Now how does this story of Abraham relate to us and our downturn seasons? The people of God must learn that there are be seasons of rejoicing in Lord, and there are seasons of sheer boredom. As a minister of church of Jesus Christ, it is important that I advise you of this. Why? So you won’t come into a season of “downturn” and think that you are out of fellowship with God. Even in an intimate relationship with another human being, there are times of miscommunication, silence, rebuilding relationship, disagreements, duties, responsibilities, and etc. Not every experience in intimacy is intimate. The bedroom experience is not norm, but highlight.

So what does child of God do during downturn of seasons? He or she does not allow discouragement to wreck his or her relationship with God. One must maintain, continue, and persevere. It sounds mundane, but it is true. There are seasons of downturn in one’s relationship with God through Jesus Christ His Son. Remember this. God does not forsake you through downturn seasons. In fact, He allows downturn.

The downturn does several things. For one, it denotes a changing of one season to next. In downturn stay steadfast before God, and rejoice in faith that a new season is on horizon. Secondly, it tests your faith. Can you trust God—pray to Him, serve Him, attend church or mass—even during difficult days? Or does downturn show you something displeasing about yourself—you serve Him only when you are happy? Thirdly, downturn gives you opportunity to reconnect with your humanity. Even Jesus needed time alone from crowds. Even Jesus needed rest and proper nutrition. No matter experience of spirituality in this life, downturns are inevitable and necessary. Do not fight against downturns of life. Recognize them for what they are and go with flow. Pastor T.dash

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