Should a music director read music?

[Originalist]

The church where a friend of mine pastors is seeking to hire an associate minister who will be over both the youth and music departments. The interviewing committee is recommending a young couple who, along with their two young daughters, have a southern gospel singing group. Currently they are ministers of music at a much larger church in Canada. Recently they came and ministered at the church in question so the congregation could get to know them.


Last night a business meeting was held. Surprisingly, the most vocal objectors to bringing this family on board are choir members and that is because neither the young man or his wife read music. She plays the piano like Jerry Lee Lewis and he is an excellent worship leader. They obviously have done well at a much larger church in Canada, so much so that some arm twisting is going on up there to keep them from leaving. But as the objectors pointed out, both the church organist and pianist have degrees in music, and read music. The problem is, neither one of the latter can play by ear and it thus hinders any spontaneity in worship.

I would appreciate input from anyone who cares to share. Thanks.

[n david]

I don't read music, but it didn't cause any issues or create any problems for me being a music director/worship leader for a total of 12 years or so.

It shouldn't be an issue, especially since there are trained musicians able to read music.

[hometown guy]

Interesting... it seems people that have degrees almost feel superior or something since they had to do it others are cheating when they don’t have too... not saying it is so with current people but just an observation I have seen even in the workforce.

[Apostolic1ness]

Originally Posted by Originalist

The church where a friend of mine pastors is seeking to hire an associate minister who will be over both the youth and music departments. The interviewing committee is recommending a young couple who, along with their two young daughters, have a southern gospel singing group. Currently they are ministers of music at a much larger church in Canada. Recently they came and ministered at the church in question so the congregation could get to know them.


Last night a business meeting was held. Surprisingly, the most vocal objectors to bringing this family on board are choir members and that is because neither the young man or his wife read music. She plays the piano like Jerry Lee Lewis and he is an excellent worship leader. They obviously have done well at a much larger church in Canada, so much so that some arm twisting is going on up there to keep them from leaving. But as the objectors pointed out, both the church organist and pianist have degrees in music, and read music. The problem is, neither one of the latter can play by ear and it thus hinders any spontaneity in worship.

I would appreciate input from anyone who cares to share. Thanks.

I sure don't want to take over your thread but I would say it doesn't matter if they read music or not in this situation. Hire a associate minister. Strike one. Interview committee strike two. No mention of the will of God being done strike three.

[hometown guy]

Originally Posted by Apostolic1ness

I sure don't want to take over your thread but I would say it doesn't matter if they read music or not in this situation. Hire a associate minister. Strike one. Interview committee strike two. No mention of the will of God being done strike three.

Very good points.

[Originalist]

Originally Posted by Apostolic1ness

I sure don't want to take over your thread but I would say it doesn't matter if they read music or not in this situation. Hire a associate minister. Strike one. Interview committee strike two. No mention of the will of God being done strike three.

I took it for granted that those reading this thread would assume that the members and leaders of the church in question are praying for God's will to be done. Differing opinions being discussed by those members does not negate that.

[Scott Pitta]

We hired youth pastors and senior pastors. We hired bookkeepers and janitors. But we never hired a music minister.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Originalist

The church where a friend of mine pastors is seeking to hire an associate minister who will be over both the youth and music departments. The interviewing committee is recommending a young couple who, along with their two young daughters, have a southern gospel singing group. Currently they are ministers of music at a much larger church in Canada. Recently they came and ministered at the church in question so the congregation could get to know them.


Last night a business meeting was held. Surprisingly, the most vocal objectors to bringing this family on board are choir members and that is because neither the young man or his wife read music. She plays the piano like Jerry Lee Lewis and he is an excellent worship leader. They obviously have done well at a much larger church in Canada, so much so that some arm twisting is going on up there to keep them from leaving. But as the objectors pointed out, both the church organist and pianist have degrees in music, and read music. The problem is, neither one of the latter can play by ear and it thus hinders any spontaneity in worship.

I would appreciate input from anyone who cares to share. Thanks.

It's obviously a business, so whatever works for the bottom line.

[Wilsonwas]

Not if he/she knows Nashville notation,

Where you can call out a key and number the changes as the fifth, 3rd, or minor 7th on the bridge for instance. This shorthand leaves it easy for everyone to stay on key...

[hometown guy]

Originally Posted by Originalist

I took it for granted that those reading this thread would assume that the members and leaders of the church in question are praying for God's will to be done. Differing opinions being discussed by those members does not negate that.

Shouldn’t the Pastor make the call on what he has prayed and fasted for?