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music ministry can be one talented and gifted person doing what they do in harmony with their church and surrounding community.
So here they are:
1. Music is valued as a gracious gift from God, given for our enjoyment, as well as being a strategic tool for strengthening believers and reaching unbelievers.
2. The ministry team should have a biblical understanding of
nature of worship, music, church and Christian experience.
3. Music ministry takes place in context of a church with a shared understanding of its purpose and mission.
4. The music team are servants with a clear understanding and a passionate commitment to part they play in that mission.
5. The music ministry is a team who: a. work together towards common goals. b. love and support one another. c. deal biblically and appropriately with conflict. d. have clear, mutually agreed, written standards explaining what is expected of members. e. receive regular training and teaching in theology, practical musicianship and teamwork.
6. Music takes place in context of prayerfully and carefully planned services with an emphasis on cultural relevance, excellence, biblical content, personal authenticity and vulnerability.
7. Music team leaders are involved in planning and programming of services and special events.
8. The repertoire is regularly and systematically reviewed to: a. assess its content, ease of singing and relevance. b. evaluate and recommend new songs before they enter repertoire.
9. The music ministry has adequate financial support within church's existing resources.
10. Human resources are used effectively and supplemented by appropriate use of technology such as CD's, DVD's MIDI or backing tracks where required.
11. The church supports and encourages local and "lesser known" writers by using their material where possible and helping them to develop skills and access training opportunities.
12. The music ministry obeys letter and spirit of law regarding copyright and performance rights.
I've distilled these into a quick assessment you can use to see where you and your church are at in terms of ministry. You can download this assessment as a PDF document here. It will give you 60 quick ideas to improve your music ministry.
http://www.insideoutmusic.net/products/12_marks.html
Ken Davis is a songwriter, guitarist and music producer who also sings badly. He has been involved in music ministry since 1977 and currently serves in the music ministry at Dapto Anglican Church in Australia. You can get plenty of Music Ministry resources at www.insideoutmusic.net including free sheet music, MIDI files and training materials.
