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St
John's Evangelical
Lutheran Church |
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From Director of Music -
Jordan Culver I have been employed as a church music director in some or several capacities since my graduation from music school in 1991. As a pastor's son, I have also been surrounded with the sounds and sights of the Christian Church and its culture since birth. I have absorbed many aspects of this long-term exposure without even being aware of it. I knew I loved music at a young age and started taking piano lessons from our church organist at the age of 7. Much to my dismay, I was drawn into "performing" at our church only a few years after starting my lessons. I was both honored by and resentful of the assumption that I would use my gifts in ministry as my father was doing. For most of my life, I have been aware of my need for God to save me from myself and the difficulties of this world. It is perhaps a universal tension that even with this knowledge we tend to seek ways in which to do it ourselves. In my Christian walk I have repeatedly, and I suspect will continue, to hit the wall of my own imperfection. This neurotic perfectionism has also driven me in the world of music. If I could not do it perfectly, the desire to quit would often overwhelm me. It is this same conflict that we who minister in the church and its services, face at least on a weekly basis. In comparison to the length of my Christian walk, the idea that God is our audience in corporate worship is relatively new. Even if we understand this, our frail need for human approval can completely distract us from this Godly focus. Our level of giftedness does not determine the spirit and truth of our worship. On the other hand, we should want to bring the very best of our first fruits to Him. I trust that I have grown further away from the desire simply to impress with music. I confess that at times church work has simply been another music gig in my career as opposed to an opportunity to serve. I now strive to have my own focus heavenward in the music of worship and hope that this posture encourages others to do the same. I am aware of my own tendency toward arrogance because of my need to feel greater in skill and knowledge. Worship should express our thirst and desire for God and His glorification and not our own. Seeking to further our skills and expand our knowledge should also be toward that end. Yet it is still easy to seek recognition for ourselves even in the knowledge of God. I now hope that I am at a place where I will more truly seek to use my gifts for God's glory and serving others. There have always been and always will be some musical areas where I have wanted to improve my skill. Even with my extended exposure to Christian worship, there is also much that I do not understand. I have often struggled with the existence of so many Christian traditions, especially in worship. I have come to the conclusion that we can not entirely separate our personal "sacred cows" from worship that is spiritual and true. We can, however, bring what we have and where we are in a humbling process of continuing spiritual reform. Music appears to be on the front lines of this process in an overly controversial way. Let us pray that what we bring will not add to the fire of this controversy, but add to the fire of true worship. In pursuit of a kindling our worship I would like to invite you to an evening of music on Wednesday August 13 after dinner. No, there will be no guest musician concert. You will be the performers, and God will be the audience. Adults and children will all learn a song together with harmony. We will also all have a chance to learn a part on the hand bells and hand drums. Yes, you can do it. The goal is to better understand how to learn new music and its place in worship. I suspect that in the process we'll all have a good time and even end up with a great performance. Don't forget to bring the most important instruments with you. Your listening ears!!! Bell Choir - Thursdays,
5:45 pm |
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