Page 17 - Joshua's Journal

White and his family came to Reid Temple in the Fall of 1993. Once they joined, he said, there was almost instantly something for him to do with the music ministry. In contrast to the make-up of what most know as Reid Temple today, at that time, there were “many seats open” in the sanctuary. This was a great time for growth within the music ministry, and Reid Temple as a whole. Twenty years later, White has seen that growth manifest through a new main campus facility and the growth of the satellite campus, where he has officially served as the Minister of Music for the last three years. The Reid Temple North Music Ministry has four choirs: Adoration Choir, the Mighty Men, Evi- dence Teen Choir, and The Conquerors (Children’s Choir). In addition, there are currently 25 mem- bers who serve in the Praise and Worship Ministry. White considers these 25 to be one unit, assigned to various Sundays, in order to keep them working service with song suggestions. He loves when that together in harmony as “a family of worshippers.” happens! Under his leadership, and that of Associate Minister The process of choosing and writing music to be a of Music, Redman Caldwell and Adrian Gause, part of the worship experience is integral to the music Adoration Choir has blossomed from 15 to 75 ministry. White makes it seem easy, as he indicated members on the roll, and the Mighty Men Choir that he is inspired by so much in our life experiences has grown after being founded only two years ago. on a daily basis: “I could probably write a song a day When asked what his continuing vision is for the if I had the time because there’s always something Music Ministry at North, White responded: that’s being seen and heard and there’s always a melody in the air. The Lord sings over us with His “There is a scripture that I tend to meditate on when own joy. That’s what I long to hear every day; the I’m preparing music for the ministry. It’s Psalm 89:1. voice of the Lord singing over me.” He believes that ‘I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever. With music touches the heart and makes it ready to receive my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all what the Lord is saying through the preached Word. generations.’ My vision for the ministry is to reach He went on to express, “Music changes our spiritual the heart of each person, through all ages, when they eyesight to see what God is doing at that moment. come to church. [The] primary goal is to make sure When songs are positioned right and chosen properly, the atmosphere is set so that the congregation takes they attach to the Word presented and the worship- over the worship experience as opposed to those on pers leave with a song for God playing in their hearts the platform.” all week.” This vision is realized through the incorporation of The best way that White believes the congregation hymns, traditional music, and current top 30 gospel can support the music ministry is by giving their own hits. In order to maintain the balance of music pre- sacrifice of praise and worship. Join in with what sented during worship, White keeps a journal noting the ministry is doing and don’t be a stranger to the the types of songs, no doubt influenced by his favor- experience. Sing along and shout along! Because that ite artists like Walter Hawkins and Israel Haughton. is what really makes the service move and provide He also records the number of times a song has been witness to those who are there but don’t know the sung. Additionally, many times a specific rhythm may Lord yet. “People join because of the experience they be taken from a contemporary piece and attached to have had with those in the congregation; not just a hymn in order to provide variety. Even with this because of the music and preaching.” Tommy Lee balance, many cues are taken from the worshippers If you’re interested in contacting Michael White, themselves, who come up to him before and after email him at michaelwhitemusic@msn.com. www.reidtemple.org • 15 www.reidtemple.org • 15