Most of you are too young to recognize that phrase, but for a 72-year-old guy who hasn’t been leading worship regularly for almost three years, to find myself back into the daily thought processes of planning and leading worship, the juices are flowing again! Like you, I’m going through the selection of music for our congregation to sing, planning and leading choir rehearsals and orchestra rehearsals, and working with a staff to make sure everything is ready for Sunday. On top of that, Christmas is coming – more music to select, more plans to be made, and on and on it goes. Although I’m an interim and supposedly part-time, my mind is racing from one thing to the next, trying to keep up with all the details.

I must admit I’m enjoying every minute of it. And the reason is that this is a calling God placed on my life many years ago. I can still remember the day my father-in-law asked me to fill in one Sunday for our church’s music director, who had become ill. I can remember how petrified I was as I walked onto that platform for the first time. I can remember standing in front of the small church choir. But most of all, I remember the still, small voice whispering in my mind that this is what I’ve called you for. I had been struggling with what God wanted for my life, and for the first time, standing on that platform, I found my calling. It was not to be a performer on a stage but rather a minister to a local congregation through the gift of music!

What a privilege we have! God has placed within us the gift of making music with people who are hungry to step into the presence of Almighty God and pour out their lives in worship! He has entrusted us with the responsibility of nurturing their hearts and minds as we sing unto Him. Ours is a calling, not a profession. Ours is God-breathed, not man-manufactured. We’re not performers on a stage, but instead we’re prompters, encouraging our congregations to be confronted with a Holy God. Just as the prophet Isaiah got a glimpse into heaven, we too cry out, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts”!

This is why the Southern Baptist Church Music Conference means so much to me. This is where I’ve met and found encouragement and friendships with those of like mind. This is where I’ve been inspired to search my own soul and evaluate how and why I’m doing what I am. This organization has inspired me as I’ve participated in worship, watched others lead worship, and been taught by many who have gone before me. It is my desire as Executive Director to help you as you unfold the calling God has placed on your life. May the Southern Baptist Church Music Conference become the tool, the resource, the shoulder to lean on as you face the challenges and responsibilities of leading your congregation each week. Help me encourage others to join us as we serve together!

By Steve Brown