Avoiding distractions

Is it possible to effectively “minister” through music without any distractions?

A friend of mine recently encouraged church musicians to avoid as many distractions as possible; to “get out of the way” and let the message (of Christ) go out uninhibited and unencumbered by whatever novelties or dressings an artist might be tempted to add to their song. Noble advice. But is it really possible?

I’ll admit it: I’m a very distracted observer of worship music. Sometimes I can get so involved in the harmonies of the song, or the chord progressions of a song, or the part writing of a song, or the instrumentation of a song, or the vocal quality (or lack thereof) of the musician, that I completely forget what the song is all about. Some of that has to do with my training, some of it involves my preferences (likes and dislikes), and some of it (admittedly) involves my mood! That combined with all the other potential distractions during a song (babies crying, people coughing, lights humming, and on and on), it’s real easy to become inattentive to the actual message being conveyed.

Here’s my theory: If I (as the observer/worshiper) am distracted, it may very well be my own fault. I’m responsible to discipline my mind so that I am mainly focused on the message, not the vehicle for that message, or any other distractions.

But not all distractions are the fault of the listener. There are unavoidable things that will preoccupy people’s thoughts during the ministering of music (like if the sheet music falls off the piano, or if the soloist trips over the microphone cord, or if a bird flies through the sanctuary). The goal of a musician, however, should be to diminish as many distractions as possible.

I came up with a list of a few general things that are likely to “distract” your ministry of music. This isn’t a rant; it’s a ramble. It’s all in good humor, too. Maybe you can add to the list.

So here goes…

Ways to distract me so that I forget all about your message:

1. Impress me with your skill and technique. If people walk away raving about your ability, they weren’t ministered to. They were impressed. Is that ever the goal of music ministry?
2. Scare me with your lack of preparation. If you haven’t done enough practicing, please know that I will be on pins and needles the entire time you have the floor. I’d rather listen to a repeat than be troubled with anxiety attacks because you’re not quite ready.
3. Turn me off with your attitude. The world is full of people who are full of themselves. I don’t need to come to church to see and hear that. No show-offs in ministry. Ever. The message of Christ is gracious and pure; you need to be, too.
4. Disturb me with your hypocrisy. If your life doesn’t align with your message, I’m going to have difficulty staying focused. You have to walk the walk. It’s like the parent who said, “Do as I say, not as I do.” (Did a parent ever really say that?) Conversely, and amazingly, people willingly overlook a distraction-filled ministry when the one who’s ministering has a right heart. Funny how we can tell.

Let’s commit to ministering without distraction, and when we partake in worship by observation, let’s commit to not allow anything distract us!

Related posts:

1. Choosing Wedding Music