Page 14 - Joshua's Journal

Music versus Sermon well as any other ministry is the fact that people are The preparation of music is synonymous in comparison not willing to sit still and wait to hear from God. to the preparation for a sermon. Evangelist Summers likens this comparison to the analogy of a hand in Establishing a Successful Music glove. She believes that the choir’s function is to pre- Ministry Program pare the hearts of the people/congregation to receive Evangelist Summers emphatically believes that the Word from the Pastor. Additionally, the responsi- effective music ministry must be taught in order to bility of the choir or ministry of music is to “cover” the break old habits and restore God’s vision. She of- Pastor. She believes that just as the Pastor studies and fers, “One must have a hunger and thirst for God and prepares a sermon, the music ministry must exercise believe there is more to just preparing music and the same tenacity. being prepared for service. The preparation hinges on one’s study of the Word and prayer life.” As witnesses Current State of and fishermen of men, she states, “This only effectively Music Ministry comes from being immersed in the Word and having a Evangelist Summers personal relationship with Christ.” Evangelist Summers shared a vision she expe- sees something as simple as a rehearsal turn into a rienced while waiting for prayer service, allowing God’s Spirit to come in and a bus when she was in minister to the body of Christ. high school. The vision was about choirs backing Dealing with Life’s Adversities up secular artists. Ac- Evangelist Summers has received positive responses cording to her, some mu- from sharing some of her life’s adversities much to the sic ministries and artists chagrin of others. Her defense, “It identifies a true have turned to a posture worshipper who is not ashamed of exposing that life of entertaining and have is not always easy.” She believes that the people of dismissed the ultimate God should know we are not exempt from adversity purpose of operating as and that we should consider it an honor that God has God’s Levites, called to allowed the enemy to shake up our tranquility. She minister to God’s people states, “Sharing your life’s adversities may help some- and to glorify His name. one else who is experiencing something similar and She further points to the who needs to know that he/she too can come through position of Lucifer, who the fire with a true testimony.” She further states, got caught up in him- “God makes His own invitations, and we do not need self and neglected God’s to conjure up anything.” intention for music ministry. She believes that the humility of honoring God has gotten lost and that When asked who her favorite Biblical characters are, many have turned to “the flavor of the month phe- Evangelist Summers stated, “David and Ruth.” She nomenon.” She further cautions that we must stay further explained that David was a man after God’s on the battlefield, and pick up our cross so we may own heart, and declared that she is a woman after follow Christ. Evangelist Summers also believes that God’s own heart. She further elaborated that like this journey requires humility and purposely making David, she is committed to God. Additionally like a decision to follow Christ at any cost. The “Lucifer David, she declares that she is courageous and strong syndrome,” as she describes it, wreaks havoc on music in battle; totally trusting in God for protection. Like ministries and diminishes the overall intentions God Ruth, although she has lost some earthly things and set forth in His Word. She offers, “In order to effec- experienced times where she thought little of herself, tively disband the Lucifer syndrome, we must stay on she is still mightily blessed and has the love of family. our jobs, denying ourselves, so God may come forth Regarding legacy, Evangelist Summers says, “I would and get the victory.” In this scenario, Evangelist Sum- like to be remembered as a person of integrity. I want mers believes that leadership must be in a place above people to remember and say that I lived, preached and others so they can effectively lead. Another factor taught the life I sang about!” that harms the effectiveness of the music ministry as 12 • Joshua’s Journal • Winter 2014 12 • Joshua’s Journal • Winter 2014