Between 1999 and 2014 I grew in the music lane to be known as a bass guitarist, and I think prior to hanging the guitar I was eventually good at it.

However, for those 15yrs of mingling with different instrumentalists and singers, I observed certain traits to be common among church music ministers. I’m not going to talk about them. But if you have anything to do with gospel music, then note these few points:

1. Whenever you sing or play with a competitive attitude, you’ll not be spiritually effective, no matter how skillfully you do it.

2. God should be your first audience, and not the crowd

3. If you’re morally weak, you’ll find partnership with sin while on the Lord’s duty

4. Most people who say they want to learn from you are primarily interested in your social network or something else. Very few are truly in need of coaching

5. Whenever in a service you’re ‘benched’ take it that God wants to use someone else at the moment. Don’t feel conquered by another’s expertise (even when it appears so)

6. Understand that someone somewhere is far better than you at what you think you’re good at, you have to accept that; and that person is ‘cool-headed’ with their level of expertise

7. If you’re a strong worship leader, don’t give a sermon when called just to lead in worship

8. Don’t be a guest minister with the intent to hook up with new guys. Go as a minister that’s just a guest; simple. If you make friends, fine

9. If you can’t handle men’s praise, you’ll steal God’s praise and think nothing wrong about it

10. Finally, if you don’t plan a career in music, don’t let it interrupt what you should pursue in life

The average instrumentalist is not interested in the word (preaching or teaching) session, that’s why immediately they’re done playing, they walk outside the church hall for the so-called ventilation they seek.

I have seen animosity arise due to guys not finding a slot to display skills either with the mic or on an instrument. Many times, the ‘perfomer’ is out there primarily to impress the host audience and not minister to God or draw men into His glory cloud. No wonder competition has a growing niche in the church music sector. It shouldn’t be so.

We shall all account for every opportunity we had to make God’s glory known for which we stood on the way. My dear, beyond the stage, there’s a throne that looks forward to your incense. If you corrupt it, it will be required of you in due time.

I am sure this is not all there is to know. But take it from me: many Christian music ministers (especially Instrumentalists) see far less than they ought to see about standing in the place of incense. Be faithful at where you stand today and make sure you minister first unto the LORD, and let self be aware of that priority.

When a servant mistakes him/herself for a master, they’ll soon find out that it takes more than title to be a master.