I had the chance to sit down with a seasoned Minister of
Music, Rev. Mark Barnes, this week and “interview” him on his ministry,
etc. It was a joyful time of
encouragement, excitement, and enthusiasm as he gave me practical suggestions
for ministry as well as sharing some of his vision with me. One interesting point he made was a nugget of
information that he received from a previous Pastor / Mentor with whom he had the chance to serve
with several years ago. He asked the
Pastor for one piece of advice for ministry as the Pastor was entering his
retirement years. The Pastor responded
with, “I would have loved people more.”
Wow! This sounds so simple and a
direct commandment for each of us a believer’s, so why would a Pastor feel the
need to make such a statement? As Rev.
Barnes and I continued our conversation regarding life and ministry, it became
clear to me the reason for such a statement.
The Pastor was so focused on “doing” ministry, preparing for next week’s
sermon, and administration of the church, that he neglected what the scripture
in I Corinthians 13 tells us…”but do not have love, I gain nothing.” What did this Pastor gain by spending so much
of his time in preparation rather than spending his time loving the people of
his church and loving his neighbors?
As I think about my ministry as a worship leader, I must
honestly evaluate my actions. I wonder
if sometimes I focus so much on the choir hitting the correct note, or pausing
for the rest, that I neglect to simply love the folks in the choir. Am I so concerned with the necessary
administrative tasks at hand that I forget to give someone in our congregation a
much needed hug? Am I acting as a
“resounding gong or clanging cymbal?”
Love is imperative to each of our ministry efforts, for without it, what
have we truly gained?
Lord,
I pray for YOUR love to resonate through me as I plan, lead,
and serve in your church. I pray that
others will see and know that You guide my every step in ministry and, above
all, they will know Your love and I love them.
Amen
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