Ministration has to do with discovering, responding and fulfilling the calling of God through music ministry and the medium through which one deploys the calling is through musical artistry. Hence, ministration in music entails musical performance.
According to Adedeji O. (2004: 3)
Performance is generally associated with the practical execution of musical ideas. It connotes playing music for the sake of music. Here the music is the focus.
He also defines ministration as discharging divine responsibility or impacting something on others through one’s gifts.
Musical performances within the context of a Christian gathering is referred to as Ministration. We refer to the person performing as a Minister (what he’s doing as ministering), while the presence of the Spirit of God in that atmosphere is referred to as the “Anointing.”
The main difference between a gospel and a secular artiste is the impartation during the performance. However, it is difficult to describe the ultimate reaction of the audience during an impactful ministration. The audience/congregation respond in diverse manners: some may stand up with hand raised, some may lie down, some may sing along, dance, pray, jump or clap. These and several other reactions are noticeable during Ministration. A Christian musician can only be anointed and inspired by the Holy Spirit from God and not any other source, which is when a true ministration can happen. On the contrary, several secular artistes sometimes get stimulated by diverse means; like alcohol, sex, marijuana, drugs and so on, but a true Christian musician can only be influenced by the Holy Spirit. In relation to this, the Bible states in Ephesians 5:18
“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.”
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This misconception also addresses the question of musicality and spirituality; the former deals with the artistry and relevant skill in the delivery of music while the latter deals with the anointing for greater ministration in the presence of God. Unfortunately, some usually pay more attention to one at the expense of the other. In my opinion, performance in Gospel music entails that a music minister is skillful with a strong level of musicianship. Likewise, a Singer or Musician must be spiritually sound and in-tune with God. In connection with this view, (John 4:24) says
“God is a spirit and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth”
At the same time, we must be clinically musical in the delivery of every piece of music. According to 1Chronicles 15:22
Chenaniah, leader of the Levites, was instructor in charge of the music, because he was skillful.
The Bible Speaks of Chenaniah who was appointed for songs because he was very skillful in Songs but we should bear in mind that he was first of all Spiritual (being a Levite) and then his musicality was considered through his musical exploits. Before a singer can truly offer an acceptable song to the Lord and also minister an impactful song to the people, he must first have an encounter with the Lord (Mal 3:3). This will be a pivot for his musical ability to touch lives. The Bible speaks of David as anointed and skillful at playing the harp. (1 Samuel 16: 16-23).
From this standpoint, a gospel singer must be an embodiment of both musicality and spirituality in order to stand out and duly offer the right sacrifice to GOD. Anointing (Spirituality) can never and would never take the place of skills (Musicality). Every Music leader should endeavor to balance both.
PERFORMANCE/MINISTRATION AT CHRISTIAN GATHERING
Music ministration at Christian gathering encompasses all events which include diverse forms of church services, concerts, seminars, conventions and various Christian ceremonial gatherings. It has been established that the Set-man (the spiritual head) is the first worshiper; hence giving consideration to his/her preferences about the choice of music is highly critical to our song flow/list and ministration at large. In relation to this, the Bible
states in Psalm 133:1-2
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is. For brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aar- on, Running down on the edge of his garments.”
Consequently, it is good that the lyrical flow should reflect the vision and direction established by the Set-man.
In the scripture above, the Bible makes us understand that God acknowledges and regards structure; this is shown by the oil flowing from the head of Aaron down to his skirt. The above also indicates that in the order of God’s structure, it all begins with the Set-man of the ministry who can also be regarded as the Priest. Thus, the music ministry must be tailored and presented in a way that agrees with the vision and mission given to the Set-man by God. Hence, a music director should know, understand and be sensitive to the place of the Set-man of the ministry as the first worshipper.
Our intuitive mind some- time helps in knowing the right direction to go without recourse to precept and instruction about what we already rehearsed.
My take is that it is not every time we should perform all that we rehearse or go in the direction of the rehearsal or preparation. At this juncture, a sensitive singer or musician will know when to stop singing or playing, but rather to raise hands in joining the flow of worship. At this time, a sensitive musician or backing vocals naturally connects with the lead singer/artist without any physical form of communication. Performance at this level is beyond skill or artistry; musical laws are sometimes broken at the expense of spiritual flow. A very important criterion to this depth is a strong spiritual bond between the entire band and the crew members. This is the point at which the Holy Spirit takes over and all forms of mental, spiritual and physical healings happen.
and then