarder (that is me in my department).  So in my case I was talking to the bass player, electric guitar player, and saxophonist.

2.  Each drummer has an assigned service to play - do not pressure the other drummers to play if it's not your service - this may sound elementary but I deal with young and zealous drummers (I have three of them) and many times they feel the need to play the drums at all times.   :0)    To solve this situation I have assigned each drummer a service they are the main drummer for.  The only reason a drummer should be playing in a service that's not 'theirs' is if the designated drummer for that service is either absent or praying at the altar.

3.  Each musician should be attempting to improve theirself outside of church services - I am working with my bass guitar player to locate an instructor to give him music lessons now.  I encouraged my drummers to ask around for someone they may learn from in our community, and I myself have been talking to some musicians from a local church to identify someone I may learn from.  Many church musicians make the mistake of thinking they only need to study their instrument during church services.  This is fundamentally wrong; does a politician only practice giving speeches while behind the podium addressing a nation?  Does the professional baseball player only practice swinging the bat while in a game?

4.  During the week prior to a music/singer practice, I email out links to my musicians and singers of the songs we will be covering in our next rehearsal.  They are usually Youtube links.  I ask each singer and musician to listen to these music links diligently in order to familiarize their selves with the songs.  That way by the time they show up to our rehearsal they are already familiar with the songs and possibly have even picked out their vocal parts.  The musicians are already familiar with the intros, cuts/breaks, and moving parts to the song.  In the past I have emailed out such links only to find my musicians/singers did not even take the time to listen to the songs prior to the rehearsals!  This is very frustrating to me, as I put time and effort into distributing this information pre-rehearsal.  So in this meeting I kindly asked all singers/musicians to make time to study my emailed song links....  Being a part of this church music department requires time at home (think homework) studying..... We will not just show up to rehearsals or church services and attempt the throw everything together in a sloppy fashion.  God deserves our best!

I hope the above topics may benefit you in your music department.  Do not be afraid to raise the bar of expectation for your singers and musicians!

Easter Sunday Report

It has been awhile since I posted to my blog and I apologize; I will be back on my regular schedule going forward.

I am so proud of the Family Life Church music department!  Sarina and I put together a choir for Easter Sunday and rehearsed three times last week.  The song we chose was Donald Lawrence's "Stranger" and the choir did a wonderful job this past Sunday.  We baptized eight people at the end of the service - in Jesus name!  God is good!

7 Reasons Why We Worship God

Today's blog may be of use for yourself or for you to present to your worship team/choir.  Since the essence of music ministry is offering praise and worship to God, it reasons we should spend a lot of time talking about it.

We live in a day and age when our time and money are spent on places, things, and entertainment.  Things that take up our time, many of which are necessary.  I can relate to the necessary duties: raising three boys certainly seems to vanquish almost every spare moment of my daily life outside of church, work, and sleep.   :0)    But regarding the non-important things we find ourselves caught up in, me must be careful not to let these things take the place of my energy and time we give to God.  Having said that, here are seven reasons why we worship God:

1.  He is my creator: Genesis 1:27  "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."

2.  He is my protector: Jude 24  "Now unto him who is able to keep you from falling, and present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy."

3.  He is my redeemer: Romans 3:24  "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."

4.  He is merciful: Lamentations 3:22-23  "It is the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  They are new every morning: great is they faithfulness."

5.  He is my healer:  Psalm 127:3  "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds."

6.  He is slow to anger: Nehemiah 9:17  "...but thou are a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness."

7.  He bestows blessing on us: Matthew 6:26-34  "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all of these things shall be added unto you."

Tips for Developing a Music Ministry at an Established Church -- Part 2

Here is the second and final part of this two-blog series; picking up where I left off, at number seven.

7.  Develop relationships with people in the church and music department

This may seem obvious and an unspoken rule, but you would be surprised at the number of musicians/directors/singers that do not go out of their way to integrate deeply into their congregation.  It can be tempting to stay in your comfort zone, to not go out of your way to talk to that elder sister that sits on the other side of the building....  Or that new family that seems a little weird.   :0)    But remember that half of your success on the platform is the music you present to the congregation: the other half is who you are to those people that are watching/listening to you.

8.  Do not alienate your audience by only doing "your style" of music; gradually incorporate style changes

This is very important to a church, as music is like an opinion: everyone has one (or two, or thirty).  There is nothing wrong with drawing strongly from a base style you are comfortable/accomplished at.  You must be careful though not to find yourself singing/playing/teaching only one style of music.  Not only does this limit the boundaries of your fellow singers/musicians and how much they can blossom and grow in their ministries, it is also very selfish for you to push one certain sound on the rest of the church.  To be varied and comprehensive in your approach, you will need to mix up a combination of church music.  I find that a good mix for me includes contemporary, black gospel, and some material that a few well-known Pentecostal choirs produce.

9.  Rise above criticism

Being in front of everyone and trying to lead in worship through your voice or an instrument is no easy task.  Be assured, occasionally someone will make comments to you or to your pastor that seem critical and unconstructive.  Unfortunately this is part of the job!  It is impossible to please everyone all the time - you are striving to appeal to the mass of your congregation in such a manner as to assist them in entering into the presence of the Lord.  It is no easy task!  Providing criticism isn't constant or from a large demographic of your church, you will need to brush it off and keep soldiering.  There is nothing wrong with talking with your pastor when criticism comes; ask him/her to give you an unbiased opinion of your progress in your department, and ask for constructive criticism and feedback.

10.  Be secure in your position (don't use it as a weapon or manipulation, but don't sweat the small stuff - you will win loyalty in time)

11.  Discover new talent in your church

This is something that should be done continually.  Why, you ask?  Because every congregation changes here and there over time; saints come, saints go, and you will still be there doing your job.  Even if you have a very accomplished, seasoned praise team / choir / group of musicians, you should always be keeping your eyes out for new talent and interest.  When you find it, latch onto it and try to encourage the individual to pursue it.  This will require some more time on your part, but that child that loves to bang on the piano now may be a phenomenal musician in five years.  Notice I did not say it is your job to *teach* individuals with interest in your department.  If you can manage this with your time and resources, that is fine.  But I am a big promoter of people going out and obtaining their own training, whether it be musical or vocal.  Someone who really is interested in being a part of your team will attempt to learn musical/vocal basics through school bands or private instructors.  There is nothing wrong with allowing people to prove their passion for your department by expecting them to sacrifice the time and effort to learn and develop their voice or an instrument.  After all - you put forth blood, sweat, and tears to get where you are, correct?  There are no shortcuts to becoming a capable singer, director, or musician.

Tips for Developing a Music Ministry at an Established Church -- Part 1

These are some tips that may help you if you find yourself in a church that is established (not a new work) and you feel the need for further development in your department:

1.  Discover the pastor's vision

Numbers 11:16-17

"And the LORD said unto Moses, gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand with thee.  And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone."

In order to follow the God-given order of the church, you as a singer/musician/music leader must learn the heartbeat of your pastor.  This will allow you to modify your approach to assist him in achieving some of his goals and fulfill his vision as it pertains to the music department.  Your pastor needs your help!  Even if it seems that he is not interested in sharing his vision or his burden for music, it is your responsibility to make the sincere effort to develop your relationship with him.  I worked hard at this during my seven-year tenure as the Music Minister at Phoenix Revival Center in Phoenix, AZ.  The result of my labor was a very close, trusting, personal relationship with my pastor at the time.


2.  Hold up the hands of your leadership

Serve your leader(s)!  It should not matter if your leadership is musical, involved first hand in the music department, or if they do not seem to express an interest at all in your efforts (this is very diffult to accept, I know).  As a member of the ministry team, you should strive to visibly support your pastor and ministerial staff - it is crucial that your congregation see this on a continual basis.  Make your leader(s) look good!   :0)   Defend your leadership from unfounded or vicious attacks from others.  Your pastor and his wife endure untold attacks from the devil and from misguided saints alike.  They need you in their corner, backing them up.

3.  Blessing and anointing flows down from the head

Psalms 133....   The Lord commands a blessing on the head of your spiritual life - your pastor!  Your pastor is the head of your ministry, because God has given him authority over your ministry.  As such, you need to submit yourself to the head...  Where the head goes, the body follows.  I believe this also includes your pastor's wife as well.  I always try to make a concerted effort to have dialogue with my pastor's wife - she is the lady that does many behind-the-scenes things you will never know.  Shift your perception of your pastor's wife, and envision the anointing flowing down from both his and her heads.

4.  Being in submission to your authority puts you in line for a blessing!

Hebrews 13:17....   "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."

In order for God to elevate you, you must always be submitted to the head.  You must also not be prideful.  Always remember, whether you are a singer/musician/director: there is always somebody just around the corner that is much better than you!   Stay humble.   :0)


5.  Have a long-term and short-term plan (where is the department at now and where do I want it to go?)

There is nothing wrong with making a three-month, six-month, and twelve-month checklist and putting it somewhere visible as a reminder.  The refrigerator is a sure-fire location!   lol

6.  Don't initiate changes too quicky (avoid offending people)

This rule may apply to you in varying degrees depending on your local congregation.  It is normal for an immature, unseasoned musician/director/singer to want to change things overnight and "fix" things that you perceive to be broken.  SLOW DOWN when you make major changes in the music department.  Remember that the item that in your opinion is "broken" has been the source of great blessings to a number of the saints!  Change is good, providing it betters the music department and benefits the majority of saints in the church.  Sudden change is usually not the greatest approach and can alienate you from a base in the congregation that you really need on your side -- the older/senior saints!   :0)    What?  That doesn't make sense, you say....    But yes it does and from more than one facet.  The Bible commands you to respect your elders....  There are immediate and long-term benefits for you if you do just that.  Also realize that the older, mature, established base of your congregation are the same ones who pay the majority of the offerings/tithes/sacrificial giving in your church.  To alienate them and to have them ringing the pastor's phone off the hook regarding YOU isn't your best recipe for success.  I have experienced this for myself - take my word for it.    :0)

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Tune in for my continual thoughts and musings regarding music ministry - Nathan Kesler

Hello to all my friends and family!  I am looking forward to posting some of my own thoughts here in the near future regarding music ministry.  I believe some of this may be of help to my fellow music ministers, singers, musicians, and directors.  I welcome feedback and comments on everything.  Pitch in and made your comments be known as well!      - Nathan Kesler