When you think about the title “church pianist,” what do you envision?

• Two grand pianos, an orchestra, a 100 voice choir, professional music director and packed congregation
• A little spinet jammed in the corner, a volunteer song leader, and a loud soprano trying to lead from the small congregation
• A used electric keyboard, the pastor/song leader/usher/janitor up front and a small group meeting in a school

No matter what your circumstances may be, God has called you to serve in the church where you are right now.

You may have years of playing experience under your belt, or have just started taking lessons.

Your church may be a tiny new church plant, or an established church with a long list of musicians available.

You may not be the best pianist in the world. You may not even be the best pianist in your church.

But you should be striving to do your very best every time you have a chance to serve in the music ministry.

I’m an average musician. I am more advanced than some (ten or so
people, I’d guess), but they are tone-deaf. When I get sad about the
billions of musicians better than me, rather than gloat over YouTube
singer fail videos, I encourage myself another way: I blame God.
“Well, God, you made me like this, so… here you go. All I have is MY best.”
That excuse WILL fly. God does not ask us to be THE best. He asks us
to be OUR best. He says, “Do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31)
and repeatedly encourages musicians to sing and play “unto the Lord.”
Church musicians do not have to be professional-level, but they
should, in fact, have the mindset that their music is for a higher
purpose. I appreciate musicians that care about serving the Father and
are intensely passionate about pleasing Him with their music. Our
musicians dedicate several hours per week in perfecting their art so
that they might come to God with THEIR best. Whether they become THE
best in their field or not, God does not care. He’s pleased when He
knows He has their all.
From my perspective as a church music leader, I could not ask for more
than a musician dedicated to excellence for the glory of their
Savior.
-Pastor Ryan Rench

One of the most common struggles among church musicians is a lack of confidence.

Often this comes from comparing ourselves to other pianists.

“…but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves are not wise.” II Cor. 10:12

Trust me, I know it’s easier said than done, but you simply cannot allow yourself to be pulled into the comparison game. There will ALWAYS be someone who is better than you. Rather than let it intimidate you, allow it to motivate you to work harder and achieve YOUR best for God.

Another reason you might lack confidence is simply FEAR.

The doubts and nagging fears rolling around in the back of your mind are doing you absolutely no good.

Instead of wallowing in them, get them out on paper and into the light of day where they are much easier to manage. In this week’s homework, you’ll start a notebook, where you will write out your fears and then under them, write a TRUTH that will combat that fear.

For instance:

FEAR- This song is too complicated for me, I’ll never learn it well enough to play in front of anyone.

TRUTH- Every time I play it, I improve a little. I can already play the first page. If I break this into smaller chunks I can learn a little bit at a time.

FEAR- If I make a mistake while I’m playing, I’ll be so embarrassed and people will think less of me.

TRUTH- I am playing for an audience of ONE. As long as I do my best, God will be honored and glorified. I will memorize Colossians 3:23: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.

The last reason you may lack confidence is simply that you have not been trained and feel unprepared.

Start here and through a systematic approach to playing as a well-prepared church pianist. You will be a better pianist, your confidence will grow, and the music ministry of your local church will reap the benefit as you learn to serve God to the best of your ability.

Homework

• In a notebook, list 3 of your strengths (playing expressively, being reliable, practicing regularly, playing by ear, etc.)
• In the same notebook, list 3 of your fears, followed by truths that will help you conquer them.
• In the comments below share your name, where you’re from and how you serve in your church’s music ministry.
• If you are willing to, share your list of strengths and fears!
• Then head over to lesson 2: Playing Preludes and Postludes

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