The Minister and the Choir: A Lesson on Talen and Humility

Article about Sowing Seeds of Faith and Internet Ministry

“Leadership and the Choir" Part 2

Thanks to my less than inspired leadership, choir members argued, the congregation was mumbling and I was bewildered. “What’s wrong with our choir?” I wondered. Actually, the problem was not with the choir but with me. I was about to receive a lesson on spiritual leadership courtesy of God and our real choir director. At this point she stood up and said, “Larry, can I make a suggestion?”

“Please!” I responded with obvious relief.

“Will you say a prayer and ask God to guide and lead our choir?” she asked. Wow! With one simple request, our choir director taught the most critical lesson of spiritual leadership.

To be an effective choir you must first regularly give your talents and yourself to God.

What could I say? “I will be glad too.” As I prayed for God’s guidance, I began to feel a sense of assurance that God was in complete control of the choir, of our church and of me. All along, I thought quality spiritual leadership depended more upon me… my talents, my take-charge attitude and creativity. Instead, God was seeking submission to His talents, His attitude, creativity and perfect will.

“Amen,” I said and for a moment there was silence. First one choir member spoke, then another:

“I would love to sing a solo if you need me but whatever you decide is fine.”

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“I’ve been doing an awful lot of solos lately. Maybe it is time for a change.”

“That’s very kind of you. I’ve been a little sarcastic lately. I apologize.”

“I was just kidding about playing the organ but could I play the piano with you sometime?”

“Excuse me. What are we singing again? In all the confusion I’ve forgotten.”

Everyone was laughing by now but we learned several valuable lessons.

To be an effective choir, it helps to know what you will sing.
To be an effective choir, we should sing from the same music.
To be an effective choir, we need direction and leadership.
To be an effective choir you must regularly give your talents and yourself to God.

Could these same lessons apply towards other forms of leadership? Of course they can. Paul wrote in Romans: “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask? Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.” (12:1-2) Did you catch Paul’s point?

…give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice…
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world but let God transform you…
Then you will know what God wants you to do…
…you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is

I said to our choir director: “It was presumptuous of me to think that I can replace you. I’ll stick to preaching and let you lead the choir. Thank you for teaching a valuable lesson. Will you forgive me?”

She smiled and said, “Of course. Being creative, searching for our gifts and being submissive to God is what the choir and our church is all about. Now if you don’t mind, we have an anthem to sing.”

“Great! May I join you? (pause) ...to sing. I would like to sing!”

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Last modified December 18, 2006.

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