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March 2005 Table of Contents
Producing Results
An "Extreme Makeover" For The Music Ministry
By Keith McClung
Minister of Music & Fine Arts
19th Street Church of God
Parkersburg, WV
 So, who wants to be the next "American Idol?" Can I "Trade Spaces" with anybody? Better yet, anybody want to join me for the "Amazing Race?" If you would have asked me, ten years ago, if showing someone eating worms on television would be shocking, I'd say, "Sure, it would!"
As Entertainment and Media machines churn out the newest and next reality series we find ourselves glued to the television. Why? There's this insatiable need to understand why people do what they do! Actually, one of my favorite reality-based television shows is "Extreme Makeover." I'm not sure why. I would say that I see not only physical transformations, but also internal transformations taking place with each person who submits themselves to the process. Entertainment is constantly changing. Today it's reality-based television, 2 years from now it may be dancing poodles.
Over the past four years I've seen a total makeover take place in my own music ministry. I can tell you that, just as a physical makeover, there was some swelling, bruising and a few scars from the process. However, looking back every decision was made for a reason!
Most of my "Communicator" articles have been drama-based. However, I have to be honest with you....this is a subject that I've been working on for a presentation to many of my fellow Ministers of Music at an upcoming conference. The more I've thought about the subject, the more that I felt that this article may reach out to somebody!
Take this little quiz with me...
- Are you stuck in a rut? Have you found that the thought of just getting Sunday's music together totally drains your mind?
- Is your church five funerals away from being a great church?
- Is your Music Ministry growing or are you just surviving?
- Have you landed on the seasonal musical/drama pendulum that swings between Easter and Christmas with little time for off-season music?
- Could you just "take it" or "leave it" on your best day?
Guess what, my friend!?!...I've been there. I realized that an internal makeover had to take place in my own ministry, but in order for that to take place there would be other changes taking place.
"Doing What We've Always Done Because That's The Way We've Done It!"
This has been a tough lesson to learn. After 13 years of presenting an Easter Drama to crowds in excess of 4,000 people, the plug was pulled this year. Our church, and Music Ministry, basically shut down for 3 months to present our annual drama. We were finding that our church family was becoming weary of the ten presentations, plus rehearsals. In many cases, the drama had become "entertainment for believers." So, we asked ourselves, "How else can $20,000.00+ be spent to better the Kingdom of God?" It's exciting to have that freedom! Our church got on the bandwagon of servant evangelism; serving our community through acts of kindness. In addition to our 2005 scheduled activities, our Music Ministry had an "extreme makeover" and we're presenting "Praise & Worship" concerts, singing at Nursing Homes and doing what we can to feed others through the gift of music. So many of our activities are fellowship based. In the past, ministry was "conversion then fellowship" - in today's society, it's "fellowship then conversion."
"5 Funerals Away From A Great Church"
This was a saying that came to me a few years ago, and well, it was true! Sad, but true. When it comes to your Music Ministry, you cannot let 4 or 5 people stand in the way that will stifle your vision for your music ministry. We can't build today's music ministry with yesterday's tools. When you follow after your passion for the Music Ministry your vision will raise the church's morale and attract more people to become part of your ministry. Passion will overwhelm and devour you. There was a time that I allowed my passion to be stifled.....no more! I would struggle with, "Would that song go over well?"...or... "I don't know if that drama point will make an impact...." Step away from complacent, grumpy people! Treat them with love and respect, but kindly remind them that you are following the plans that God has placed in your heart and mind. If "tradition" is choking you, do something about it. We have 75 choir robes that haven't been worn in 3 years. Do I still have them? I sure do. Do we wear them? Nope. When it comes down to the basics....tradition (or choir robes) has never won a soul to the Kingdom of God.
"Forming Unbreakable Bonds"
This may hit some of you between the eyes, so brace yourself. Your biggest problem in Music Ministry can be a dysfunctional relationship with your Senior Pastor. You have to have an unbreakable bond with this person. I am blessed to be part of a large church staff who eats lunch together, meets regularly for meetings and who works in a family atmosphere. My Pastor is one of my best friends. Do we disagree? We sure do. I am known to be the "challenger" on staff...the one who looks at everything from every angle. However, at the end of the day, my Pastor has my back...even when I didn't make the wisest decision.
In addition, my Musician & Praise Team is my rock. For so many years I tried to do it all by myself. I've learned that there's safety in numbers. One may say, they are my "partners in crime." I say that because some people look at "change in the music ministry" as a crime. My team meets each quarter for an evening dinner and meeting. We discuss our music ministry, where we are heading, and where God is taking us. The Church Staff attends the meeting as well, just so we're all on the same page.
I've formed so many strong bonds to the point where I have a might army who is ready to see things change for God.
We have to realize that "lost people matter most" and we have to do something about reaching these people with the love of God. I've realized to change is very difficult, but not to change is fatal in our Music Ministry and Churches. I leave you with one final question...." If you knew that you could not fail, and money was not an obstacle, what would you do through your Music Ministry and for the glory of God to build His Kingdom?"
Keith McClung
mcclung@charter.net
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