Page 12 - CBFK SUMMER Newsletter 2020 flip

by Richard Summers, Associate Pastor of Music/Administration, First Baptist Church, Frankfort
Perhaps no ministry has more poten- tial for long-term impact from the pandemic than music. Experts are telling us it could be a year or more before it is safe to sing congregation- ally, or in choirs, or have instrumental ensembles. It is almost beyond com- prehension that we will not be singing corporately in worship.
I struggle with that scenario because music is so woven into our shared wor- ship experiences and, personally, it is how I worship best. With that in mind, and with very limited space, here are some things I am learning about music ministry in our pandemic:
I am learning:
• To plan differently. I am accustomed to planning six months to a year in ad- vance at minimum. Now a few weeks seems long term.
• About the science of singing and playing instruments in regard to how both can spread a virus. Reading aca- demic articles and watching webinars to understand how the virus spreads will aid in knowing how and when we can safely return.
• To adapt to leading worship in an empty sanctuary, looking at a cam- era, and picturing our congregation in my mind. The audience, God, is still the same. Not having fellow worshippers is difficult. Seeing them
in my mind helps me remember I am not alone.
• To use technology to stay in touch with music ministry members. We have a Zoom meeting every two weeks just to keep up with each other. Community matters!
• To see this pandemic from different perspectives. How does it look from a choir member or instrumental mem- ber’s perspective? They love choral and instrumental music, too. How does God see these changes? It must grieve God not to have choirs and in- strumentalists praising Him in choirs, ensembles, and congregational sing- ing. It’s not just about what I see. I need to be aware of other’s feelings in this time.
• How to deal with my own grief. Not being with my faith family in general, and with my choirs and en- sembles specifically, is a pain I have not experienced in my 40+ years of ministry. I have taken for granted the gatherings of these selfless individuals who willingly sacrifice so much of their time and talent to offer their best in worship each week.
• How to continue to follow my worship philosophy of engaging as many people as possible. Each week we encourage our congregation to sing along with the hymns as we share the texts on their devices. We incor- porate responsive readings or unison readings and encourage their active participation. We do not want wor- ship to become a spectator activity but seek to fully engage the congrega- tion, even virtually.
More than anything I am learning to trust God to lead me to know how, with each new day, to minister to my faith family. It’s a new day with new chal- lenges, but also with new mercies.
What I’m Learning About
Music Ministry
During Our Pandemic