Musical Mediocrity: Do You Allow It?

I have had the privilege of knowing Dr. Don Scovill (Doc) for many years. I would definitely include him as a mentor and example of music excellence. He has trained and influenced so many in the area of ministering in music. He as a wonderful heart for people and a desire to see souls saved. He gave me permission to post this.

Musical Mediocrity

It is my observation that there is a great deal of apathy, indifference, carelessness and lack of preparation associated with the musical ministries of many Baptist churches of “like faith and practice.” I’m referring to the practice of:

• allowing wrong notes in public performance
• failing to get the first words expressed clearly at the beginning of a phase
• dropping out of a part during a trio or quartet number
• accompanists or accessory musicians playing notes which in no way reflect the harmonic structure of the moment
• the inability to sing one’s part correctly

There are many more evil practices which I could mention. Since one’s music should reflect the person of Christ it would seem to me that the preparation and performance (ministering) of it would require the very best from those involved.

Not just anyone should be ministering in music in the service

A casual reading of I & II Chronicles and other passages will reveal the detail in which the music ministry of the Jews was designed and directed by God. For example, in I Chronicles 15:16 we read, “And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers, with instruments of music, psalteries and harps and cymbal, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy…” Not just anyone should be ministering in music in the services. The musicians should be qualified and appointed by the Pastor or music director.

Those ministering in music need to be instructed and rehearsed. Notice in I Chronicles 16:41 that “Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song.” He “instructed about the song.” In I Chronicles 25:2, I read that “the son’s of Asaph (were) under the hands of Asaph.” In II Chronicles 23:13… “and such as taught to sing praise” occurs. It is no wonder that these trained musicians were able to glorify God in such a noble manner.

Preparation and skillfulness are needed by those ministering in music

This implies the necessity of practice. I Chronicles 15:22 reminds us that “Chenaniah… was skilful.” I Chronicles 15:7 states thusly: “so the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the Lord, even that were cunning.” II Chronicles 34:12 speaks specifically of “other of the Levites, all that could skill of instruments of music.” Disciplined preparation produces skill in music.

Pastors and music directors need to “approve things which are excellent” with respect to the musical ministry of the local church. Selecting someone to lead singing without any knowledge or training is a negative reflection of the ministry. The “nice guy” attitude with respect to untrained and unknowledgeable choir directors is unthinkable but often practiced. Qualified musicians nurturing and instructing the church musicians is biblical. Rehearsing and practice are required activity. “Talking thru” the choir number immediately prior to the service without practice is not proper preparation.

We serve the risen, glorified, holy and worthy Son of God. Sloppiness, carelessness, apathy, indifference and all other characteristics of laziness and carnality must be abandoned. Our music must reflect Him!