Quick—make a list of the skills and abilities you need to be an effective choir director, cantor, or other music ministry leader. What’s at the top of your list?
After decades of church work as a music minister, here’s mine.
- Relatable, caring nature
- Flexibility
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work with all ages
- Innate musicality
- Theological knowledge rooted in “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and soul and your neighbor as yourself”
- Organization skills
- Knowledge of vocal production
- Mentor for children and teens
Did you notice that my list’s top three are about relationships, not musical expertise? You may be a top-notch vocalist, conductor, or organist, but in my opinion, if you don’t have the skills in my top three, serving as a minister of music may not be where your gifts are best suited.
Taking the time to interact and build relationships with your choir members, other musicians, and the congregation makes all the difference. During our weekly staff meetings, our agenda now includes this question: “Who do we need to thank this week?” What a wonderful addition this was for our staff and for the congregation. A word of sincere thanks is an important part of relationship building and showing care. I try to frequently thank the faithful, talented musicians that I work with, including children and youth. I often tell my choristers that being with them on a Wednesday is one of my favorite times of the week. I mean it, and they know it by my smile when they enter the choir room!
The second skill on my list—being flexible—doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stand up for what you believe is the right thing to do. It does mean being open to hearing another point of view and expressing your own with kindness and grace for the other.
My husband once said, “The restaurant business would be wonderful if you didn’t need employees and customers!” We laughed when he said this, and there is truth in the statement for church musicians too if you adjust it to read “Music ministry would be wonderful if you didn’t need other musicians and the congregation.” You have to be able to work with a wide variety of people—not just the staff, but all of your choir members and the congregation members too. If you are not focused on clear communication with these other people, doing your work well will be a challenge.
Your list may look very different from mine. Some things on your list may switch positions over time. I am looking at my list for a third time and plan to do some adjusting, because “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul and your neighbor as yourself” is about to move to the top spot.
The bottom line—it’s important to know about and care for the people that you have the privilege to teach, serve, and worship with together.
