Recently I did a study in First Thessalonians chapter 2 with some gentlemen in my church. Something about Paul's tone in that chapter struck me. He was especially gracious. Granted Paul is gracious in other places throughout the N.T., but here I found something different. He used 4 metaphors to describe his ministry to the young believers. They are as follows: 1) a steward; 2) a mother; 3) a father; and 4) a herald. You can read more about this in John Stott's commentary series. Suffice it to say that in this chapter Paul provides every man, woman, boy, and girl with a template for personal ministry. What are the distinguishing marks of your life and ministry? Do the methaphors Paul uses describe the kind of Christ-centered care you demonstrate to the people around you?
As for worship ministry, I particularly zeroed on the picture of a herald. In case you're wondering a herald is simply a person who announces important news. Typically we liken preachers to heralds. But I think we do leaders in worship a disservice if we think of ourselves as anything less. As singers aren't we heralds of the word of God? Our songs are our sermons. As instrumentalists isn't the accompaniment we offer a kind of 'heralding' ministry also? When we play aren't we saying that this text is worth a tune? Of course, to say that we are heralds of God's word is not to say that our words are infallible. They are subject to as much error as the words of a preacher. But we trust as we sing and play that we are singing and accompanying words that accord with Scripture. If we don't believe at least that much then what's the point?
Next time you 'take the stage' think about the all important responsibility and privilege you bear as a herald of the gospel. I pray it causes you to sing and play with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
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