What Are We? (Philosophy of Ministry 2)
This year, we recorded our first full-scale worship album. This gave me a reason to take a look, not only at worship music today, but also our own philosophy of ministry. About 10 years ago, I wrote a paper called “Artist-vs-Minister” in an attempt to define where our ministry fit into the body of Christ, but over time paradigms shift and I believe now is the time to take a look at our vision for ministry again. A decade ago, I categorized what I saw in Christian Music into 2 categories: Artist, an entertainer who has, as his/her vocation, chosen to make art through music and bring a message and consequently a worldview to the masses (or at least those who will listen), and Minister, who has as his calling to minister to the needs of God’s people. Where the artist sets as a goal to broaden his listening base, the minister sets out to deepen his audience (whomever they may be) in the Word.
In the past few years, I have kept an eye on Christian music and have seen 2 different patterns emerge. Instead of Artist and Minister, I believe it is more appropriate to define Christian bands into “Performance Bands” and “Worship Bands”. In studying more than just the lyrics and musical style of the bands, but also the techniques each use on stage, musical arrangements, visual look and movement, and many other elements, I am convinced there is night and day between these 2 philosophies.
Performance bands tend to focus on “the band”, whereas Worship bands focus on our feelings toward God. This may be painting with a broad brush, but it colors every aspect of every band’s music and performance. For instance, “Performance bands” have a definitive ending to their songs to set up applause whereas “Worship bands” tend to end their songs by musically “meandering around” to keep a “mood of worship”, taking the urge to applaud after a song away. I don’t know whether this is intentional or not. My guess is, it originally was and those who now copy them do it because it’s the “thing worship bands do”. Either way, it is effective in keeping the personal accolades for the band at a minimum, after all, the focus is not the band.
I also find Performance bands make a lot of eye contact with audiences to “sell the song”. Personal audience connection is a must as moving an audience is their ultimate goal. Worship bands move an audience, but in a different way. While Performance bands sing “the hits” because that’s what gets the biggest reaction from the crowd, the goal of the worship band is to lay a foundation where the audience interacts in worship with God. Connection between the audience and the band is almost intentionally downplayed (which is why many of the worship bands actually sing with their eyes closed much of the time), because the connection should be between the worshipper and the object of their worship.
The way the songs are written are also very different. Performance bands tend to write songs with catchy choruses and are very radio friendly because their goal is, well, radio. Radio is where hits are made. Hits sell albums and tickets and keep a career going. Worship bands often tend to be more concerned with songs that set a mood and have lyrics that express personal love and adoration for Christ, and lead others to focus on their relationship to the Lord.
I know many of the things I have stated here are generalities as some bands strike a balance between these 2 philosophies, but it helps to understand why many musicians sing what they sing, write what they write, and stage their songs the way they do.
This brings me to the question, “What are we?” In the past, I firmly placed myself in the “Minister” category as compared to the “Artist” moniker. However, today, I find that, while we are not a performance band, neither are we a worship band. We are not a performance band in that we are ministers, focused on leading the audience to worship, yet we don’t fit the worship band mentality because our songs focus more on message, doctrine, and teaching than on setting a mood of worship.
After analyzing all the elements in both styles, I believe we find ourselves in a third category, and it’s a category that does not find much company. I would categorize us as a “Teaching Band”. Both Karen and I have the gift of teaching and it has not only spilled out in our songwriting, but in the very philosophy of our ministry. We find ourselves in the position of “pulpit supply” in most of our singing situations, so our focus is the message, not the band. Our songs are written with that in mind and our staging is intentionally focused on getting the kind of reaction any good teacher would seek to have from their classroom. Now, if that sounds very boring and clinical, it couldn’t be farther from the truth. We write our songs so that they get stuck in your head because if you remember the song, you’ll remember the lesson in the song. Our goal is not to perform for performance sake, nor is it to merely set a musical stage for others to go before the throne of grace, but it is more to feed the flock.
Now I don’t have any problem with performance bands (I love to listen to music and they are the ones that technically, stylistically, and musically lead all of us), nor do I have any problem with worship bands (They have done a wonderful job in getting us to focus on God rather than ourselves). I just find that our calling is more of a teacher, preacher or evangelist (we just do it with music), than that of an artist or a worship leader.
As far as the future of our ministry is concerned, on the positive side, good solid preaching and teaching will always be part of churches (hopefully), so we’ll always be relevant to what God has called His church to do. On the down side, there are very few ministries I’ve run into that have this as their central focus, so there is a bit of an unusual feel to what we do, compared to other bands. As for me, that’s ok. We are doing what we believe God has called us to do, using the gifts He has given, and meeting real needs of the people for whom we sing, and to quote one of my songs, “It’s a wonderful life!”
In the past few years, I have kept an eye on Christian music and have seen 2 different patterns emerge. Instead of Artist and Minister, I believe it is more appropriate to define Christian bands into “Performance Bands” and “Worship Bands”. In studying more than just the lyrics and musical style of the bands, but also the techniques each use on stage, musical arrangements, visual look and movement, and many other elements, I am convinced there is night and day between these 2 philosophies.
Performance bands tend to focus on “the band”, whereas Worship bands focus on our feelings toward God. This may be painting with a broad brush, but it colors every aspect of every band’s music and performance. For instance, “Performance bands” have a definitive ending to their songs to set up applause whereas “Worship bands” tend to end their songs by musically “meandering around” to keep a “mood of worship”, taking the urge to applaud after a song away. I don’t know whether this is intentional or not. My guess is, it originally was and those who now copy them do it because it’s the “thing worship bands do”. Either way, it is effective in keeping the personal accolades for the band at a minimum, after all, the focus is not the band.
I also find Performance bands make a lot of eye contact with audiences to “sell the song”. Personal audience connection is a must as moving an audience is their ultimate goal. Worship bands move an audience, but in a different way. While Performance bands sing “the hits” because that’s what gets the biggest reaction from the crowd, the goal of the worship band is to lay a foundation where the audience interacts in worship with God. Connection between the audience and the band is almost intentionally downplayed (which is why many of the worship bands actually sing with their eyes closed much of the time), because the connection should be between the worshipper and the object of their worship.
The way the songs are written are also very different. Performance bands tend to write songs with catchy choruses and are very radio friendly because their goal is, well, radio. Radio is where hits are made. Hits sell albums and tickets and keep a career going. Worship bands often tend to be more concerned with songs that set a mood and have lyrics that express personal love and adoration for Christ, and lead others to focus on their relationship to the Lord.
I know many of the things I have stated here are generalities as some bands strike a balance between these 2 philosophies, but it helps to understand why many musicians sing what they sing, write what they write, and stage their songs the way they do.
This brings me to the question, “What are we?” In the past, I firmly placed myself in the “Minister” category as compared to the “Artist” moniker. However, today, I find that, while we are not a performance band, neither are we a worship band. We are not a performance band in that we are ministers, focused on leading the audience to worship, yet we don’t fit the worship band mentality because our songs focus more on message, doctrine, and teaching than on setting a mood of worship.
After analyzing all the elements in both styles, I believe we find ourselves in a third category, and it’s a category that does not find much company. I would categorize us as a “Teaching Band”. Both Karen and I have the gift of teaching and it has not only spilled out in our songwriting, but in the very philosophy of our ministry. We find ourselves in the position of “pulpit supply” in most of our singing situations, so our focus is the message, not the band. Our songs are written with that in mind and our staging is intentionally focused on getting the kind of reaction any good teacher would seek to have from their classroom. Now, if that sounds very boring and clinical, it couldn’t be farther from the truth. We write our songs so that they get stuck in your head because if you remember the song, you’ll remember the lesson in the song. Our goal is not to perform for performance sake, nor is it to merely set a musical stage for others to go before the throne of grace, but it is more to feed the flock.
Now I don’t have any problem with performance bands (I love to listen to music and they are the ones that technically, stylistically, and musically lead all of us), nor do I have any problem with worship bands (They have done a wonderful job in getting us to focus on God rather than ourselves). I just find that our calling is more of a teacher, preacher or evangelist (we just do it with music), than that of an artist or a worship leader.
As far as the future of our ministry is concerned, on the positive side, good solid preaching and teaching will always be part of churches (hopefully), so we’ll always be relevant to what God has called His church to do. On the down side, there are very few ministries I’ve run into that have this as their central focus, so there is a bit of an unusual feel to what we do, compared to other bands. As for me, that’s ok. We are doing what we believe God has called us to do, using the gifts He has given, and meeting real needs of the people for whom we sing, and to quote one of my songs, “It’s a wonderful life!”
Philosophy of Ministry: Artist - VS - Minister
ARTIST - VS - MINISTER
There is a major battle raging over Christian music today. No, it’s not the previous decade’s argument over “The Demonic Rock Beat in the Church” that boiled down to a “King James Only” type of debate over old - vs - new and freedom - vs - legalism. Instead, it is a war over Christians and their role in “Secular” music. I am writing this statement for 2 reasons. First, to have a stated opinion on this important debate, and second, to better define a vision for my own ministry.
I believe that there are two unique callings that have been blurred by the music industry, Christian churches, and the world. The first is The Artist and the second is The Minister. No one confuses a doctor with a full-time medical missionary, even though they both heal. No one confuses a politician and a pastor, even though they are both public speakers. No one confuses the sketch-board artists for Open Air Campaigners with a famous painter, even though they both use canvas and paint. But in our world, the Christian musical artist is constantly confused with the Christian musical minister, and I believe, it does a serious disservice to both.
Before I go any further, I want to make clear that I believe that neither is wrong, but they are just two different callings with two different purposes. I would also like to take the time to define the word, “Secular”. So many Christians see anything secular as evil. I believe that the word “secular” should be thrown out of a Christian’s vocabulary because it limits a Christian’s vision. All truth is God’s truth. The “secular” fact that 2+2 equals 4 is just as true as the “Christian” fact that God created the heavens and the earth. Therefore, no line should be drawn between “Christian Truth” and “Secular Truth.” If an artist sings the truth…Good for him! “Christian” or “Secular.” If not…He is in the wrong regardless of how good his art is. I hold everyone, not just Christians to this standard. If an unbeliever says something true…it is still true. If a Christian speaks lies…it is still untrue. If in this paper, I use the word “secular” it will be in quotes and will mean, “not specifically related to a particular verse in the Word of God.”
In these debates, you usually hear these sentiments:
Artist: “I feel like there is a ceiling as to how far I can go with my music simply because I am a Christian. Churches won’t have me because I sing songs that are about life instead of every song being about the gospel, and the “secular” market won’t play me because they see me as a full-time minister.”
Minister: “I feel that there are so many people in ‘ministry’ that are obviously not called to do anything but entertain. I constantly find myself lost in the shuffle with these artists, but I feel as though I am called for something more. Most people don’t see a difference in what we do. I often feel forced by the industry to soften my message in response to sales, but I feel that I am called to preach the truth.”
I believe to understand the differences and begin the separation of the two in our minds and culture, we must define what we mean by Artist and Minister. The first is an Entertainer/Artist who has, as his/her vocation, chosen to make art through music and bring a message and consequently a worldview to the masses (or at least those who will listen). This is a job, no different than a doctor, lawyer, secretary, mailman, etc. As an artist, his job is to make art through music. As a Christian, his job is to be a witness in whatever he does. How he chooses to be a witness is between him and the Lord. If he sings songs with an openly “Christian” message, then he should be prepared to be criticized as any other worker in any other field who openly proselytes to those with whom he comes in contact. It is not my duty to judge his ART for the amount of Christian content…no more than for me to judge a busboy’s work in a restaurant for how many tracks he leaves on the tables. His degree of witness is between him and the Lord.
The Second is The Minister who has as his calling to minister to the needs of God’s people. Where the artist sets as a goal to broaden his listening base, the minister sets out to deepen his audience (whomever they may be) in the Word. The artist is doing a job and should be paid according to his ability and drawing power. This is how it works in every other business, why should a singer be any different. The minister, on the other hand, should live by faith. He should be taken care of, but the goal will not be to make money, but to minister. This does not mean that a Minister should be taken advantage of or half-heartedly supported. They should be treated as if a missionary or evangelist or even, dare I say, the Apostle Paul, were to set foot in your church to encourage and teach and edify your congregation. I don’t consider any modern day minister an apostle. Paul was the last. But I do see the role of a minister similar to what Paul did in his journeys. The Minister’s calling is no different than that of a traveling evangelist or preacher.
There are some things to note, however. An Artist can certainly minister and intend to do so. The Minister can be very entertaining and artistic, although ministering is his main focus. Often we see Artists judged on how well they minister and Ministers judged on their artistic quality. When the qualifications are switched, neither can do their job effectively.
There are some glaring differences in the qualifications of an artist and minister:
1. The Minister should be willing and able to live up to the standard of an Elder or Pastor. The Artist may simply be a layperson in the church, and while the standard is set at holiness for both, the consequences of not living up to that standard differs. When a parishioner fails to live up to the standard of the Bible, after repentance has occurred, he is still allowed to be an active member of the church. However, if a Minister (or pastor or elder) fails to live up to his qualifications, he forfeits his right to be a leader. For if he can’t rule his own life, how can he lead others? The standard is the same, but the consequences are different.
2. Both the Artist and the Minister should study God’s Word (as all Christians should), but the Minister’s knowledge of the Bible must be especially thorough and accurate to effectively live up to his calling. If the Minister is to lead God’s people into worship and service, he should be certainly able to rightly divide the Word of truth. The Minister should also be able to communicate that message effectively. Pastors are often giving up pulpit time, and what is musically put in its place should be of such quality that it fills the void adequately. Again, I define an Artist’s quality by the quality of his art. I define a Minister’s quality as how well he teaches and meets the spiritual needs of the audience.
3. The Minister should be willing to live by faith. This is not to say that there is a limit to how large a ministry can grow, but as a word of warning, the larger a ministry becomes, the harder it is to keep the focus on ministry. Unfortunately, that is how the music industry works. The musical Minister should not let the call of fame and fortune suppress his ability to minister. The Minister will not let the record company dictate the level of Christian content in his music. To do this may not sell out his art, but will sell out his ministry. You can often tell the difference between the Artist and minister by the complaints they have with their record company. The Artist will complain that the record company is stifling their “art” for commerciality, whereas, the Minister will often butt heads over the watering down of the message content in the songs.
When I left the Speer family, the only way I knew to conduct my business was as a business. It is only after 10 years of being removed from the industry or “loop” that I have felt that I have not been called to be an artist, but to be a minister. I still try to create artistic music, and I still try to be entertaining, but the way I go about it is totally different. Here are some changes I have made in the last 10 years because of my philosophy shift from Artist to Minister:
I never tried to hide the message in my music to make it appealing to the “secular” radio market, but I did write songs that I felt the people wanted to hear. Now I seek to write music that people need to hear. All the songs we write and sing are based on the absolute truths in the Word of God and are focused on the needs we see in the church today.
Even though I never charged a huge flat fee, I did believe the philosophy that bigger was better. Working churches was a stepping-stone to something bigger (The Big Time!). My attitude has changed, and now I see that I am exactly where God wants me to be. This is not a stepping-stone. We operate on as small of a budget as possible to be available to minister almost anywhere.
Rather than working up to a huge flat fee, we are still supported on love offerings, individual monthly support, and modest expense checks from the churches. This way we can go to places that many other Ministers are not able to go.
One of my goals was to be able to build a name and a following so that I could pack out large venues. Today, my goal is to go wherever the Lord leads and sing to whomever God leads there. I know that doesn’t sound like a great business plan or vision, but that’s just the point.
Where I used to introduce a song in concert based on which album it was on, now the focus is on tying the lyrics of songs together to best present the message.
These are just some practical differences between the two, inwardly it is a matter of philosophy that effects every aspect of the musician: the booking, writing, arranging, sound, staging, expenses, venues, tape sales, marketing, etc.
For years, the Church…AND the world have blurred the lines between the two. Artists, who have been stuck doing the work of a minister, even though they have not received that calling, have considered it (and even called it) the “ghetto”. To an artist this is probably true. To a minister this is home…living by faith and ministering to the people of God. The Artist seeks to reach all people with his music, just as a Christian businessman seeks to have as many customers as possible. Failure for an Artist is that no one wants to view his art. Failure for the minister is, on the other hand, non-existent. As long as the minister is ministering, he is doing the will of God regardless of the outcome.
So what are the solutions to this debate? Here are some good starting points:
1. My opinion is that the only people who should be marketed as “Christian Musicians” are those who truly are called to be Ministers. The rest should not be labeled “Christian Artists”, just “Artists” who happen to be Christians. We don’t label Christian Surgeons or Christian Lawyers in the phone book, but that doesn’t mean they are not out there. They are just not labeled as such.
2. Christians should stop criticizing Artists for being artists. God may not have called them to be full-time ministers. That is between God and them. Stop playing the role of the Holy Spirit and stop being critical of God’s people. I say, let them be artists. Let them sing about life, let them do it from a Godly worldview. The world surely needs to hear that.
3. As churches, support your local Ministers. These people who are truly called into ministry and truly gifted to minister can be very effective in complementing your current ministry and inspiring your congregation.
4. To Artists and Ministers: define yourselves. Know what God has called you to do, develop a vision and a plan to do it…and do it. If you are an Artist, don’t use ministry as a stepping-stone to push your art. Nothing does more harm to the real ministers than that! Find out where God has called you. Follow your calling. Neither is wrong, just make sure you are doing what you are really called to do! You will never be content unless you are.
There is a major battle raging over Christian music today. No, it’s not the previous decade’s argument over “The Demonic Rock Beat in the Church” that boiled down to a “King James Only” type of debate over old - vs - new and freedom - vs - legalism. Instead, it is a war over Christians and their role in “Secular” music. I am writing this statement for 2 reasons. First, to have a stated opinion on this important debate, and second, to better define a vision for my own ministry.
I believe that there are two unique callings that have been blurred by the music industry, Christian churches, and the world. The first is The Artist and the second is The Minister. No one confuses a doctor with a full-time medical missionary, even though they both heal. No one confuses a politician and a pastor, even though they are both public speakers. No one confuses the sketch-board artists for Open Air Campaigners with a famous painter, even though they both use canvas and paint. But in our world, the Christian musical artist is constantly confused with the Christian musical minister, and I believe, it does a serious disservice to both.
Before I go any further, I want to make clear that I believe that neither is wrong, but they are just two different callings with two different purposes. I would also like to take the time to define the word, “Secular”. So many Christians see anything secular as evil. I believe that the word “secular” should be thrown out of a Christian’s vocabulary because it limits a Christian’s vision. All truth is God’s truth. The “secular” fact that 2+2 equals 4 is just as true as the “Christian” fact that God created the heavens and the earth. Therefore, no line should be drawn between “Christian Truth” and “Secular Truth.” If an artist sings the truth…Good for him! “Christian” or “Secular.” If not…He is in the wrong regardless of how good his art is. I hold everyone, not just Christians to this standard. If an unbeliever says something true…it is still true. If a Christian speaks lies…it is still untrue. If in this paper, I use the word “secular” it will be in quotes and will mean, “not specifically related to a particular verse in the Word of God.”
In these debates, you usually hear these sentiments:
Artist: “I feel like there is a ceiling as to how far I can go with my music simply because I am a Christian. Churches won’t have me because I sing songs that are about life instead of every song being about the gospel, and the “secular” market won’t play me because they see me as a full-time minister.”
Minister: “I feel that there are so many people in ‘ministry’ that are obviously not called to do anything but entertain. I constantly find myself lost in the shuffle with these artists, but I feel as though I am called for something more. Most people don’t see a difference in what we do. I often feel forced by the industry to soften my message in response to sales, but I feel that I am called to preach the truth.”
I believe to understand the differences and begin the separation of the two in our minds and culture, we must define what we mean by Artist and Minister. The first is an Entertainer/Artist who has, as his/her vocation, chosen to make art through music and bring a message and consequently a worldview to the masses (or at least those who will listen). This is a job, no different than a doctor, lawyer, secretary, mailman, etc. As an artist, his job is to make art through music. As a Christian, his job is to be a witness in whatever he does. How he chooses to be a witness is between him and the Lord. If he sings songs with an openly “Christian” message, then he should be prepared to be criticized as any other worker in any other field who openly proselytes to those with whom he comes in contact. It is not my duty to judge his ART for the amount of Christian content…no more than for me to judge a busboy’s work in a restaurant for how many tracks he leaves on the tables. His degree of witness is between him and the Lord.
The Second is The Minister who has as his calling to minister to the needs of God’s people. Where the artist sets as a goal to broaden his listening base, the minister sets out to deepen his audience (whomever they may be) in the Word. The artist is doing a job and should be paid according to his ability and drawing power. This is how it works in every other business, why should a singer be any different. The minister, on the other hand, should live by faith. He should be taken care of, but the goal will not be to make money, but to minister. This does not mean that a Minister should be taken advantage of or half-heartedly supported. They should be treated as if a missionary or evangelist or even, dare I say, the Apostle Paul, were to set foot in your church to encourage and teach and edify your congregation. I don’t consider any modern day minister an apostle. Paul was the last. But I do see the role of a minister similar to what Paul did in his journeys. The Minister’s calling is no different than that of a traveling evangelist or preacher.
There are some things to note, however. An Artist can certainly minister and intend to do so. The Minister can be very entertaining and artistic, although ministering is his main focus. Often we see Artists judged on how well they minister and Ministers judged on their artistic quality. When the qualifications are switched, neither can do their job effectively.
There are some glaring differences in the qualifications of an artist and minister:
1. The Minister should be willing and able to live up to the standard of an Elder or Pastor. The Artist may simply be a layperson in the church, and while the standard is set at holiness for both, the consequences of not living up to that standard differs. When a parishioner fails to live up to the standard of the Bible, after repentance has occurred, he is still allowed to be an active member of the church. However, if a Minister (or pastor or elder) fails to live up to his qualifications, he forfeits his right to be a leader. For if he can’t rule his own life, how can he lead others? The standard is the same, but the consequences are different.
2. Both the Artist and the Minister should study God’s Word (as all Christians should), but the Minister’s knowledge of the Bible must be especially thorough and accurate to effectively live up to his calling. If the Minister is to lead God’s people into worship and service, he should be certainly able to rightly divide the Word of truth. The Minister should also be able to communicate that message effectively. Pastors are often giving up pulpit time, and what is musically put in its place should be of such quality that it fills the void adequately. Again, I define an Artist’s quality by the quality of his art. I define a Minister’s quality as how well he teaches and meets the spiritual needs of the audience.
3. The Minister should be willing to live by faith. This is not to say that there is a limit to how large a ministry can grow, but as a word of warning, the larger a ministry becomes, the harder it is to keep the focus on ministry. Unfortunately, that is how the music industry works. The musical Minister should not let the call of fame and fortune suppress his ability to minister. The Minister will not let the record company dictate the level of Christian content in his music. To do this may not sell out his art, but will sell out his ministry. You can often tell the difference between the Artist and minister by the complaints they have with their record company. The Artist will complain that the record company is stifling their “art” for commerciality, whereas, the Minister will often butt heads over the watering down of the message content in the songs.
When I left the Speer family, the only way I knew to conduct my business was as a business. It is only after 10 years of being removed from the industry or “loop” that I have felt that I have not been called to be an artist, but to be a minister. I still try to create artistic music, and I still try to be entertaining, but the way I go about it is totally different. Here are some changes I have made in the last 10 years because of my philosophy shift from Artist to Minister:
I never tried to hide the message in my music to make it appealing to the “secular” radio market, but I did write songs that I felt the people wanted to hear. Now I seek to write music that people need to hear. All the songs we write and sing are based on the absolute truths in the Word of God and are focused on the needs we see in the church today.
Even though I never charged a huge flat fee, I did believe the philosophy that bigger was better. Working churches was a stepping-stone to something bigger (The Big Time!). My attitude has changed, and now I see that I am exactly where God wants me to be. This is not a stepping-stone. We operate on as small of a budget as possible to be available to minister almost anywhere.
Rather than working up to a huge flat fee, we are still supported on love offerings, individual monthly support, and modest expense checks from the churches. This way we can go to places that many other Ministers are not able to go.
One of my goals was to be able to build a name and a following so that I could pack out large venues. Today, my goal is to go wherever the Lord leads and sing to whomever God leads there. I know that doesn’t sound like a great business plan or vision, but that’s just the point.
Where I used to introduce a song in concert based on which album it was on, now the focus is on tying the lyrics of songs together to best present the message.
These are just some practical differences between the two, inwardly it is a matter of philosophy that effects every aspect of the musician: the booking, writing, arranging, sound, staging, expenses, venues, tape sales, marketing, etc.
For years, the Church…AND the world have blurred the lines between the two. Artists, who have been stuck doing the work of a minister, even though they have not received that calling, have considered it (and even called it) the “ghetto”. To an artist this is probably true. To a minister this is home…living by faith and ministering to the people of God. The Artist seeks to reach all people with his music, just as a Christian businessman seeks to have as many customers as possible. Failure for an Artist is that no one wants to view his art. Failure for the minister is, on the other hand, non-existent. As long as the minister is ministering, he is doing the will of God regardless of the outcome.
So what are the solutions to this debate? Here are some good starting points:
1. My opinion is that the only people who should be marketed as “Christian Musicians” are those who truly are called to be Ministers. The rest should not be labeled “Christian Artists”, just “Artists” who happen to be Christians. We don’t label Christian Surgeons or Christian Lawyers in the phone book, but that doesn’t mean they are not out there. They are just not labeled as such.
2. Christians should stop criticizing Artists for being artists. God may not have called them to be full-time ministers. That is between God and them. Stop playing the role of the Holy Spirit and stop being critical of God’s people. I say, let them be artists. Let them sing about life, let them do it from a Godly worldview. The world surely needs to hear that.
3. As churches, support your local Ministers. These people who are truly called into ministry and truly gifted to minister can be very effective in complementing your current ministry and inspiring your congregation.
4. To Artists and Ministers: define yourselves. Know what God has called you to do, develop a vision and a plan to do it…and do it. If you are an Artist, don’t use ministry as a stepping-stone to push your art. Nothing does more harm to the real ministers than that! Find out where God has called you. Follow your calling. Neither is wrong, just make sure you are doing what you are really called to do! You will never be content unless you are.