“It’s better to give than to receive”- I am sure you have heard this said before. And if you have raised children you have probably tried to teach them this truth. Have you ever applied this truth to your ministry? If you have been in the ministry any time at all you will agree that we are blessed as we serve, as we give ourselves away.
Let’s reword this a little – The more you give the more you receive.
I believe this is so true – in every area of our lives. But let’s apply it to our music ministry. The more you give, the more you receive. You may be thinking, “Well I only get scheduled to sing about once every 3 months. I can only give as I have opportunity to sing – which is not very much at all.” I see your point.
Let’s look at some creative ways to “give more” in our music ministry.
One way is to pray for the other singers in your church. We are all dealing with “stuff” and one musician praying for another musician is a ministry in and of itself. Pray for the other singers in your church. Find out who is scheduled to sing each Sunday and contact that scheduled singer. Let them know you are praying for them – or better than that, pray WITH them and encourage them in the Lord. I Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (ESV) This is part of your music ministry – encouraging other musicians around you.
Also, look for those budding musicians, those who are just beginning. Come alongside them and encourage them. Help to train them up. They need you and you need them. Step into the children’s ministry department occasionally and sing with the kids. Now there’s a ministry!
Give graciously of yourself and you will receive so much more. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Give yourself fully to the work!
When you are scheduled to sing, give yourself fully to it. When you are not scheduled to sing, fully give of yourself to encourage and bless the other singers around you. This is truly a way to make the most of your music and your ministry. This is a way to “give more” in your music ministry. And you will be blessed beyond measure because “the more you give, the more you will receive!”