I love this article. I think in the church we have swung on the pendulum between heart and skill and have a hard time finding the balance, not realizing we can indeed have both.
I have been so tired of seeing and hearing music or arts teams do something for worship or evangelism that has no skill whatsoever. And it can be embarrassing. I am not about hyper-professionalism (as the above post suggests you are saying) but I do believe that God gives us talent and we are not to waste it. Why would we?

In reference to the above post, the parable of the talents should be a good indication of God asking us to develop or hone our skills. I know the “talents” refers to money in that time, but I believe it also refers in general to what God has given us. Why wouldn’t we? If we are worshiping God, why would we not want to give our best? Why would we not want to become more proficient at our art? *also see the OT regarding the Levites and how they had to prepare for worship and how their entire lives were devoted to the tabernacle.

As far as leading worship - the skill and practice gives a greater ability to worship with charted music or “free” worship. I have often been stunted in my leading because I didn’t know the right chords to a song, or couldn’t properly communicate with the band. These are skills that can be developed and must be if we want to progress and be able to quickly adapt to where the Spirit is leading in a particular moment. Of course God can do whatever he wants without using us, but He does choose to use us, so I for one want to be in prime and ready condition so that when He asks something of me, I can do it.

I also believe that outside the church the musical quality (I mean melody, songwriting, band playing etc, not recording quality) tends to be at such a higher standard than inside the church. This is so sad to me! We are made in the image of God, and God is does not do a “good enough” job of creating, so why do we? We should be the leaders of our culture in music and art forms (and all other leadership) because we know who we are in Christ - His children, made in His image.

I get very passionate about this subject!
I’m sure I’ve gone on too long…but I do truly appreciate hearing another person value skill and development.

Blessings,

David Spaggiari

Very helpful feedback. I do talk about humility and motives throughout the book. But I definitely don’t want to discourage anyone! Thanks.

I think this was helpful, and it was a nice summary of some of your earlier messages given at worship conferences, etc.

One section you may want to consider reworking was the number 2. I know you want to focus on practicing, but the starkness of your statement (all you have to do is devote 28 hours a week to practicing) discouraged, rather than encouraged me.

I think your point is right on–I believe one of the ways God shows his sovereignty over our lives is not by some innate gifting that needs to be discovered (though this does play a part), but rather through giving us (a) time and (b) interest to work at things. Perhaps a more encouraging addendum to that statement would be, “Yes, it takes a lot of time and effort, but if God has called you to this level, he will equip you with both.”

Another point that you may address elsewhere is the question, “Why do you want to be as good as Bob Kauflin?” Addressing this here doesn’t seem like it will fit, but when I’ve found myself asking a question like that it’s often because of jealousy–envying the gifts of others without being grateful for my own gifts. It’s easy for me to think that I should be able to master music when my career calling has led me elsewhere. This is simply pride, and it may be worth pointing out somewhere else, perhaps a section on humility. It’s unrealistic to expect that those with a clear calling to other careers and families at the same time will become virtuoso musicians without sacrificing important priorities. That’s not to say they shouldn’t practice, but their (and my) expectations should be within realistic, Biblical constraints.

It’s especially humbling comparing our limited talents to God’s limitless abilities. I will probably never be the best in my career, and it’s even less likely that I will top any professional musicians, but God’s abilities surpass anything we as an entire planet could ever achieve.