So this is the rough draft of a document i am planning on attaching to the resume i will send to churches. the idea is that my resume can be complete business -- merely my qualifications and references -- and this can explain what it is i am looking for in a ministry. i realize it is kind of long for a blog but it is only a page and like a third on microsoft word. what i am asking you to do is to review this and give me your thoughts. good, bad or ugly, i crave your opinion on this, it is rather important to me. feel free to comment on anything -- whether my writing, exegesis, philosophy, or practical thoughts. ok? ok..... have at it!
A Brief Explanation Of Pastoral Worship Ministry
I have been involved in the worship ministry of the Church nearly all my life. I have played virtually every instrument on stage, I have taught, preached, and administered communion. I was especially drawn to the musical aspect while in high school, so when I graduated and applied to Ozark Christian College, I decided to pursue a four-year music degree highlighting classical piano.
As I studied, though, I encountered a difficulty in attempting to reconcile “music” and “worship” in my personal philosophy of ministry. Why is it that my degree was entitled a Bachelor of Music and Worship? I must confess that I struggled my entire career at Ozark to harmonize the two streams of my education. On the one hand, I was learning how to skillfully interpret and defend the Bible, and on the other I was learning how to skillfully play music. Are the two mutually exclusive? If not, why then did I see the music portion of my degree in action every day, yet the worship piece remained elusive? I began to wonder how I could blend the two into a cohesive, organic ministry. The purpose of this explanation is to briefly lay out my conclusions regarding the philosophical and practical grounds I have reached concerning the creation of a pastoral worship ministry, and how I believe such a ministry could be successfully carried out. For the sake of brevity, I will not be going into great detail. I will merely skim the surface so a general idea of this vision can be gained.
First and foremost, my studies and experience have led me to subscribe to a holistic definition of worship. In his epistle to the Romans, Paul implores his audience to no longer conform to the world’s patterns, but to “offer their bodies as living sacrifices,” which he claims is their “spiritual act of worship.” He also challenges them to “be transformed” by having their minds renewed. Worship therefore, is not merely the description of what happens for two hours on a Sunday morning; rather, it is a daily, constant activity resulting in a renewed mind and a transformed person.
If this is a true definition of worship, then the corresponding ministry should have a similar scope and purpose. A worship minister must be responsible for more than a weekly, emotional experience; he must regularly engage with the lives of those whom he leads. The Scriptures are filled with warnings to those who presume to lead God’s People. James 3 speaks of God judging teachers more strictly, and Paul soberly warns Timothy throughout the Pastoral Epistles to “watch his life and doctrine closely,” because he will be held largely responsible for his congregation’s understanding and practice of the Christian life. It is because of this enormous responsibility that “Worship Minister” might be the most audacious of titles ever given to any leader, and should be approached with fear and trembling. The essence of taking on such a responsibility is that he agrees to oversee, exhort and encourage his congregation in their daily walk, and to take personal responsibility for the results.
The practical working out of such a task in today’s Church is complicated, yet not impossible. In order to hold such a position, the pastor must be able to handle an organic, multi-faceted role with efficiency and excellence. These multiple rolls would largely fall under the positions currently known as Involvement, Associate and Music Ministry.
The “involvement” aspect would include overseeing such activities as Sunday school and small groups. This oversight implies involvement in tweaking format, curriculum planning, plugging people in, etc. The “associate” facet of the ministry would entail a teaching role, in which some measure of classroom/small group leadership would take place, as well as possible supply-preaching opportunities as circumstances allow.
The final aspect of course includes the actual Sunday services. Music has always played an integral part in the Church’s worship – both corporate and individual. Through music the Church is able to transmit the faith and Scripture in a highly emotive fashion. This aspect of worship is probably the most popular and spiritually instinctive to men of all faiths and times, and therefore should be utilized by the Church. Combined with the musical aspect of the service are the observances of the Eucharist, offering, the reading of Scripture, prayer, testimony/confession and baptism. These various activities – as well as a few others – which take place during Sunday services would also come under the umbrella of pastoral worship ministry.
In laying forth this brief vision of a pastoral worship ministry, I am fully aware of the fact that such a task is overwhelmingly large and possibly too unwieldy for one person. However, I know that, as a “worship pastor” my calling goes beyond music ministry. However, I also cannot ignore that aspect of my passions or gifts. I wish to do more than merely minister through music or teaching, I wish to become a pastor who cares for and looks after his congregation’s Christian walk. It is to this mission I have been called – to help the Church learn a holistic view of worship, one in which they find themselves becoming living sacrifices, daily, physically living out their faith. Society has taught people to separate their spirituality and daily life and it is my dream, and I feel, my calling, to be a part of the movement which brings about a new awareness of the Holy Spirit’s working in our everyday activities.
