I have a lottery fantasy: whoever’s in charge comes down my walk pushing a wheelbarrow full of money and says, in effect, “You should have this because you are a good person, and it doesn’t matter that you didn’t buy a ticket” (that’s why it’s a fantasy).

But our God always chose—and keeps choosing—unlikely people: A slave in Egypt winds up leading his people out of captivity. Samuel anoints the youngest son, not the oldest—very odd, in a patriarchal culture. A young girl is hunted down and shot because she dared to want an education; she survives to become an international spokesperson.

When I was growing up, I had absolutely no thought of being a musician, much less a composer. Music was like air: it was what my family breathed. I was amazed to discover later that there were people who didn’t sing, people for whom music wasn’t as important as breathing. And little by little, God reeled me into pastoral music.

People come into this profession through a variety of doors. Some sing in the children’s choir and are hooked forever on the beauty of church music. Some have keyboard skills that they put at the service of their communities. I know one pastor who carefully nurtured a young woman who became the principal cantor and primary music leader for her small community where she had grown up; they recognized her leadership qualities and happily supported her ministry.

As you go to church this weekend, rejoice that your community has such faithful servants—and consider getting involved in music ministry yourself. It may be just what God wants from you.