A year ago the church I have been a member of for 20+ years got a new pastor. The pastor is great, however, at the same time the new pastor came the music ministry also changed. The type of music did not change. For lack of a better term the “personnel” changed. Myself and many others feel our calling is to sing in church and that is what we have been doing for years with solos, duets, trios and weekly requests from the congregation. Now we are totally excluded from the service. Our new pastor is great but this has put a damper on the spirit in our church. Instead of a spirit filled song service before the sermon we have an awkward time before the sermon. Now comes the politics part. The musicians and singers that myself and others were replaced with are 5 very young people whose parents and grandparents are members of the church too. I am no longer able to fulfill my calling in my church and am seriously thinking about looking elsewhere. Your opinions are welcome!
Maybe this is God’s way of having you take a break, for whatever reason, to focus on Him and your spiritual growth without the encumberment of being in the “spotlight”. Sometimes, it is easy for our focus to turn towards our ministry when God wants us to focus on something else. I’m not saying that is the case but I think it is something you should prayerfully consider.
I read this in the article I’m linking to at the end:
In the Bible, gifts and talents are described as resources entrusted to us by God. This understanding frames us not as owners but as managers or stewards responsible for wisely using and growing what God has given. Like the servants in the Parable of the Talents, we are called to invest these gifts—whether they’re skills, resources, or opportunities—toward fulfilling God’s purposes rather than our agendas and recognizing ourselves as managers encourages humility, accountability, and an active commitment to making an impact that honors the Giver of these gifts.
If you are the manager of the talents God has given you then you have to be willing to allow him to sideline you. Use this season to search out what God wants you to learn.
Funny you say this. In praying about this, I keep hearing in my spirit, “It is not time”. If God is behind it, I understand. But my humanness wanted to wonder why. Thanks for you reply!
Churches bump older folks all the time in an attempt to attract a younger, child bearing congregation. It is wrong.
AMEN! I agree 100% All in the name of humans trying to get people in the church instead of God.
Before making any decisions, it might be helpful to have an open conversation with the pastor or worship leader about your concerns. They may not realize the impact the changes have had on the congregation’s spirit. If you still feel unheard after that, it might be time to consider finding a church where you can fulfill your calling in the music ministry.