Introduction

The rich heritage of music has been recorded for us from ancient times. Both voices and instruments were used to express the full range of human emotions. Music is joyful. It can convey our thanks to God, our praise, be a prayer for forgiveness, or a petition for help when trials threaten to overwhelm us. It can be a medium through which a diverse group of people are brought together.

Duties of the Minister of Music

The responsibilities of the Minister of Music include the following:

1. Serve as Music Committee chairperson. The Music Committee can assist the Minister of Music in finding talent and scheduling musicians for the worship service. This group can also work creatively to develop ideas for expanding the existing music program. The committee should consist of at least the following members: minister of music (who serves as chairperson), head organist and/or pianist, pastor, two members at large (preferably one younger person and one older person). Other individuals can be added as needed to contribute to the music program.

2. Schedule musicians for the worship service. The Minister of Music should arrange for an organist and/or pianist as well as special music for the worship service each week. This will require weekly planning and should be scheduled three to four weeks in advance with a follow-up call to the musicians one week prior to the service.

3. Establish a Worship Committee. The responsibility of the Music Minister on this committee is to ensure that the musical considerations in the worship service are addressed. They can suggest ideas for using music more effectively or for expanding the music in the service, and the committee can discuss and implement them.