Five Things Your Music Director Wants You To Know: By Marietta Smith
You may be wondering who I am, so let me tell you a little bit about myself. My name is Marietta Smith, pronounced 'Ma-Reeta' - not to be confused with the city in Georgia. I have played the piano since the age of five. At age twelve, I became the music director at the church my father pastored, and have continued to serve in music ministry since then. I went on to attend Texas Bible College, where I earned a B.A. in Music. At TBC, I gained an understanding of theory, music administration, and working with a band. One of my mentors, Bro. Timothy Hall once said, "Music ministry is 20% ability, and 80% people skills”. So I am super excited to share my perspective on things that matter from a music director's point of view.
1. Have a personal relationship with God
This is of utmost importance. I urge the band musicians and singers to prepare for each service by arriving early and having pre-service prayer. However, thirty minutes of prayer before each service does not suffice to deepen your relationship with God. The human body cannot survive on merely one meal on Sunday and another on Wednesday, to maintain a healthy lifestyle. We need nutrition every single day of the week. We need our spiritual life to reflect in the same way. We cannot effectively lead others into God's presence if we only pray two or three times a week. Your prayer and devotion will shift a church service from ordinary to extraordinary.
2. You are vital
Your dedication is never overlooked! It takes a team to lead the congregation each week, and when one person is not there, mentally or physically, you can feel its effects. As a music director, I am forever grateful for the dedication of each musician and singer. I appreciate saints who commit to perfecting their craft at home on their own time. Whether it be stretching for that high note, fine-tuning that chord transition, or making sure you have your part down pat. Your extra time spent practicing never goes unnoticed!
3. Never take a service for granted
As part of the worship team, it is our responsibility to feel after God's heartbeat for each service. You never know what spiritual burden someone is carrying with them as they enter into God's presence. "Life is but a vapor" (James 4:14) and who is to know which service will be our last? As the worship team, we have to go out and give it our all every single service.
4. Believe what you sing
It is just that simple; believe in the lyrics you are singing. Let those words resonate and come from deep within your heart. Focus on the words you sing; they convey the song's sincere message. Be vulnerable and let those words flow out of you so that they may connect with someone.
5. Be a worshipper above all
Practice, and perfect, the instrument you play. Thoroughly learn the lyrics, notes, and part you sing. Worship with excellence; after all, it is biblical! However, talent and ability will never replace anointing. Be mindful to follow the Spirit's leading and make room for God to take over and do what only He can do.
Since I am the one with the mic, let me answer an often debated question. Which is more critical, the worship service, or the sermon? They both are! The worship service is a ministry for God, and the sermon is the time for God to minister to us. The worship service is vital because it prepares the hearts of God's people to receive His Word. I appreciate every worship leader, musician, praise team, and choir member. They help us, music directors, to reach a place of true worship each service.
