MUSIC MINISTRY

Leigh Pirtle, Music Minister

What is it like to be minister of music for a medium-sized church? As the music minister of First Congregational Church in Burlington, Iowa, I am the organist, the choir director, the choir accompanist, and the person who selects all the music for services. When I was in college studying piano performance 20 years ago, I did not dream I would have all these jobs. I have had to use the talents God gave me in many ways, adapting them for His use. I look on my many jobs as somewhat the same as a gardener. I have seeds which I scatter, and hope those seeds will mature into beautiful, blooming creations. The difference is that my seeds are musical.

Our congregation places a special value on music. This value seed was planted by someone long before I was born. Reverence and respect for music are not spoken, but felt. Our congregation knows that God can touch our hearts not only through the spoken word, but also through music, whether sung or instrumental. Possibly by spreading our musical seeds, we can reach others in our community. Then they will want to join our church. Our music emphasis has already proved to be a powerful outreach in the community. Musical talent is one of the gifts provided by the Lord which is meant to be shared -- a seed to be sown. In my position as minister of music, I encourage any and all musical contributions as being worthy. I feel it is important to facilitate music and educate our congregation about the types of music available for worship.

I don't believe a worship service can have too much music. Some of our services have included a flute choir, an a cappella women's quartet, a solo violinist accompanying the choir, a young cellist preparing for a competition, and a vocal professor in the community. All were wonderful additions to our worship. We spread the seeds of friendship and inclusion for all who love music to feel welcome in our sanctuary -- a beautiful sanctuary that is acoustically pleasing for musical performances

I became minister of music in the fall of 1998, and have gradually been introducing a more contemporary feel in the choir music. I mix the old with the new. This approach works well. I feel that my generation of baby-boomers enjoys the old standards that are arranged with a more contemporary feel, such as those by Craig Courtney, Lloyd Larson, Mark Hayes, and Deborah Govenor, to name just a few. Also, I introduce contemporary Christian music on the piano during gathering time, the ten minutes before worship on Sunday morning. I feel that God is working in our congregation and in our choir to improve our church. We have a very dedicated group of singers who willingly and freely share their gifts of music in song. I believe contemporary music will touch the hearts and lives of younger families who are so vital to the growth of our congregation.

There are other seeds that need to be sown -- seeds to plant in the minds of the young that music is fun and worthy of their work and time. I work with the youth in a bell chimes group. I am planting seeds in our youth that I pray will take root and flower, and, Lord willing, that I will be able to admire in my twilight years. We have fun and learn about music as we ring chimes. We gain the respect of the adults in our congregation who know the youth are our church's future.

As for the church's musical future, I know that the Lord will touch someone's life as He did mine.

There will be another talented person come along some day to lead the church's musical. How do we know who that will be? Please, if you know a young person who is studying music, offer all the encouragement, friendship, and support you can. Possibly that young person will be brought into service by the Lord to work in His church, and will thank you for being supportive. This musical vine which provides organists and musicians to our churches appears to be wilting. We all need to nurse it back to health.

As a "musical gardener" with five years of experience, I suggest you spread encouragement, love, and respect along with your music. I always ask the Lord for His help in my music ministry. I try always to keep in mind who I'm working for. Our medium-sized church is growing. If we keep spreading our seeds, we will continue to grow and flower. I pray that my music ministry will touch others' lives and help them grow closer to Christ.