The Inexperience Musician

[BELLMS540]

Here is the full question?

    Let say you have being playing for sometime mainly on your own and a couple of time at church. One day a pastor approaches you and asks you to join here music ministry. Your ear is not that strong and you are in need of some mentoring, and the choir is thrilled to have new musicians and ready to get started right away! How would you approach this situation without pulling back too much?

[SirTJ]

I believe informing the pastor of your capabilities would be the best route, that way he won't be expecting more from you than you're capable of producing, and you, in turn, avoid placing yourself in a strain.

[ddw4e]

Tell the Pastor what your capabilities are and go from there. Don't tell them things that you can't handle yet.

[malthumb]

Tell the Pastor what your capabilities are and go from there. Don't tell them things that you can't handle yet.

Yep.  And on top of this, go to every choir rehearsal with a recording device and record what they do.  Even some of the times when they stop and the MOM or choir director corrects some of the parts, there's nuggets of information that you can use to build your part.

You may also want to ask the choir director to record you a CD of the things they are most likely to play / sing in a service so that you can spend some shed time on it.

Best wishes in the growth of your skills and ministry!

Peace,

James

[kodacolor]

I agree with options 2 & 3 on the poll.

[kodacolor]

Tell the Pastor what your capabilities are and go from there. Don't tell them things that you can't handle yet.

So true ESPECIALLY the bold part!  I'm learning that the hard way!

[BELLMS540]

Thank everyone for his or her keen response. I went to rehearsal today arm with the advice from this post. Everything went great however how do you learn so many songs within a short period. On my list is I need the every hour, Jesus will work it out, Jesus Jesus Jesus, Lord you are good, Jesus can fix it and some talk music. Any advice?

In addition, Hear & Play (Gospel Keys 500) came in handy here! Although I could not instantaneously chord the entire songs, I was able to sustain a revised rhythm that fit in nicely.  If anyone know where I can find some nice chords to I need the every hour I will appreciate it much. In the mean time I’m going to duplicate chords from Marvin Sapp album. 

[Gospelstar21]

I feel you should definitely let the Pastor know what you can do, but don't limit your self. Maybe this is God pushing you into your destiny. As long as you practice like you should, and you are seeking God concerning the talent He gave you then everything should work out just fine. It's all about how bad you want it. I was pushed into my destiny. I went from singing background on the Praise team to being a  Praise and Worship Leader who is in the process of writing songs, getting the copy written, going in the studio, traveling to Barbados  and more...Trust me, when it's in God's will for you to elevate then you will do just that. Just trust Him, and seek Him daily!

[Big T.]

I feel you should definitely let the Pastor know what you can do, but don't limit your self. Maybe this is God pushing you into your destiny. As long as you practice like you should, and you are seeking God concerning the talent He gave you then everything should work out just fine. It's all about how bad you want it. I was pushed into my destiny. I went from singing background on the Praise team to being a  Praise and Worship Leader who is in the process of writing songs, getting the copy written, going in the studio, traveling to Barbados  and more...Trust me, when it's in God's will for you to elevate then you will do just that. Just trust Him, and seek Him daily!

Agreed!!!

[musallio]

I was in the same position a few months ago..

I went with option 2.