Originally published in the September 26, 2007 issue of The Evangel.
by Mark Edwards, associate pastor/minister of music
On occasion through the years, I've led conferences for ministers of music on a variety of subjects. In recent years, one of their requests has been that I talk about tenure--staying put at the same steeple for a long time. The title of one of those sessions is Traditions That I Hold Dear and Want to Pass On. This is probably a good time for me to review those things to determine how I've done on our corner lo these many years. Here's the list and a bit of explanation--in case you missed it:
1. Hymnody--hymns are full of theology and they are faith-forming. Much of the popular congregational song today is good, but thin by comparison because of limited context. John 3:16 is a wonderful passage of scripture, but, for me, it takes on far greater meaning in the context of John 3:15 and 17 as well as John 2 and 4. Same with hymns.
2. Worship is the most important business of the church. Life, health, and work of a congregation are overflow of her worship. Worship should be planned with care, intention, and focus. Many of you have remarked that our services are coordinated well in terms of sermon, music, flow, pacing, and logistics. That's not an accident; it is a priority.
3. Music education and performance at church is a balance of head and heart, of musical competence and spiritual commitment.
4. The congregation is the most important choir in the church. You are a good choir--the best, if you ask me!
5. "Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness" has a counterpart: "worship the Lord in the holiness of beauty." Some ways we honor God are with right notes, carefully crafted musical phrases, modest and appropriate presentation, and trying to script "holy moments" where Mystery can be experienced.
6. It is better to build a music team than to rely on a few stars. I'd rather have average people that will work with me in the trenches, than have a few stars that show up on occasion to shoot the winning shot.
7. Teenagers are wonderful people--highly resilient and appreciative of tradition. They are capable of far more than we sometimes expect of them. Ours have not wanted me to be one of them but a decent one of me.
8. Nothing replaces longevity, but it does not trump everything. Tenure that remains productive is good for the individual, good for his/her family, good for the church, and probably good for the Kingdom.
I hope these traditions will be strong foundations on which you can build and solid stepping stones on which you can move forward into the next chapter of music ministry at First Baptist Nashville. Thanks for letting me offer some tradition among you; it will be important for my successor to be allowed that same privilege. It is also important to the church.
Onward!
