A little hands on

I attended a Music Minister's Roundtable this evening at Sevier Heights Baptist church. It was hosted by Paul Clark, of the Tennessee Baptist Convention. They had two different sessions today. The early one was from 8:00 - 2:00. I didn't feel that I could miss work all day, so I went to the one for bi-vocational music ministers that was held from 4:00 - 6:00. There was only 7 of us in attendance, plus Paul.

Highlights for Roundtables 2008 – Theme: Do You Hear the People Sing?

A challenge to find out how well your people are singing their worship

Roundtable discussions & resource sharing - helping our people sing in corporate worship

Biblical and Theological foundations – Eight scripture passages to help your people sing

Preview/Overview of LifeWay’s new Baptist Hymnal/Worship Hymnal

Closer Look at LifeWay’s “Worship Project” products and services

Discussion about copyright issues and Worship Music Resources

Fabulous giveaways at each location!

I wish I could have attended the earlier session because I feel they probably hit more on the above subjects than what we were able to do in 2-hours. We mainly focused on Lifeway's new " Worship Project." Of course this centers around the Baptist Hymnal, which Lifeway generously gave each person in attendance a free copy. My church does not use the Baptist Hymnal, although I wish we would consider adding it in to our worship services. I love all types of Christian music and I think the new Baptist Hymnal has an excellent mixture of traditional, contemporary, and gospel tunes. I made a plea to those in attendance for anyone wishing to donate their old Baptist Hymnals to a worthy cause (my choir). I already use several songs from the hymnal in the music that I pick out for the choir. I just don't mention that it's from the Baptist Hymnal. I think if folks would open their mind and give the hymnal a chance, they would really love it. But, like I said, perhaps eventually we can use it along with our current song books.

I've worked in church ministry for most of my adult life. It is something that I love to do and feel led by God to do. Honestly I love doing church work more than anything else in my life. I wish I could be full-time instead of bi-vocational. I feel like I could do so much more and make such a difference in people's lives if I could focus only on that. Maybe one day it will be God's will for me to do just that.