The Professional Conduct of Gospel Ministers

 When Ministering in Song

The role of a gospel minister, particularly a music minister, is sacred and should be approached with the utmost professionalism and reverence. However, in many Christian gatherings today, a concerning trend has emerged where gospel singers, when invited to minister in song, deviate from their primary role and instead focus on extensive storytelling, lengthy scriptural expositions, and personal testimonies. While these elements may have their place in a worship service, they often lead to mismanagement of time and disrupt the overall flow of the program, ultimately affecting the effectiveness of the ministry.

Understanding the Call: Music as a Ministry
Gospel music ministers are called to communicate God's message through music. The Bible acknowledges the power of music in worship and edification. In Colossians 3:16, it states:

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

This verse highlights the role of music ministers—to inspire, edify, and lead people into worship through song. While sharing testimonies and scripture is beneficial, a music minister must understand that their core assignment is to minister in song, leaving the preaching of the word to those specifically invited for that purpose.

The Importance of Time Management and Obedience
One of the key attributes of professionalism in any field is the ability to manage time effectively. Many gospel artists are guilty of using up their allotted time with unnecessary preambles, then requesting additional time to actually sing. This is problematic for several reasons:

It disrupts the planned order of service: Every church or event has a structured program. When one minister exceeds their time, it affects other aspects of the event.
It shows a lack of discipline and obedience: Obedience is a core biblical principle. 1 Samuel 15:22 says, “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” A music minister who respects time shows humility and obedience.
It diminishes the impact of their ministry: If people spend more time listening to stories rather than worshiping through music, the minister is not fulfilling their purpose effectively.

Lessons from Secular Artists: Professionalism and Precision
A noteworthy comparison is with secular artists. While they do not have a divine mandate like gospel ministers, they are often more professional in their approach. When performing at an event, most secular artists:

Start immediately with their song, often with the instrumental already playing as they step on stage.
Do not waste time with lengthy greetings, storytelling, or unnecessary delays.
Understand their specific role in the event and stick to their allotted time.
While gospel ministers are not to emulate secular artists in lifestyle or message, they can learn from their discipline, time management, and understanding of professional engagement.

Global Best Practices for Gospel Ministers
To uphold professionalism and effectiveness in the gospel music ministry, the following best practices should be adhered to:

Respect the Time Given: When invited to minister in song, stick to the time allocated. If given 10 minutes, ensure that the primary purpose—singing—is fulfilled within that time frame.
Minimize Distractions: Avoid lengthy stories, unnecessary explanations, and excessive scripture references unless it directly ties into the song and can be delivered concisely.
Prepare and Rehearse Well: Preparation is key to delivering an impactful music ministration. Rehearse thoroughly so that the delivery is seamless and does not require lengthy explanations.
Follow the Leading of the Holy Spirit Without Disorder: The Holy Spirit does not cause disorder. If an event is structured, the Spirit will not lead a minister to disregard time and disrupt the program. 1 Corinthians 14:40 says, “Let all things be done decently and in order.”
Communicate with the Program Organizers: If there is a deep leading to share a testimony or a scripture, it is respectful to seek permission from the event host rather than assuming the liberty to take additional time.
Engage the Audience with Excellence: Rather than lengthy narrations, let the music itself minister. The lyrics of the song, combined with a heartfelt delivery, can be more powerful than words.

Conclusion

A Call for Discipline in Gospel Music Ministry
Gospel ministers must understand that they are not just singers; they are ministers of the gospel through music. Discipline, obedience, and professionalism should be core values in their approach. By adhering to their primary role and respecting the time allotted to them, they can maximize their impact, contribute to the overall flow of the event, and ensure that their ministry is effective.

As Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Every minister must recognize the time given to them and make the most of it within their specific calling. Only by doing so can they truly glorify God and edify His people effectively.