• First of all this is church. Please if you just want to play in a band go and do that. Church is for serving The Lord not ourselves. If you feel The Lord is calling you to serve in this area then that is something to pray more about and move forward on. I know everyone’s story will be different. I did not forsee this for me. I had just always wanted to play the piano. Not for other people or on stage but just play quietly for my own enjoyment. In my early 20’s I picked up a keyboard and set about teaching myself. My church came to me SHORTLY AFTER and asked to pray and see if The Lord was leading me to fill this need. I was very nervous (and there were other musicians in the church) but I went ahead on faith. About 20 years later (man I feel old) I’m still playing for the same church. It’s not my career, a job, a place to pick up a paycheck. It’s where I give my service.

• Second if you feel yourself lacking in the instrument you need to play pray and ask God to lead you where and how to improve. Sometimes you just need to practice. He may lead a music teacher in your presence. He may make known to you some resources that can help you excel. Pray and see.

• Where to play. Your church already has musicians? Well if The Lord has put on your heart to prepare yourself for this ministry He will lead you where the need is. It’s always nice if it’s in the church where you currently worship. There may be situations where you will be called to serve in another church.It might come to you or he might lead you to those that need your gift. If you find yourself serving where the beliefs don’t line with your own you have to ask yourself who are you serving.

• Don’t compare yourself to other church musicians. Just don’t do it.

• Constantly strive to improve. We are never done learning. Pray about where you need to improve and seek the way to work on that.

~God Bless you as you make a joyful noise