Choir Note-Sunday, May 19, 2013
Some people do ministry because it needs to be done. Some people do ministry because they are particularly gifted in that area. Some people do ministry because they absolutely love their work. Some people do it because they’re the only ones who can.
Which one is best? Having a heart for ministry, or simply doing it?
Hm. Good question. As with anything, I would suspect there is a ditch on both sides of the road. On one hand, you might be doing something you hate and eventually burn out. With NO heart for the ministry, you might be able to DO it but not be at all effective. On the other hand, someone might have the desire to minister in some area but not be especially gifted in a certain area. Some people are gifted by God (Rom. 12, 1 Cor. 12-14) to give, but have no heart to teach. Some people have the gift of mercy but are asked to organize some office supplies.
However, we ALL are called in a general sense to serve God. Serving comes in many forms through a church, and the music ministry is one of those areas. Sometimes you might think, “I’m just doing this because it’s my duty. My heart’s not in it.” Before you think you’re ineffective, though, consider that you serve God every time you are involved in some way in the music ministry. Some people live to be a part of the music ministry; some are involved because they merely enjoy it; some are involved because there was a need at one point and they’ve stuck with it.
I realize giving your Sunday afternoons up may seem to get old after a while, but you have to know that your commitment to God in the music ministry never goes unnoticed. Now, if you just hate choir and if you ever get bitter and feel like there’s no escape, I have NO problem with you taking a year off choir and regrouping. But make sure your motives are right first.
In summary, I just want to personally find the balance for every ministry I’m in. Where is the line between stretching myself/being faithful/doing my duty and only being involved in things I absolutely love? A lot of times, ministry might end up being filled with a lot of things I don’t absolutely love but I can do just because I want to be faithful to God.
Don’t kill yourself and burn out in the name of “I just have to do my duty.” At the same time, don’t quit on a ministry just because it gets a little monotonous. Follow God’s leading and He’ll help you know what to do.
–Bro. Ryan