One of the greatest things about music in ministry is that it has such a tremendous capacity to unite people. Music unites those who come to hear it, but it also unites those who perform it too. People from all walks of life and skill-levels come together to learn how to function as a cohesive, purpose-driven unit that touches hearts in special ways. What gets better than that?
There is little in the way of politics, ideology, agendas, social-standing or other nonsense to contend with in that sandbox. Music, especially when guided by the Holy Spirit, transcends all of that and brings peace. It elevates us in ways that are easy to feel but difficult to articulate. That’s music to my ears because I get to focus on forming a healthy group of people within that framework.
Musicians and singers can form bonds that last a lifetime, especially when they’re open to the subtle movements of the Holy Spirit as they practice and perform together. It unites them, gives them an identity, and guides them as they blend their talents, hearts and minds in order to touch the hearts of others.
They quickly learn how to rely on the skills and talents that each one brings to the table. A big part of this involves self-preservation because of the desire not to screw up and embarrass anyone or disappoint the audience. However, they also learn the value of belonging to a community and wanting it to succeed.
Of course, a good deal of their success and motivation involves some direction and finesse too. Yet my experience thus far indicates that most of it germinates organically as individuals find their place in the big scheme of things and take ownership of it.
However, cobbling together a group of musicians that evolves into something that would make King David shed a tear of pride is a messy process. It takes a lot of faith, patience, trial-and-error and adaptability. If God draws straight with crooked lines, I wouldn’t be surprised if music classes and rehearsals are thoroughly entertaining for heaven to watch.
Order from Chaos
One of the hardest, yet most-rewarding things that I ever did involved building a youth choir from scratch. They were middle and high school students who brought a wide range of skills, levels of interest, dedication and maturity to the table. I struggled for a couple of months to get them to all focus at once and put whatever differences they had between them aside for an hour a week. It didn’t help that I was in way over my head, but a couple of priests had faith and saw something in me that could handle it.
It wasn’t until they completely crashed and burned during their first couple of masses that we all realized that we had to get our act together. And, boy did we. First, we began to pray before each practice and mass. That changed the mood of the entire room instantly and brought people into focus.
Out of that, the older kids started to help the younger ones, the younger ones were acting like the older ones, and everyone took ownership of their group and their mass. They corrected themselves, challenged themselves, supported one other and took great pride in what they were accomplishing. I finally figured out my place in all of that and took ownership of my responsibilities too.
They practiced together in their free time, brought all kinds of ideas to the table, chose music that stretched our capabilities, and we all learned how to be a team. I never thought I was building a team. I certainly didn’t know how at the time, but they took it upon themselves to become one. I was just blessed that God allowed me to bumble my way into facilitating that process.
Community Service
Another side of that special group of kids, and I also see this in choirs all over the place, is how members have the amazing capacity to love and support one another during the ups and downs of life too. In many respects, a good group can be a microcosm of what a healthy Christian community is all about. Since we all sink or swim together on a regular basis, we’re responsible and accountable for one another in very real ways. That creates a certain degree of trust, vulnerability and openness that can facilitate the sharing of our burdens, joys and hopes over the course of our time together.
Members of choirs, bands and music groups aren’t all that different than athletes. Most people have no clue about the amount of blood, sweat, tears and courage that goes into developing skills, overcoming challenges, adapting to limitations and building trust that happens behind the scenes. This has a particularly powerful impact on the hearts and minds of youth and young adults.
When those formative moments happen in the context of our faith, they provide rock-solid guideposts that follow them through life.
Finally, when we bring all of this into the context of the celebration of the Eucharist, musicians and singers also have the unique responsibility of joining people with God and God with people in their own special way too. While the Eucharist is the definitive equalizer within the Body of Christ, music supports that and adds an integral layer of meaning to that wonderful mystery. Being able to contribute to, and participate in that is one of the greatest gifts I could ever hope for, and I’m sure I speak for many a musician who feel the same way.
To that end, I’m frustrated because what I’m doing now is not enough. I’m not equipped with what I need to create what I know God is capable of producing through me. All of that will come in time I suppose, but I wish I could do more, and I apologize that you can’t hear what’s in my heart just yet. I promise you that it will be spectacular when it happens.
Meanwhile, enjoy the sleepy melodies I have here for now, and don’t be afraid to go over and say hi your choir after mass next Sunday.