At a worship service, have you ever seen a microphone in front of a musician who’s not singing? Do you know what that microphone is for? 

Recently, we chatted with Thomas*, a Berklee graduate and seasoned music producer in the industry who has worked with various platforms and groups like Awaken Generation (AG). 

As someone who has directed music since 2014, Thomas pulled back the curtains on what it means to serve as Music Director (MD) as he shared how God had used this ministry to foster personal growth in him over the years. 

According to Thomas, when it comes to secular music, the MD is the person who typically “takes charge of the band” and handles “all arrangements, aspects, and guidance on what to do”.

In a worship setting, the MD plays the role of a “middleman” who communicates the worship leader’s direction to the band by unpacking the idea musically. 

In a way, the MD gives room for “worship leaders to focus on leading” the congregation, by taking on the technical aspects of the music to ensure that it flows with the spiritual atmosphere.

Listen, relate, submit

When asked about common misconceptions concerning the MD’s role, Thomas shared that that people often mistake the MD for being “as important as the worship leader”. 

Armed with music knowledge and technical skills, it can be easy for an MD to become proud — especially when the worship leader is less “musically exposed”.

However, Thomas added that MDs “are not the top” and the MD should not override the worship leader. 

Speaking about instances in worship settings where Thomas had to be humbled by God, he said: “I was just trying to do everything and prove to people that I can do lots of things.

“But, actually, that only inhibited my growth and impacted my relationship with others.”

Through all his years of music directing, Thomas has come to hold tight to three principles that he believes to be vital character-builders. 

1. Listen humbly

In the setting of a band, Thomas emphasised that “the most important skill is just to listen”. 

• Listen for the band
• Listen for the worship leader 
• Listen for the Holy Spirit

Spirit-led worship “comes from listening and being humble with taking feedback”, which is why “listening more and playing less” is a stage discipline that a MD has to cultivate as the leader of the band.

On top of that, Thomas pointed out the importance of delegating wisely; he has always found it a good thing to humble himself and say: “I can’t do this all by myself.” 

We can be assured that when we ask with a posture of humility, people will come alongside us and help us out. 

2. Be relational

Being relational is an indispensable trait when it comes to serving in ministry. “A lot of times, the role of the MD is not just about the technical aspects but the relational aspect,” said Thomas. 

In ministry, people will have differing views, but the relationship between people is what will bridge the differences. 

In this setting, the MD “needs to have a relationship and be friends with the worship leader” before they can work together and worship in unity.

Thomas believes that, in ministry, there will naturally be “a mutual respect” when we learn to “understand each other”. 

3. Learn to submit

Looking back on his younger days when he first started with music directing, Thomas said he used to struggle when he felt that “where the Lord is leading is not where the worship leader is going”.

Even so, Thomas learned to submit by “trusting in the spiritual leadership” of the worship leader, as he believed that “there is a reason why this person has been appointed as a worship leader”.

That said, it is not about following the worship leader blindly — it’s the posture of submission when dealing with contentious situations that matters.

Differing opinions can happen when we serve, but it is more important that both parties’ thoughts are communicated maturely and heard.  

Draw from the source

Apart from the seasons of character refinement that Thomas has journeyed through, cultivating a lifestyle of worship is equally important. 

As Thomas put it: “Sensitivity will only happen if you worship God in the secret place before you worship God on a public platform.”

“To know where the Spirit’s leading, you need to hear His voice,” he added. Essentially, our daily walk with God must see us tuning in to Him and aligning our hearts with His will. 

“But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” (Psalm 1:2-3) 

This is a sweet promise and a clear depiction of drawing from God!

Will we come before Him to receive strength and empowerment? We are not alone in ministry, and we are not alone in our process of learning.

As encouragement to fellow MDs, Thomas said: “I salute them for learning and wanting to grow in their craft.

“Whichever way that we are serving God in, let’s keep doing it and keep growing at it!”