“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
-1 Peter 4:10
The first time that I served as a music minister was also the first time that I ever sang in public.
Since my background is in piano, I had extensive experience playing the piano in front of others. Because of my musical training, I knew that I could sing in tune, and had a basic knowledge of singing technique. While preparing for my first Mass, I realized that singing while accompanying myself was more challenging than I had imagined, but I persevered and worked up to what I felt was an acceptable level.
I was surprised when several friendly parishioners greeted me after Mass with kind words about my voice. To my astonishment, I have continued to receive positive feedback about my singing through the years.
In other words, my voice gets more compliments than my piano playing.
I am not saying this to brag about my singing voice. In fact, it makes me very uncomfortable to mention this at all. But I share it because I believe it contains three truths that may be helpful to other church musicians.
First, the gift that you consider your “best” may not be perceived that way by others. I was initially taken aback by the feedback I received, but over time, I began to view it with humor. I found it sort of hilarious that the part of me that was untrained – my singing voice – was better received by people than the highly trained part of me. It makes me wonder how many volunteer music ministers, with vastly different areas of professional expertise, must experience this phenomenon even more profoundly. Yet the compliments are genuine and valid.
Second, the words, rather than the accompaniment, often make the primary impact. The words literally speak to people in the pews. This is why people noticed my singing. It communicated words that they could literally hear, recognize, and take to heart.
Third, it is important to receive compliments with gratitude. Just say “thank you.” Don’t deny, minimize, or self-deprecate; this draws even more attention to yourself. Don’t say that your voice is not good, or “Actually, I’m a pianist,” or “I’m not a professional.”
Just say “thank you.” To them, and to Him.
Dear God, thank you for your delightful sense of humor. Thank you for getting me out of my comfort zone, and for equipping me with the ability to communicate with people in more than one way. Thank you for using me to speak, sing, or play your truth to others. Most of all, thank you for the amazing gift of serving you as a music minister. Amen.
“What do you want of me, Lord? Where do you want me to serve you?”
-Servant Song (Donna Marie McGargill, OSM)
