Relationships? What relationships? You come in, play your notes, pick up your check and that’s it, right?

Wrong-o.

As a pastoral musician, a wealth of interconnected relationships have to be kept in balance. Communication is everything!

First, of course, are the music ministry folks— choir(s), cantors, instrumentalists, and accompanists. They need schedules in advance: date, times, music selections, changes, you name it. If you wait until they show up on Sunday, it’s already too late! Make a complete email list and use it effectively to keep everyone in the loop.

The office staff needs to know what’s going on, too. Will a worship aid be needed for an event? Are you expected to have all the information for it into the office in plenty of time, or are you expected to do the worship aid yourself? What needs to go in the bulletin? Rehearsal times, changes in summer schedule, recruiting notices? Don’t wait until the last minute. Keep your own accurate records and back everything up.

The pastor needs to be alerted to everything that might possibly pose a problem for him. Never, ever let the pastor get blindsided! Keep copies of your memos, too, for his protection—and your own.

Not least in importance is your relationship with the members of the community. Do they see you at social events? Are you involved with the community? Do you ever explain (briefly) why you’ve chosen a particular song or hymn? At the end of Mass, for instance, do you ever say, “Your singing today has been terrific; you really inspire us! Thanks!” People whose gifts are appreciated tend to become even more generous.

MD Ridge

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