Wed, 14 May 2008

May 14, 2008, 14:49 [home/journal]
Churches And Hiring

I’m fascinated by the diverse hiring practices various churches have for picking a worship director for their congregation. Of particular interest to me are the types of questions that are asked. In each situation, the questions tell me more about the state of the church than they wanted me to know. This is because the questions betray either the issues they’re facing as a congregation, or the focus and values they have as a congregation. And sometimes these are one and the same.

For example, some churches are preoccupied with my ability to work with video, or drama, to play various instruments, or to manage the sound system. Other churches focus on the style of music I prefer to listen to. But very rarely am I asked personal questions about worship itself: what I believe it to be, how I approach leading others into a place of worship, the role of tradition and innovation in worship, and more.

Wouldn’t you agree that these are much more important things to find out about a person who would lead you?

Very rarely am I asked about my inter-personal skills. How does a music director handle prima donnas? What about conflict resolution? In my opinion, musicians are potentially the most difficult group of volunteers to lead. They are often driven to express themselves through art because of deep inner struggles and pain. A good music leader understands how to make the most of wounded people, how to accept people for just how they are, and how to encourage and love people despite their short-comings.

It makes choosing a church to work in much more difficult. I believe I could make use of my gifts in almost any congregation, but also that I have a responsibility to invest my talents wisely, in a place where there is the greatest chance of multiplication.

Actually, upon reflection, I am beginning to see that one reason it had become so difficult to work at my last church, was because the potential to grow the church had been thwarted by these very problems. At the crux of it all was the underlying understanding of worship and giftedness. This church still struggles with finding a style everyone is comfortable with, and it demonstrates a lack of understanding of the true nature and purpose of worship.

Nevermind that there was a demonstrated UNwillingness to accept people for who they are, warts and all.

Would you agree with the statement that churches have become increasingly distasteful to non-church-goers precisely because they don’t accept people for who they are? I want to hear what you have to say. Make some suggestions too, as to what kinds of questions are better to ask a would-be music director or worship pastor.

~Jason

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May 14, 2008, 11:29 [home/music]
Do You Like This?

This is absolutely awesome. It’s where I want my music to go:

Emm Gryner sings live



Do you like this?

~Jason