1 Corinthians 12:12-27 King James Version (KJV)
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
The BODY: “Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes (… Knees and Toes)”
This is a great metaphor to keep in mind when considering what exactly the church is. Much like the body that we live in, which allows us to see, hear, taste, touch, smell, walk, run, jump, wave, clap, dance, sing, play instruments, etc. the body of Christ is the same. The pastor cannot (and in my opinion, should not) do everything. It is for this reason that there are several leaders in a church, and several key ministries (including the music ministry) that you will find in a church. Within a particular ministry you will find certain people with different skills and talents that when put gracefully together work very well, much like our human body does.
Appreciate All The Members in The Body
Perhaps no one wants to be the toe. The toe is often overlooked, is stuffed into socks and shoes, and is not often visible, much less showed off like other parts of the body are. However, the toe is very important. Don’t believe me? Have you ever torn off too much of your toenail? Suddenly you can’t walk right. You’re in pain and your entire body is aware of it. Your brain tells your knees, torso, arms, wrist, and hands to work together to make the toe feel better. This is how the body of Christ should work. Of course, you don’t have to wait until a member of the body is hurting to appreciate it or give it attention. It is important to appreciate those around you whose consistent effort is easily overlooked, but aren’t as high profile as, e.g. the pastor or the music minister.
Become A Unified Music Ministry
It doesn’t matter how big or small your role is in your music ministry. You are part of the body and you are important. You don’t have to have to be in charge to make a great positive impact in the overall well being of the music ministry that you are a part of. When of your members are missing, take the time to call them, not to rebuke them for their absence, but lovingly reach out to them and be willing to minister to their needs. What you do unto others will be done unto you. If you are a leader in the ministry, take the time to recognize the gifts and talents in the ministry. Don’t burn yourself out by trying to be the music ministry by yourself, diminishing the roles of others, but identify others in the ministry that can assist, even in seemingly small ways. A music ministry needs not only singers and musicians, but also those that are skilled in encouraging, exhorting, praising, worshiping, praying, preparing rehearsal plans, contacting, organizing, etc. By allowing the gifts of the members be represented the music ministry will be more effective.