IDEAL QUALITIES FOR MUSICIANS

Spirit-filled. Walking in the Spirit on a consistent basis. Sensitive to the Lord's leading.

Moral. Of excellent moral character; not a trace of immorality, drug or alcohol abuse. Not a gossip. Possesing a good reputation, working for the Lord. Having a strong marriage. When there is a problem, willing to let the worship leader or pastor know about serious moral failures at once and step down for a time.

Hard-working. Willing to help out others in any way: setting up equipment, making copies, baby-sitting, whatever is needed. Not stuck in just taking care of themselves.

Humble. Motivated out of service to the Lord, not to be known. A God-pleaser. Having crucified pride and ego!

Supportive of leadership. Willing to get behind leadership. Not a "yes-man", but able to share views yet joyfully get behind leadership decisions, right or wrong (or otherwise steps out).

Flexible. Able to adjust to changes. "Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be broken".

Musically competent. Can play well enough to be an aid to worship and not introduce excessive distractions.

Committed. Willing to take the time to improve in abilities, learn new songs, new techniques.

Punctual. Arrives early enough to be properly prepared for worship and practices.

Worshipful. Able to truly worship while leading others. Not wrapped up in a performance mentality.

Prayerful. Willing to invest time in prayer, privately and together, for the ministry.

Mature. Not a new believer. Probably a Christian for at least 2 years.

Modest. Not wearing clothes that draw attention to yourself. No tight or revealing clothes. Ladies are requested to not wear shorts and to be sensitive not to wear any sleeveless or low-cut blouses, no tank tops.

Involved in "secret" ministries. Actively working in less conspicuous ministries. Also, shows up to church even when he is not playing!

Prepared. Ready in heart, in skill, and practiced. Thinking ahead about practices, setting up equipment.

Fun. Enjoys the ministry and encourages those he works with.

An Example. Not engaged in any activity that might look questionable. Having no appearance of evil.

Responsible. Tries to find other like-gifted musicians to fill-in when he is absent. Even encourages and "disciples" them to multiply and even replace himself.

Willing to step down at any time. Maintaining a David-like attitude, not a Saul-like attitude. Available but not demanding.

A Servant: Having similar attributes that Paul describes for a deacon (= servant):
"Likewise deacons (must be) reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these first be proved; then let them serve as deacons, being (found) blameless. Likewise (their) wives (must be) reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling (their) children and their own houses well. For those who served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." I Timothy 3:8-13.
Roy Osborn © 1994, updated 2006. Copy freely for non-profit use.