When you pick up your instrument, do you feel the call of God?

When you lead your church in worship, do you feel the weight of responsibility?

Because you, my friend, are called, appointed, and anointed to do what you do.

My goal today is to inspire you to take your role as a worship musician seriously but not to take yourself too seriously.

I want to challenge you to steward your calling and anointing with responsibility, but not your ego.

You are called to more than music. You are destined for more than entertaining God’s people.

It’s time to rise up and step into the fullness of God’s call upon your life.

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It seems that there are two types of people in the world: those with talent and those who suck at music.

At least it seems that way. You know who I’m talking about – that annoying musician for whom everything comes easily.

They play numerous instruments, have very creative ideas, and just seem to be crowned from on high with musical ninja skills.

For the rest of us, it’s ridiculous hard work and little progress, right?

This, I believe, is a myth. Sure, some may be more genetically predisposed to music. But good musicians are good because they immerse themselves in it. And this is something you can do, whether you believe you are talented or not.

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Everyone in the world knows you need to practice to get better.

If you want to be a better worship leader, you have to practice. If you want to be a better drummer, you must practice. If you want to be good at just about anything, it will take practice.

But why do some really practice and others don’t?

I have friends who can do a lot because they’ve worked hard to develop skills. I know others who seem to avoid anything that is difficult and therefore don’t have many skills.

Why do we avoid practice?

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A couple of years ago, I thought I turned the bathroom faucet off.

I was in a hurry, as usual, so I quickly turned the knob and went on my way. Little did I know that the sink was plugged and there was a slight drip.

Drip…drip…drip.

I went back to watch the movie with Emily in our tiny, yet cozy apartment. Beautiful wife, warm fire, popcorn, engaging movie. The good life. But the Hallmark mood only lasted for a couple more hours.

Drip…drip…drip.

After the movie, I went to the bathroom again to find the sink overflowing and the water spilled out over on the floor, out into the hallway. There are better ways to end a night like this.

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Wouldn’t it be nice to sit down for coffee with Matt Redman?

Grab a bite to eat with Joel Houston, Israel Houghton, or Darlene Zchsech? Having the opportunity to pick their brains about worship over a nice dark roast would be so helpful, right?

That isn’t always possible. But that’s how I feel when I sit down to read Advice for the Modern Worship Musician by Jayme Lewis.

Well thought out, engaging, useful advice for anyone involved in the art and ministry of worship music. It’s a small book, but a book packed cover to cover with useful tips for you and your team members to discuss together.

(Matter of fact, Jayme has agreed to give away two copies to two people who leave a comment on this post.)

But before I talk more about the book, imagine something with me.

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