“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
-John 10:27
The sound of an individual voice can be very distinctive. When I worked with small choirs, I could easily recognize the specific tone and timbre of each person’s voice. When selecting soloists, especially in a Psalm, I would often internally “hear” a verse in the voice of a particular music minister. This is how I sensed that it would be the right fit. Some voices are so unique that I remember their sound long after working with the person. Some voices I am certain I will remember forever.
Even non-musicians recognize the voices of particular cantors at their regular parish. I’m sure that if my husband were blindfolded, he would easily be able to identify which of the three usual cantors was singing.
When I first began serving as a music minister, I acknowledged to myself that there would be people in the congregation who disliked the sound of my voice. Although I did my best to sing in tune with a pleasant tone, I’m sure that for many possible reasons, the sound of my voice grated upon some people’s ears. It may have even made them cringe. I’m not suggesting that the sound of my voice is ugly or inappropriate for serving. I’m simply acknowledging that because everyone has different preferences and sensitivities, there are undoubtedly people who do not care for my voice.
Telling this to myself from the very beginning, and genuinely believing it, helped me to “get over myself” as a music minister. This is similar to acknowledging that it is simply not possible that every person you meet, work with, or serve with, will like you. There will always be people who don’t like you, just as you don’t like everyone. As someone with perfectionistic and people-pleasing tendencies, I needed to mentally prepare myself for this reality. If I had started out with the impossible and erroneous expectation that everyone would love my singing, it would have been a hard fall when I first learned otherwise.
Of course, there are non-negotiable requirements for serving in music ministry: singing or playing in tune, producing a pleasant tone, and being able to blend in an ensemble are just a few. It is also necessary to be sensible, use good judgement, and consider the needs and culture of the congregation. As I have often told my children, “Time and place.”
As long as church musicians are able to fulfill these conditions, and are willing to learn and grow, they can feel confident in serving. Not everyone will like what they do, but that is to be expected. In church, and in life.
After all, it’s not about us. It’s about Him.
Dear Lord, please help me to stay focused on Your goodness, instead of my own shortcomings, when I make music in church. Please give me the grace to be gentle with myself when I know I am trying my best. When I am made aware that others do not like what I am doing, please help me to listen, to be humble, and to discern Your will. Please send the Holy Spirit to instruct me, guide me, and support me as I attempt to serve you well. St. Cecilia, pray for us. Amen.
“In ears that hear me, Christ ever be.”
-Christ Be Beside Me (James Quinn, S.J.)
