A quality local church music program doesn’t just happen; it must be built. And just as the construction of a building doesn’t just happen overnight, the same holds true for constructing a music department.
In this and successive articles, we will discuss some of the foundational principles that must be followed for success in the construction process.
Block #1: The Music Ministry Must Be Under Spiritual Authority And Submission To A Local Church Pastor
Music ministry was never meant to stand on its own. It is not listed as one of the five-fold ministry gifts found in Ephesians 4:11 – gifts that are the foundational building blocks of the church. I believe it is found in the gift listed in 1 Corinthians 12:28 as the five-letter word “H-E-L-P-S.”
Music is not a ministry in and of itself. It was designed to “help” a ministry. When teamed with and submitted to a ministry gift, such as a pastor, music can have a powerful place in the ministry.
We see this historically in the church. Billy Graham had the great singer, George Beverly Shea, as his partner for many years in his crusades.
A man named Barnabus accompanied the apostle Paul on his travels, and Barnabus was historically known to be a singer.
Remembering The Purpose
Yet musicians can sometimes get into trouble when they don’t understand their place and move out of their calling.
Ezekial 28 tells us the story of a gifted musician who had a great job. He was the anointed music minister of heaven. But he began to be dissatisfied with his portion of the “glory.”
In his pride and rebellion, he attacked his leader and eventually lost everything including his job and position. His rebellion was so complete, he can never get back what he had.
You’ve probably figured out we are talking about Lucifer, known now as Satan. Get this, the only church split in heavenly history was caused by the music minister.
If you are a music minister, beware of rebelling against your authority – it sets you up for a fall.
No leader is perfect, but if you’ll serve your leader as if you are serving Jesus, Jesus will take care of you.
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
(Col. 3:23-24 KJV)
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Ken and Trudi's lives were dramatically transformed in 1971, when Trudi met Jesus Christ and was healed from an incurable eye problem. Her eyes had been crossed and her vision was seriously impaired from an accident she experienced at age 4. As she was prayed for and instantly healed, Trudi was able to throw away her glasses and contact lenses and she received perfect 20/20 vision. This miracle greatly impacted Ken, and he received Christ and was delivered from alcoholism.
Their adventure in ministry began as Ken worked with Willie George on The Gospel Bill Show during the 80's and 90’s. Ken played the character, "Nicodemus" on the program. He acted, wrote and directed episodes, and wrote and performed the music for the show. Ken was one of the first artists to film Christian music videos at that time, and his songs became wildly popular. He was a part of over 200 episodes that were broadcast worldwide, reaching millions of kids with the gospel. These episodes live on in rerun broadcasts today.
During the 90's Ken and Trudi were music directors at Church on the Move in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a church plant that grew to over 8,000 people in weekly attendance while they were there.
In 2002 the Lord directed Ken and Trudi to begin their own ministry with an emphasis on family relationships. Since that time they have traveled extensively to churches around the world preaching, teaching, and training Christians about how to connect in their marriages and raise their children to become champions for Christ.
The Blounts have produced a multitude of resources and teachings, including their monthly CD partner resource, Relative, all of which are available for purchase and download on their website and new smart phone app.
Although family, marriage, and parenting is their ministry focus, Ken hasn't left his original roots and mandate to teach children the Word of God and how to worship Jesus.
With his rich history as a singer and songwriter, Ken is now partnering with his son, Joshua, in their music project for kids called, Love Out Loud (LOL). The vision is to produce relevant, fun music for kids that teaches them to sing and worship Jesus "out loud." Available on CD and DVD, the music has a two-fold application. While being great for home use, the DVDs are also designed to use in a children's classroom for church services. LOL is an ongoing music franchise producing new music that is a tremendous resource for churches around the globe.