Where Do We Go?
By John William Roberts, ED.D.
In the December 2019 issue of The Christian Recorder, Editor John Thomas, III posed this question in his editorial, “At the local level, as our congregations age, what will happen to our worship culture as our musicians change—or disappear altogether?” He raised a question I’ve posed for months in previous articles. What is the denomination doing to preserve the “worship culture?” Lip-service has been given acknowledging the challenge; however, nothing substantive has taken place to address the challenge.
In articles I’ve written in 2017 and 2018, I noted that the music ministry of congregations should teach and inspire its congregants toward discipleship. It is the job of the music ministry to train and teach, not only members of the church’s choirs, ensembles, and chorales, but also to educate the members of the congregation to the foundations of the songs’ lyricists, composers, and any life events that may have inspired such soulful and meaningful lyrics and music.
I’ve also referred to the many congregations with rich traditions looking for qualified, well-rounded musicians to enhance the worship service; however, the pool of these musicians is at an all-time low. There are many children, young people, and adults who have a desire to contribute to their denominations and congregations. What is being done by the denominations and congregations to give these willing “future servants” the opportunity to serve? What connections are being made to give these servants a pathway to showcase their talents? Are connections being made with area high schools, colleges, or universities to enable them to serve?
Are congregations collaborating to give these future servants the ability to connect with music professionals to develop, enhance, and perfect their talents? There are many congregations whose musicians would be willing to provide training. Are congregations and denominations willing to help subsidize this training when needed?
The legacy of any congregation and denomination depends on its ability to train its current and future servants. Is enough being done to ensure a legacy?
Many of us are aware of the problem; however, there may not be many of us who are willing to take the steps to solve it. We, as church music professionals, should take the initiative to develop the bridges for connection and collaboration to provide our future with opportunities to be trained to continue the congregational and denominational legacy.
What is going to be done to aid local congregations to ensure the worship culture is valued and treasured? Congregations deserve good music. As the editor mentioned, “At the local level, as our congregations age, what will happen to our worship culture as our musicians change—or disappear altogether?” How long must these questions be asked for responsive action to take place?
John William Roberts, ED.D. is the director of music and the principal musician for Lee Chapel AME Church in Auburn, Alabama.
