“Perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry.”
-2 Timothy 4:5
The word “perform” is a loaded one for church musicians. We know that we should avoid “performing” at all costs, since what we are doing is serving. In Scripture, the word “perform” is often used quite differently. Frequently, it describes the awesome works of God. Jesus performed miracles. He performed signs and wonders. The apostles performed healings in His name.
Sometimes, the word “perform” is actually used in Scripture with regard to regular, human, imperfect followers of Jesus. We are told to perform good works that serve a holy purpose in ministry (1 Pt 2:12). We are reminded not to use good deeds in a performative way, since we want to draw attention to God, rather than to ourselves (Mt 6:1).
When I first began serving in music ministry, after nearly a lifetime of playing exclusively secular music, it took me awhile to replace the verb “perform” to describe what I did musically during Mass. I knew that it was not performing. But old speech patterns, and ingrained perceptions, are sometimes stubborn. My degree is in “piano performance.” My dissertation literally has the word “performance” in the title. I had to consciously remember not to use this word, which had been a significant part of my vocabulary since childhood.
Here is an incomplete thesaurus of replacements for the word “perform” in music ministry: make music, glorify God through music, lead worship, provide music, sing, play, pray, pray twice. You likely have more terms in your own vocabulary.
Of course, I have a favorite: serve. I will be forever grateful to the music ministers who have taught me this. Not overtly, but by modeling it with their beautiful humility.
Let’s serve Him together.
Lord Jesus, please continue to remind me that I am serving You, and never giving a musical performance, during Mass. Please forgive me if I slip up and describe my service as something else. Please keep an understanding of the purpose of my music in my heart. Please send the Holy Spirit to gently blow my ego out of the way, so that it does not impede my ability to glorify You. Thank you for showing me what it looks like, and sounds like, to be a humble servant. May I spend my time in music ministry attempting to follow Your example. Amen.
“Then hear, O gracious Savior, accept the love we bring, that we who know your favor may serve you as our King.”
-O God Beyond All Praising (Michael Perry)
