Ministers and Musicians

How similar are the professions of musicianship and ministry.

A musician may be scholarly and steeped in musical theory and history.  They may play only the finest classical pieces.  Or they may be self taught and play the most ragged of blues.  They may play kids songs… or music to make you dance… or the saddest country-western songs.  

Each tends to be in love with their genre.  The classical may look down on the blues.  The jazz musician may consider the classical to be too rigid.  Then if you go to other cultures you will find that their approach to music and its structure is quite different.  Their scales may be different… even the steps between notes will be different.  The traditions and even the instruments are different.

So it is with ministers (pastors, priests, deacons, etc.)  Each believes that their approach and belief system is the most correct. 

It all seems so odd… for in reality one does not need someone to lead them to God or to explain God.  God expresses through all of humanity… there is no life without God.

A street musician that plays and sings from their heart and soul can produce as beautiful music as the classical trained pianist. 

Thankfully there is more than one expression of music… and thankfully there are many expressions (and understandings) of God.  For humans to truly understand God is similar to dogs trying to understand humans.  We do not have the capacity to fully understand and appreciate the totality of God.

The sacred scriptures (of which there are multiple) were written for human-kind in the same manner that we would write a book about life and all of its complexities for a first-grader.  Just as a first-grader would be lost in reading a college thesis, so would we be lost if we were to try to comprehend the deeper complexities of God and life.

God will just as joyfully and lovingly and tenderly speak to you as God will to the minister down the street. 

Does this mean that church is for not?  No, for wherever two or more are gathered in “his name” (In Aramaic the phrase “in his name” meant “in the likeness of” or “in the same manner” or “as they would do it”).  We have reinterpreted it to mean that we must invoke the name.  When we refer to someone as a good egg… we don’t literally mean they are an egg!).  We are called to become community… to care for one another… to study and follow the sacred teachings.  These teachings provide both structure and guidance.  We can also find a purpose and meaning in life.  Once found though we must simply live it… rather than try to convince those who have a different understanding that they are wrong. 

It is good to learn from others… but remember they at best can only point the way… in spite of their statements to the contrary they are not “the way”.  As any wise woman will do with a man… take them with a grain of salt.

The book, “The Shack” is good because it provides a way of looking at life (God) differently.  Just like listening to a good blues song is good for one who listens only to sonatas, and etudes.

You are a seeker of truth and you will find (are finding) that truth within.

May the peace and the light of Christ be with you always in all ways.

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As musicians find many temptations so it is with ministers.  No matter their ability or dedication to their passions… both can find their selves tempted.  The more proficient they become… the more they attract followers.  Many can be the challenges.  Followers can be attracted either sexually or emotionally… both attractions are equally challenging.  Followers can also isolate them with so that they no longer face the challenges of introspection.  They become settled and comfortable with their level of knowledge and skill.  Humility (a most valuable trait) is lost… and along with it the desire to question their own understandings.

Yet on another level this is good… for they truly do face some of life’s greatest challenges and have the ability to learn some of life’s greatest lessons.  And one often learns best from their own weakness.