The Balanced Music Minister

Beyond Anointing and Power

There is more beyond Anointing and Power, this is a fact that can't be contested because it is established in scriptures... In mind of many song minsters today, there is a prevailing mindset that all it takes to be a music minister is anointing and power. While these are undeniably vital, many fail to recognize the necessity of skill, talent, spirit, and CHARACTER (the Oga kpata kpata of them all) meaining the most important of them all after  power. The truth is, music ministry requires a holistic approach—one that balances divine empowerment with human excellence.

Biblical Insight: 1 Chronicles 15:22
"And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skillful." (1 Chronicles 15:22, KJV)

This scripture highlights a key principle in music ministry—skill matters. Chenaniah was not just anointed; he was chosen to lead because of his skill in music. If skill were not important, this verse would have said that he was chosen solely because of his anointing. But the Bible makes it clear that his ability to instruct and lead in music was because he was skillful.

The Importance of Skill in Music Ministry
Skill is not unspiritual—it is necessary. Consider this: if a pastor must study to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15), why should a music minister not train to rightly handle musical worship? Many choir members believe that talent is irrelevant, but talent is the foundation upon which skill is built. The more you refine your talent, the better you become in ministering effectively.

A music minister who lacks skill can hinder the move of God rather than facilitate it. Worship is a journey, and skillful musicians create an environment where people can easily engage in deep worship without distractions caused by poor music execution.

The Role of Character in Music Ministry
Being skillful without godly character is dangerous. Many talented singers have failed in ministry because of pride, arrogance, or a lack of discipline. Music ministry is not a stage to showcase personal abilities but an altar of service to God. A choir member who lacks humility, obedience, and dedication will struggle to serve effectively.

Character ensures that your gift is not wasted. Anointing can lift you, but character sustains you. Without character, anointed people fall into disgrace.

The Importance of Spirituality in Music Ministry
The presence of God in worship is not automatic. A music minister must be spiritually sensitive, prayerful, and deeply connected to God. Skill without spirit leads to entertainment, while spirit without skill results in disorder. A true music minister combines both to lead people into God’s presence effectively.

Paul instructs in 1 Corinthians 14:15, “I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.” This means that singing in the Spirit does not eliminate the need for understanding (which includes skill). Both must go hand in hand.

Conclusion
To be an effective music minister, you must embrace all these aspects:

Anointing – The power of God that enables true spiritual impact.
Skill – The refined ability that enhances musical excellence.
Talent – The natural gift from God that must be developed.
Character – The discipline that sustains ministry and prevents failure.
Spirit – The connection with God that ensures the music is not just sound but a vessel of divine encounter.
A successful music minister does not depend on anointing alone but understands that skill, talent, character, and spirituality are equally essential. God deserves the best in worship, and it is our responsibility as music ministers to offer Him excellence in every aspect.

Let us, therefore, strive to be balanced ministers—anointed, skilled, disciplined, and deeply spiritual, so that through us, lives will be transformed, and God's name will be glorified.

watchout for the next article the will address the issue of music minster stepping their boundries when invited to minster "IN SONG"