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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Unsung Hero (12/07/06)
“Polyrhythms Of Praise”

I am a musician who has come to know the Lord Jesus Christ. I have a concern for my fellow musicians who are expected to share the “God given” gift of music. My concern is really with the church as a whole.

When I was eleven years old, I knew that I wanted to be a drummer. I would sneak into wedding receptions and pretend to be the child of someone who was invited. For the most part I went unnoticed. There was a reason for my sly intentions. At that time, 1961ish, it was the only way that I was able to watch a real live band close up. I would hangout at the bandstand, eyes glued to the rhythm section, particularly awe inspired by the drums. Someone would always spot me and offer cake and punch. I was now officially part of the reception. I could literally have my cake and eat it too!

Anyway, after many years of practice and patience, I became a professional musician. That brings me to a pet peeve. When observing other professionals, within any congregation, the dentist will set up an appointment, as would a doctor or lawyer. The landscaper, plumber, electrician or construction worker may come to the church and give an estimate of the work to be done. Although, at times, all these fine professions donate time and energy, they certainly are not expected to always serve for free.

We almost all expect music for Sunday services, and with the exception of a (very seldom paid) worship leader, the gift is simply considered… reasonable service.

In the Lords army the musicians were sent into battle first. (This today, I’m sure would be used to eliminate the loud drummers of most churches,) ((And those who think they can sing!)) Don’t get me wrong; I have been in service to the church as a custodian, (toilet cleaner,) construction worker, and a worship leader, to name a few. The point is that I would have served all the aforementioned for free. The truth is that all the churches in my past paid me, or at least were willing too, for every duty except music.

This is not a complaint as some may think. It is a way to say, “thank you,” to all my fellow musicians. Don’t be discouraged if your achievements are not praised or recognized. I know of the thousands of unpaid hours, and the endless time spent putting your heart and soul into your gifted craft. So does the Lord.

You may be unacknowledged, overlooked, disregarded, forgotten, neglected, slighted, unknown, unnamed, or anonymous, but you are all, my unsung heroes! You cannot out give God, and He will reward you for your faithfulness!

Remember, the best pats on the back are from Jesus!
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This article has been read 859 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
dub W
12/15/06
Good personal statement and full of meaning. Find someone to proof your material and clear up the typos and you will have a much cleaner piece. Thanks for posting.
Leigh MacKelvey
12/15/06
Great article and written well. Typos didn't faze me from the message. Personally, I always thought musicians and singers in church were the ones "out front" of the church and were acknowledged for their gifts and talents. I never knew they thought their talents were taken for granted. I'll have to go up and thank them this Sunday!
Janice Cartwright
12/15/06
I agree that music in a worship service makes a huge difference. I put it right up there with the sermon. While words have their intrinsic limitations; the language of music offers great freedom of expression.

But to increase its effectiveness, try asking yourself this question about your article: "What is it really about?" Is it about how my fascination with music as a child grew into a career? About whether it is fair for music services to go uncompensated, monetarily? About how we as the body of Christ should verbalize our appreciation more to our musicians? (In your opening statement you voiced a concern for the church.) Or is it, as your conclusion indicated, about how musicians should look more to their future reward?

As writers we burgeon with ideas, but there has to be a main purpose, a main statement we are trying to make and it must be consistant throughout.

This is the best advice I ever received from a fellow writer - I pass it on to you.
Dennis Fletcher
12/15/06
Well, as an aspiring guitar player who has been blessed to play for the youth 1 time, I really liked your article. I have to admit, though, I was confused at the end, for just a moment, as I thought you were issuing forth a greivance. I was very happy to see it change to a praise, though. Well done.
Donna Powers
12/16/06
Music is a big part of worship for me and I am always grateful to the worship team and the musicians. You express yourself well. Keep writing!
Bonnie Derksen
12/16/06
Wow! There is alot of emotion written into the words of your article.
First, I appreciate your intro as it gives us, your readers, a true picture of the passion you have for drumming and music, in general.
I guess, that most of us can feel overlooked or underestimated at times. Certainly, our personalities and areas of need play into the mix, also...
There is such a need for balance, isn't there? The Lord just reminded me of one dear lady who teaches at a local elementary school during the week and then, again, in Sunday School through the morning service time.
Hmmmm... your article is definitely food for thought. Thanks for writing and I love the phrase: "The best pat on the back is the one from Jesus!"
Marilyn Schnepp 
12/21/06
Due to the content, I overlooked or didn't notice any typos. I also was happy to see that this wasn't a complaint...but Gratitude for the unsung heroes of music. One minute of music can move me far more than 60 minutes of preaching! The Factual Truth! Nice entry. God Bless.