“Sorry bro, but I’m going to have put you on discipline for the next month…”

“What?!?” Daniel shouted.

“Your young, talented but you need to learn the ropes. Your maturity needs to grow bud.” I said. “Your attitude need to change and you know what you did.”

“I’m gonna talk to pastor.” Daniel shouted as he stormed out.

Oh great! I thought to myself another diva. Every time this happens my head explodes.

I learned my lesson. Next time there has to be an age limit, no young juniors. There has to be auditions and trials periods even if it is the pastors kid. I wrote a blog on the importance of creating agreements click here.

Yup, I had to deal with dumb things like that, no offense to those that like to deal with that sort of thing. But, I’m sure most music directors would prefer not to.

I’m blessed not having to deal with infidelities or violence or anything of that sort. It happens, many of my worship leader acquaintances have really interesting stories.

Here are the reasons why I won’t be return as music director.

1. The politics

In the small little story I told above were just small trivial annoyances that were not necessary.

But…

I’m a servant leader of the Lord and those are issues that a servant leader has to deal with every now and then.

If your pastor requests something from you. As a minister and servant you have to obey even though you wouldn’t necessarily agree with the request.

It’s all about being a team player and obeying your elder.

When I was music director there was loads of disorganization that I was attempting to control. This required change.

And.. As you know change is one of the hardest things for people to accept.

I was by far from perfect. I learned about leadership from John Maxwell and was mentored by some great leaders and tried to apply their teachings.

Learning is one thing, but actually trying to apply it is another. Especially when the powers to be don’t necessarily agree with your great idea.

That’s just one ounce of politics that one has to go through.

I had to venture out and start this blog and express my ideas on a platform that can potentially reach millions.

I love my church but I need to preach, teach and reach more.

2. Inherit a lemon

After moving out from my position from my church in Lynwood,Ca I started attending my friend Angelo’s church and began playing bass for a good year.

My buddy Angelo was currently music director. After about a year he decided to move to another congregation and wanted to appoint me as the new music director.

Uh oh!

I was actually gonna to take off as well and Angelo wasn’t aware of it.

Plus, I observed many challenges he had to go through with the team.

Challenges I didn’t want to partake in.

I love people but sometimes they’re hard to handle.

After I left I tried applying many times for a full time position as music director for many churches after I moved from my old church.

A long and arduous search led me to make a decision to not pursue any lemons.

Know what I mean.

3. Attitudes

We all have to deal with attitudes but it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to accept them.

I’m the type of person that is trying to achieve happiness for everyone. Not everyone’s gonna be happy and I can’t create happiness for all.

Whatever God brings my way I will gladly serve but that’s one of my lame reasons.

We all go through it.

4. Self employed

I have been self employed for over 10 years to date as music instructor and professional musician.

It’s been awhile since I had to be somewhere at a certain time and being told what to do for a paycheck. I’m glad I took the leap with my entrepreneurship.

Being told what to do for a paycheck is not really what I think God has planned for me. At least I hope.:)

Applying to many church’s for a music director positions and being confined to four walls is not my idea of trying to obey the Great Commission:

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:16-20

My employer is Jesus not man. I respect many pastors and their authority but unlike them they’re human not super human. And just because someone has been ordained in the church does not mean they are holier and more spiritual than you. They just have bigger responsibilities.

I prefer to venture out and do what Jesus did. I believe that’s what God has in store for me but only time will tell.

5. Church ideology

I would have to find a church that is extremely open to my ideas. Not sure if I could find one at least where I live.

Every church must have mission statement whether it’s written down or not. The importance of a written mission statement is a vital aspect for any church. It clearly defines what that target is. I haven’t found any that matches mine.

Worship Team Comics Mission statement: The mission is to impact, serve, teach preach and reach the gospel of music and Christ to worship teams, musicians, and singers to influence and change the world.

I have tried to make a difference by being unique.

Jesus was definetly a unique individual, not everyone followed or agreed with his radical ideas, but he knew that.

And so do I.

6. Hard work

I’m a big advocate of work hard and especially work smart. Leading a group of individuals has it’s ups and downs.

I’m not complaining or being a big baby. I want to work hard on what Gods mission has in store for me. Not someone else’s mission.

7. Different Path

At the moment God has placed me in a situation where I can share and teach with the world my story, successes, and failures.

A wise man once said: ‘Wise men learn from their mistakes but wiser men learn from the mistakes of others.”

You learn from your failures not you successes. I believe the road that I’m strolling along in is the road God has led me to.

In the future Jesus may call me back to lead a team once again.

I serve at my church Oasis as bassist and volunteer music director. Every now and then they ask me to lead the team.

Conclusion

I’m happy with my position at the moment I serve only a few times per month at Oasis so I can concentration on teaching and serving you guys.

Success is a process not an event. Remember, it doesn’t happen overnight.

Well, those are my reasons why I won’t be back as a music director any time soon. Feel free to share this post with your neighbor if you see any value in it.

Question…

Do you believe God will ever lead you into a different purpose?

“Sorry bro, but I’m going to have put you on discipline for the next month…”

“What?!?” Daniel shouted.

“Your young, talented but you need to learn the ropes. Your maturity needs to grow bud.” I said. “Your attitude need to change and you know what you did.”

“I’m gonna talk to pastor.” Daniel shouted as he stormed out.

Oh great! I thought to myself another diva. Every time this happens my head explodes.

I learned my lesson. Next time there has to be an age limit, no young juniors. There has to be auditions and trials periods even if it is the pastors kid. I wrote a blog on the importance of creating agreements click here.

Yup, I had to deal with dumb things like that, no offense to those that like to deal with that sort of thing. But, I’m sure most music directors would prefer not to.

I’m blessed not having to deal with infidelities or violence or anything of that sort. It happens, many of my worship leader acquaintances have really interesting stories.

Here are the reasons why I won’t be return as music director.

1. The politics

In the small little story I told above were just small trivial annoyances that were not necessary.

But…

I’m a servant leader of the Lord and those are issues that a servant leader has to deal with every now and then.

If your pastor requests something from you. As a minister and servant you have to obey even though you wouldn’t necessarily agree with the request.

It’s all about being a team player and obeying your elder.

When I was music director there was loads of disorganization that I was attempting to control. This required change.

And.. As you know change is one of the hardest things for people to accept.

I was by far from perfect. I learned about leadership from John Maxwell and was mentored by some great leaders and tried to apply their teachings.

Learning is one thing, but actually trying to apply it is another. Especially when the powers to be don’t necessarily agree with your great idea.

That’s just one ounce of politics that one has to go through.

I had to venture out and start this blog and express my ideas on a platform that can potentially reach millions.

I love my church but I need to preach, teach and reach more.

2. Inherit a lemon

After moving out from my position from my church in Lynwood,Ca I started attending my friend Angelo’s church and began playing bass for a good year.

My buddy Angelo was currently music director. After about a year he decided to move to another congregation and wanted to appoint me as the new music director.

Uh oh!

I was actually gonna to take off as well and Angelo wasn’t aware of it.

Plus, I observed many challenges he had to go through with the team.

Challenges I didn’t want to partake in.

I love people but sometimes they’re hard to handle.

After I left I tried applying many times for a full time position as music director for many churches after I moved from my old church.

A long and arduous search led me to make a decision to not pursue any lemons.

Know what I mean.

3. Attitudes

We all have to deal with attitudes but it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to accept them.

I’m the type of person that is trying to achieve happiness for everyone. Not everyone’s gonna be happy and I can’t create happiness for all.

Whatever God brings my way I will gladly serve but that’s one of my lame reasons.

We all go through it.

4. Self employed

I have been self employed for over 10 years to date as music instructor and professional musician.

It’s been awhile since I had to be somewhere at a certain time and being told what to do for a paycheck. I’m glad I took the leap with my entrepreneurship.

Being told what to do for a paycheck is not really what I think God has planned for me. At least I hope.:)

Applying to many church’s for a music director positions and being confined to four walls is not my idea of trying to obey the Great Commission:

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:16-20

My employer is Jesus not man. I respect many pastors and their authority but unlike them they’re human not super human. And just because someone has been ordained in the church does not mean they are holier and more spiritual than you. They just have bigger responsibilities.

I prefer to venture out and do what Jesus did. I believe that’s what God has in store for me but only time will tell.

5. Church ideology

I would have to find a church that is extremely open to my ideas. Not sure if I could find one at least where I live.

Every church must have mission statement whether it’s written down or not. The importance of a written mission statement is a vital aspect for any church. It clearly defines what that target is. I haven’t found any that matches mine.

Worship Team Comics Mission statement: The mission is to impact, serve, teach preach and reach the gospel of music and Christ to worship teams, musicians, and singers to influence and change the world.

I have tried to make a difference by being unique.

Jesus was definetly a unique individual, not everyone followed or agreed with his radical ideas, but he knew that.

And so do I.

6. Hard work

I’m a big advocate of work hard and especially work smart. Leading a group of individuals has it’s ups and downs.

I’m not complaining or being a big baby. I want to work hard on what Gods mission has in store for me. Not someone else’s mission.

7. Different Path

At the moment God has placed me in a situation where I can share and teach with the world my story, successes, and failures.

A wise man once said: ‘Wise men learn from their mistakes but wiser men learn from the mistakes of others.”

You learn from your failures not you successes. I believe the road that I’m strolling along in is the road God has led me to.

In the future Jesus may call me back to lead a team once again.

I serve at my church Oasis as bassist and volunteer music director. Every now and then they ask me to lead the team.

Conclusion

I’m happy with my position at the moment I serve only a few times per month at Oasis so I can concentration on teaching and serving you guys.

Success is a process not an event. Remember, it doesn’t happen overnight.

Well, those are my reasons why I won’t be back as a music director any time soon. Feel free to share this post with your neighbor if you see any value in it.

Question…

Do you believe God will ever lead you into a different purpose?

I turned my head to the left and gave Peter a stern look when he mentioned that.

“Well, the guys not Herbie Hancock but he’s pretty good, besides he’s an awesome guy to work with. I’d work with him anytime.” I mentioned.

“Maybe, I would.” Peter retorted.

“Whatever man!” I blurted.

After the church service finished Peter mentioned, ” Hey, we should jam or do some gigs together.”

“Yeah, sure… Whatever!” I said.

I forgot to mention we were at church. And… Yes there are conceded musicians in church. Can you believe it?

I’ve played with Peter many times before, but his ego just got inflated.

It’s sad to say that even though we are Christians doesn’t really mean we’re all humble creatures.

There are 3 factors of poor musicianship.

1. Poor Attitude

My homie Greg was going to MC the next Sunday service, but who’s going to play the keys? Greg is the main keyboardist.

“I’ve invited Gabby.” Greg replied.

“Oh really?” I said. “He’s great on the keys.”

Come Sunday morning call time was an hour before service to rehearse the songs. Everybody got there on time. 30 minute passed and Gabby the keyboardist hasn’t arrived.

15 minutes before service time Gabby still hasn’t arrived. Finally 5 minutes right before service Gabby rushed in with his keyboard, started plugging everything in and settled in.

Service started 10 minutes late because of him. To make a long story short it was a musical blunder.

I asked Gabby after service, “Hey, did you listen the songs?”

He said, “Of course, on the way over to the church.”

I think what I should have mentioned was, “Did you practice the songs?”

I told Greg, “Please find another keyboardist next time someone that’s more prepared.”

He agreed to be more cautious next time and not to choose musicians based on skills alone.

Look for musicians that adopt these attitudes.

1. Joyful attitude
2. Connecting attitude
3. Creative attitude
4. Learning attitude
5. Prepared attitude
6. I may have left out other attitudes. Feel free add some suggestions.

2. Poor Skills

Most people will assume that musicianship are just musical skills alone. But… People tend to forget that we’re human beings not musical machines programmed to perform a task.

During my reign as music director in Lynwood, Ca. Service was about to begin around 1pm Sunday afternoon.

We initiated the service with an upbeat tune. Before I was director, the previous director use to start the service with slow songs of worship. Which in turn would get the congregation in a sleepy mode. I changed that of course.

After the first song transitioned into the next one, the tune tended to speed up. I glanced over to the drummer and lo and behold it was a different drummer on the kit.

The drummers older brother snuck over to the side of the drum kit and snatched the sticks and nudged his younger brother off the kit.

“What the heck!”

He was speeding up the song and throwing the beat off. In his heyday he was truly a good drummer, but not anymore he stopped drumming for many years and wanted to get back into it.

He was just going about it the wrong way.

I asked the guy to attend rehearsals, but he said, “The songs are easy, plus I don’t have time to come to practice.”

“Lord have mercy, what a poor attitude.” I thought.

Think of your musical skills as muscles.

If you don’t keep training those musical muscles they will atrophy.

If your not sure what musical skills I’ve written 9 skills of musical awesomeness in a post awhile back. Click here and learn what they are.

Let’s pretend you’re a training to be a bodybuilder. After many years you have achieved muscle God status.

You have this massive back, six pack abs, 18″ biceps, and a huge muscular chest.

Then suddenly you think, “I reached my goal and now I don’t have to train anymore.”

Guess what’ll happen?

If you think you’ll stay that way forever, you’re 1,000% incorrect!

You’ll lose muscle and strength over time and believe me you’ll start looking like skinny Minnie.

After all the hard work and achieving your goals, you don’t have to work as hard as before unless you’re shooting for another level of achievement than it’s back to work.

Once you’ve achieved success it’s all about maintenance to keep that level of skill and achievement healthy.

I personally have already achieved a level of skill on my instrument and I’m just maintaining those skills by performing and practicing enough to keep and maintain that level. Now I’m trying to reach another level of technique and improvisation on my instrument and now it’s back to the drawing board.

Adopt an attitude of learning it will keep your motor well lubricated and lasting forever.

3. Poor Knowledge

This just happened recently a few days before I wrote this post.

Every Tuesday at my church Oasis. We have rehearsals and keep in mind that we currently have over 30 musicians in our team.

So, when musicians aren’t serving that week we usually meet together in the youth practice room and we have a masterclass.

We chose a couple of songs and volunteer a few musicians to participate and then we switch off.

Then we give feedback to each other and hopefully we use this as a tool for improvement. And sometimes we have pros from the industry come in and give us pointers.

My buddy Cliff just returned from a two year hiatus. He was a great guitar player and very influenced in traditional music.

According to him he learned guitar by just listening and just snagging tips and tricks from others. He was a seasoned gentleman in his mid forties but was stuck in his old ways.

We sat together in the masterclass and whispered to me, “Hey bro, what’s the point of having this class?

I looked at him awkwardly. “Uh, for improvement to serve Jesus with our best.”

“Ya, but we should get together and write songs.” He said.

“I totally agree bro, but isn’t growing our knowledge just as important?.” I exclaimed.

“Hmmm, I dunno.” Cliff responded. “We already know how to play.”

There’s another one stuck in their own old dogmatic ways. Don’t let anybody tell you that all you need to know is this much work and then you don’t have to study or maintain your skills.

If this person is teaching you, run away fast!

If your goal is to learn and achieve a certain level. Maintenance is all you need to sustain the level you have attained.

Whenever a new team member joins make sure you A.S.K.

A.S.K

This is an acronym for what musicianship really is.

“A” is for attitude.

Grammy winning producer Quincy Jones states when ever he’s working with musicians and they enter his studio he has a sign at the top of his studio door that says: “Check your attitude at the door.”

I have this awesome video called “The Business of Bass” featuring bass phenom Nathan East.

Quincy Jones was interviewed and mentioned in this video:

“I would rather work with a B player with a great attitude than an A player with a poor attitude any day.”

I totally agree. I will not work with a skillful musician if their attitude is poor.
I’m looking for someone I can connect with. Don’t assume loud and obnoxious attitudes is what I’m referring to. Shy, reserved musicians are also the case.

If someone can’t open up and share than I can’t connect with them.

It goes both ways.

“S” is for skills

When I ask you to play a minor seventh flat five in a reggae pattern can you do it?

Can your fingers handle steady sixteenth note passages through the entire tune without fail?

When I ask you to lay back on the metronome do you understand what I’m saying?

Skills come with constantly practicing, learning and experiencing. Failure is a key to success we don’t if we don’t fail.

I know we’re all afraid of failure and that could be a huge reason why you don’t progress in your musical skills. Failure is a law that God has placed in this world that we can’t skip over. It will happen so embrace it and love it. Here’s a good verse.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. (James 1:2-4 NLT)

Adopt and learning attitude and embrace failure because it’s awesome.

“K” is for knowledge

Do you know what the arpeggios are of a Db major9?

How about if I plop a lead sheet in front of you could you play it?

Let’s start with the pickup note on bar 39 and let’s do it in cut time. Huh?

Now let’s begin on the 4 chord in the key of Ab. Say that again?

If you understood my instructions than you’re good to go. If not pick up a music theory book and start reading and studying. The more you know the better you can communicate and create in ten different levels.

With this blog plus gigging, I still spend a bit of time reading and studying my music theory book and composition to keep my brain functioning and growing like a weed.

Become a musical weed and embrace musical knowledge.

Conclusion

I hope this lesson has gotten your brain juices bubbling and please share or leave a comment below.

One question…

Tell me about an experience you had with a diva musician?

My mind was on the verge of popping like a white head zit!

Ewwww gross…!!

Sorry, I’ll stop with the graphic analogies.

My tasks ahead were:

1. Setting up this Sundays worship set list.
2. Typing up lyrics for new songs.
3. Ordering a new projector light bulb.
4. Taking the piano to get it repaired.
5. Taking the old mixer for repairs.
6. Dealing with an incompetent keyboardist.
7. Meeting with pastor about incompetent keyboardist.
8. Redesigning the stage.
9. Designing a sound engineering booth.
10. Rehearsal.
11. Bass lessons with pastors kid.
12. Send out emails and text messages
13. Auditioning new team members
14. Setting up prayer meeting.
15. Team Bible Study

I believe there’s more tasks that I had to do that week. Yes, that was just a week.

Keep in mind this was just at church. I’m also also a professional musician and instructor. I also had to practice for my gigs. I had to prepare lessons and I had to teach between 40-50 students that same week.

I was an octopus, DIY, “Yes Man”.

I was the DIY Worship Leader.

This was ages ago of course. It’s an experience and lesson on what “Not to do” in leadership.

Besides Jesus. Delegation is your savior. Having the DIY mentality is good but don’t take it to heart.

Become a Lifelong Learner

I am a student of learning. When something interests me I wanna read everything about it and put it into action. God has placed that gene in my DNA.

Most people assume after graduation you don’t have to learn anymore. Wow, what a terrible concept.

One time during my break after teaching a class at the Yamaha music school. I was sitting in the teachers lounge studying my Jazz theory book. A young cute female piano teacher fresh out of college came by.

Piano teacher: Hey, Roland. What ya doing?
Roland: Studying jazz theory.
Piano teacher: Kool, for a test at school?
Roland: No, for knowledge.
Piano teacher: Why? Once you’re done with school you don’t have to study anymore.
Roland: Are you serious Miss cute piano teacher? Wow! I must be wasting my time. I better stop and hop right back onto Facebook….
Piano teacher: Whatever!

Jiminy Cricket!! What’s wrong with this society?

Learning is great and please keep learning until God brings you home. Just don’t be an octopus and try to do everything.

As I write this blog, I have many tasks that need to be done that I could and should delegate to others.

But…

I need dinero (money in Spanish) to pay the people I hire. The time will come when I will outsource most of my tasks so I can concentrate and spend to serve God and you guys of course.

I’ll list the tasks that I do for this site and place an asterisk next to the task that I need to delegate.

1. Content
2. Blogs/articles
3. Books, videos, etc
4. Character development
5. Cartoons
6. Marketing*
7. Finance*
8. Site management *
9. Seo optimization *
10. Keyword research *
11. Site redesign

As you can see all I basically want to do is create great sustainable valuable content that can help you achieve your worship team goals.

And I do draw my cartoons. I love it. Here’s a how I create my cartoons. Click here.

Moses Learned his lesson.

Straight form the bible here is how Moses learned on how to delegate. It’s a long one but read through it.

13The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening. 14 When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, “What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?”

15 Moses answered him, “Because the people come to me to seek God’s will.16 Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God’s decrees and instructions.”

17 Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. 19 Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him.20 Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fearGod, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. 23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.”

24 Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. 25 He chose capable men from all Israel and made them leaders of the people, officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 26 They served as judges for the people at all times. The difficult cases they brought to Moses, but the simple ones they decided themselves.

Exodus 18:13-26

Check it!

It’s a matter of managing your priorities and your time. And most people are horrible at doing this. Most people spend time doing meaningless things that are not productive nor necessary.

Everyone uses the term: “I don’t have time.” This term has been played out and is said incorrectly.

What peopl are really trying to say is, “It’s not important to me and I’m not willing to make time.”

It all depends what’s important to you.

If you’re not sure on how to re-prioritize your tasks and manage your time. Here is this great video by Brian Tracy on time management.

I highly recommend Brain Tracy’s teachings as it has helped me a lot in my management skills. Click here.

How do you find the right people?

That’s a great question. If you tend to have a small group or big group it’s important to know what extra skills each team member has.

It doesn’t have to be a team member it could be someone else that volunteers in another church department.

But.. Remember this. If your team member is not willing to put in the time even though they are skilled at the task. You have got to find someone else who is willing.

The question is “Will”

Don’t hire based on skills alone, hire mostly based on attitude and willingness.

The saying goes: “Hire slow and fire fast.”

When a team member is willing but isn’t skilled train them or hand them unimportant tasks like: replacing the projector light bulb or even taking the piano for repairs.

Look for an assistant that is competent and willing and your leadership will be taken to a whole new level.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this lesson on delegation please share this with your neighbor.

So, here’s a question for you.

What meaningless tasks do you have to do, that you can delegate?

Sorry, I meant Time.

Speeding down Fernwood Ave road at 60mph!

Heading towards the church for rehearsal. Since I was music director you have to set the example of being early. I drove up to the gate of the parking lot at 6:30pm barely made it. I opened up the gate and drove in the parking lot and parked my car.

No one was there yet. They should be arriving for practice in about 15 minutes.

I got the sound mixing board turned on ready to go, mic stands ready, instruments, etc. I started praying that this rehearsal would go smoothly.

7:00pm, no one arrives.

7:15pm, no one yet, not even a text message.

7:30pm, drummer texts, “Can’t make it, I’m playing at another church.” Since his bro plays keyboard and gets a ride from the him he can’t come either.

7:45pm, Sister Marta comes storming in and mentions the other singers are not coming because of some lame reasons. My head starts hurting.

8:00pm, me and sister Marta start vocal warm ups. Receive a message from bass player, “Can’t make it.” My head starts pounding.

8:15pm, finish vocal warm ups and decide to call it a night because of massive migraine.

8:30pm, I thanked sister Marta for coming and closed up the church went to CVS and got some Advil.

That was the biggest headache I ever had. Plus, I don’t usually get headaches.

Time was lost.

Time is our most precious asset.

Time well spent can generate great results.

Time wasted won’t generate diddly.

Time in music is everything.

Let’s talk about TIME, not thyme.

Foursquare of Time Management.

1. Vision Time: The goals of your team must be inline with the goals of your church. Casting vision is extremely important. Your team has got be reminded every now and then of what the vision is and the goals that need to be met.

Yes, I forget things too. A few years ago I started using iCal and it’s awesome. I can set automatic reminders and will never forget a meeting. If you don’t use Mac than I’m sure there is a PC equivelant to iCal. It can be stored and synced to your smart phone, tablet or computer it’s awesome.

“Where there is vision the people will perish.” Proverbs 29:18

No vision, no goals I personally think is a waste of everybody else’s time even though they don’t realize it. The fact is if you as a leader, singer, or musician, don’t know what you want, I’m sorry my friend but you’re going to keep fighting an up hill battle.

Rehearsals will drag and be very unmotivating because you just come in to go over a few songs and then it’s over.

There is no purpose or target to shoot for.

I know what you’re probably going to say, “But Roland, we’re there to serve God and worship him. That’s our vision and purpose!”

Dave Ramsey said it best.

“Be weird, not normal.”

“Huh? What does that mean?”

Well, we as Christians worship God, as we walk down the street, drive in our car, sing, take a bath. You get the picture.

Our Goals as a worship team is to worship God, serve others and make disciples. In the Christian world that’s common sense and normal.

“Well, duh Roland of course it is.”

Our culture has made it bland and unappealing, boring and normal. Which is why we drag our feet when we go to rehearsal.

This is where you come in. Be different, be weird!!

Set a vision, a clear specific goal for your team. Be creative on HOW your team is going to reach the community, the country, or the world!

At my church, Oasis. We have leadership meetings every other month. The pastor talks about the vision of the church and where we are headed it gets really exciting and refreshing. Vision time is time well spent, don’t waste it.

So, what are you waiting for? Cast vision! Move it or lose it!

2. Prep Time: I have insane stories of being invited to play bass for many churches and end  up arriving at rehearsal or they don’t even have rehearsals to begin with. But if they did nobody knew what tunes to play, they would spent an absorbant amount of time on vocals of one song.

While I’m sitting there picking the dirt from under my if fingernails I pray, “God? What am I doing here? I’m here to spend time worshipping you and this rehearsal is going nowhere. I think we should leave together God, because they’re wasting both our time!”

Jesus has left the building! Haha!

Pretty please with sugar on top. Make sure everyone and including yourself is prepped before practice starts.

That includes:

After 6 months of being a music director for the “Church of Jesus Christ” (not the Latter Day Saints) church choir, my vocal director who was the one in charge of the choir decided to change congregations due to personal reasons of course.

Who was going to take over?

Everybody immediately wanted little ol’ me to run the choir. Now, I’m 19, a year just out of high school I had zero experience in leadership. Fear just consumed me, there was no way I was going to take over this massive undertaking.

Yes, I chickened out! You can laugh later.

Fortunately, I became music director of another church just 2 years later, but that’s another story. I’ve been a music minister of The Lord since I was about 10 years of age.

You would figure I would know something about how to run a church band by 19, right?

I actually did know something, I just didn’t have the confidence or certain personality traits under my belt. But you have to start somewhere.

Leaders are made, not born.

After almost 15 years of being a leader in the church and as an educator I have failed a gazillion times and I’m still making mistakes. And praying that I don’t make the same mistakes twice.

I don’t claim to be the perfect leader and probably won’t ever be. Failures have given me wisdom to be prepared for the future.

At first I was thinking of coming up with just a list of 10 things but the Holy Ghost came over me and I almost started speaking In tongues ( ah-la,la,la,la, shandororo, shaba!) and I forked out 35 qualifications of a music director. Here they are in no particular order.

1. Passion: If you don’t love this gig than your team and yourself won’t grow.
2. Learner: Conformity keeps your team stagnate, become a lifelong learner and pickup some new skills. Your team will grow and learn as you do.
3. People Person: Fear, apathy and shyness of people will keep you distant for others. Build social skills and start loving people.
4. Challenge: Difficulties will always happen. Take them with joy and as a learning process. Challenges will strengthen your team.
5. Integrity: Being honest and consistent in your values and morals are true qualities of a leader.
6. Vision: Where there is no vision the people perish. Proverbs 29:18 There has to be a target or goal bigger than ourselves to keep us in the right path. No vision equals a man shooting a gun at the mall with a blind fold. People are going to get hurt.
7. Persistence: This quality will keep you coming back no matter how many times you fail.
8. Failure: I have failed a billion times and because of these failures I grow an even wiser leader. This is a key catalyst to success.
9. Action: Physical movement towards our goal will make your vision a lot more attainable than just talking about it. Shoot procrastination in the face and become a walker not a talker.
10. Survivor: The enemy is always trying find ways to thwart our plans which can affect us mentally, emotionally and physically. Most folks give up easily and quit. Find ways to keep you motivated. Be a survivor.
11. Motivation: Without motivation growth will never come to you or your team. Make sure your vision serves others and is big enough to keep your people moving forward.
12. Discipline: When motivation likes to take a breather you need discipline to take over. Discipline will keep everything in the right path when you feel unmotivated and walk off the path.
13. Great Communicator: One word, ” Clarity”. Clear communication with your team is crucial. Always speak about the vision clearly so everyone can stay in the right path.
14. Humility: Don’t let arrogance creep right in when things are going so well. Humility keeps you grounded and unselfish.
15. Music Lover: This a no brainer.
16. Musically Educated: I have met many music directors that don’t know a lick about music theory but are excellent musicians. But, I guarantee you if they did, they would be amazing! Keep educating yourself and your value will increase.
17. Management Skills: Knowing how to manage and work with others is definitely a skill that’s needs to be learned. I have horror stories.
18. Creative: Be different and unique, don’t follow the pack, create your own ideas and music. Then you’ll stand out in front of everyone.
19. Embrace Change: Humanity hates change and that is the reason why most never accomplish their goals. We have to change with the times and utilize new ideas in order to grow. Hurry before you miss the train.
20. Decisiveness: Great leader take time to make proper educated decisions. Decisions in haste is a waste.
21. Prepared: Order and preparation is a the key to winning the battle. Without prep time and training we’re gonna get blown up.
22. Teacher: Having the heart of a teacher is a great attribute. Train your team and leaders will follow.
23. Patience: Sometimes frustration gets the best of us when an issue gets in our way. We need to learn to wait but train daily so when the time comes we are prepared.
24. Listener: When opportunity or problems loom in the horizon our ears need to be attentive to address the event.
25. Musical Ear: A good ear will help identify musical issues or even creative ideas. Also it will help tighten your team musically.
26. Commitment: Are you in or are you out? That’s all I got to say.
27. Positive Attitude: Yes, problems will happen. A great attitude will keep the environment positive and uplifting and in the right direction.
28. Focus: Distractions suck! A great director knows how set aside a time and space where no outside irritations will put a wrench in their progress.
29. Security Delegation: Knowing when to release some power to others is a sign of trust and great leadership.
30. Generosity: Serving others is what it’s all about. Selfishness brings people down and unselfishness nurtures others.
31. Problem Solver: This quality comes with experience. When issues occur you know what to do. Or don’t you?
32. Team Player: A great music director works well with others and when something is asked of him or her there is no hesitation to get thing done.

Wow, that’s I pretty big list. Many of the qualities listed will take time develop and will not happen over night. Wisdom is a lifelong learning process.

My journey to achieve perfection in all these qualities will never occur due to human nature. But, I can pretty be pretty close.

Please, If I have left out any qualities that you think is missing from my list. Than feel free to list them in the comments below.

Roland

The crowd noise was getting louder.

“When are you guys starting?” Shouted somebody in the crowd.

Usually before a gig I get anxious because I want to start making music immediately. Finally, Freddy P. got on the drums and started the groove. Then I grabbed my bass and joined in. After that each member jumped in one at a time and the crowd got excited.

I played for a hip hop funk band called Gloryforthepeople. We new how to draw the crowd and get people moving and grooving. I guess it was a gift. Here is a video of me back in the day with the band playing bass at the Blues Cafe in Long Beach.

One of the last tunes I got to do a bass solo, the crowd went wild! Woohoo! After we finished our set some fans came up and congradulated me on an awesome bass solo.

I felt good.

One person mentioned, “God has blessed you with great talent.” Later that night I thought, “was my talent God given, or practice driven?”

As I began as seasoned music instructor I realized the thousands of students that came through my door that were not talented at all and the percentage that were so call Talented. The students that did not achieve good musical skills were not at all that interested in practicing. But, the students that did great we’re so into their instrument and practiced tons.

This is not just my observation as a music instructor but also my observation in today’s society. The amount of effort you put into something will produce the result of whatever amount of efficient effort you put into it.

There is no such thing as God given talent!

I just want to stir the pot up a bit.

As a Christian musician I believe in miracles. I believe God can heal you or grant you a gift. But, when it comes to gifts and I don’t see why God would grant any of us special gifts unless it was only to serve him and his purpose not our own selfish purposes.

There are spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit can give and it’s laid out here:

For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance ofwisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to anothervarious kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. Corinthians 12:8-11

These spiritual gifts are given as the holy spirits will it. The list here says nothing about gifts that have to do with: sports, music, art, or even entrepreneurship.

What I do believe in is God Given Desires!

God place extremely talented individuals at a certain place, time, and environment that fueled their desires. And because those desires were fueled by influence that could come from: family, friends, culture, school, teachers, etc. That created an explosion of desires, wants and needs for their particular subject or area of interest.

If my dad would have never taken me and my brother to piano class at the age of seven I probably would have never been a musician.

If Stevie wonder never touched a piano, he would be just another blind black dude.

If Joseph Jackson never pushed his son Michael Jackson to practice and practice I’m sure he would not have been the king of pop or got a nose job.

If Jimi Hendrix would have never picked up the guitar I’m sure he would still be alive today.

If Michael Phelps never got into a pool at such a young age he would have never creamed the competition in the Olympics.

“Outliers” is a fantastic book written by Malcolm Gladwell and touches on the subject of success. It talks about really successful individuals like the Beatles and what were the catalysts that led them to stardom. It’s a great read that I stumbled upon awhile back.

Genetics is not the case.

There is no such thing as talent genes and has never been proven scientifically and probably won’t be proven in my lifetime.

I know many tall black dudes that suck at basketball. Culture sometimes misleads us into believing the reasons why certain people act and behave a certain way is because of race and genetics. Total nonsense!

One of the music schools I use to teach at was right next to Compton California. Amongst many Asians that I taught, many black students were also on my roster. The stereotype goes that black kids are naturally good at sports and music.

Sorry to break it to you but I’ve had hundreds of black students walk through my teaching studio that couldn’t play a C chord if I paid them. I would say that less than 5% were actually pretty good.

My case is God places individuals in an environment that creates certain desires. Then leads to: learning, studying, training, dedication, discipline, passion, etc. Your efforts will lead to your success or your failure. Failure always comes first before success, but most people give up after they fail only once or twice.

Giving up after a couple of times generally means your desire isn’t that great. It could be maybe your environment isn’t feeding your desires. Your level of desire will determine your success.

First if all God is in control of everything, but our society likes to play on words that have different meanings.

The saying and wording; “God given talent” is incorrect.

Talent and skill is the result of desire, dedication, discipline, hard work and training. If God zapped us with the holy spirit and gave us talent at the tender age of 5. That would mean in the beginning of my guitar process at such a young age if I picked up my guitar and learned something from either an audio recording or from a teacher I would be able to play it perfectly.

There are a couple of instances in the bible where God granted certain individuals with incredible gifts, so I’m going to grant a bit of lee way, but the majority is not the case. Here’s one.

Bezalel and Oholiab

Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you:

Exodus 31 1-6

God filled them with the holy spirit at that MOMENT and gave them the talent and skill to perform these tasks.

Talent is the combination of wisdom, understanding, knowledge and physical skills and there is no way God granted all of this to many of my so called gifted students in the beginning. UNLESS, God is really going to use them to serve a purpose for his will and most aren’t

Let’s correct the term.

The correct term is: “God given desires!”

I know it may sound weird to use this term instead because we have been cliched into using the same old term.

When folks say “God given talent” what they really mean is “God given desires” but most folks don’t think of it that way. We have been pre-programmed in our christian society to assume God zaps our young with all the skills and gifts instantly.

Though the bible mentions the case of couple of times that is not suffice to say that it’s for everyone. We can’t interpret the bible to mean something it was never intending to say. They call this Eisegesis. Click here if you are not familiar with this hermeneutical term.

While there are some exceptions the majority is not the case.

I hope this topic opens to comments. Feel free to give me your opinion, you can agree or disagree. I would love to hear what you have say.

God Bless and cheers

Roland

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Luke 23:34

There are 4 reasons why most church musicians are going to hell.

note: everything in the article is just my opinion.

1. Church musicians don’t study the word.

Let’s face it, musicians and singers don’t really read or study the word they just use verses to inspire them in time of need, which is great but that’s all they do.

It’s because we are artists not scholars, we want to create beautiful music that inspires us and makes us float in the air, blah blah blah.

Of course I can’t speak for every church musician but there seems to be a pattern brewing up. We all say we read the bible but do we study and meditate in the word to try to really understand Gods true nature and purpose for our lives?

I believe in truth and it will set you free.

2. They were taught what to believe than why we believe it.

In Sunday school as kids we were taught to believe accounts in the bible as true, like Noah and the Ark and Jonah and the whale.

As I grew older I realized they were many questions that were unanswered that baffled me. Does this relate to you?

This is a huge epidemic in local churches today. In today’s world there is a huge rise of atheism and agnosticism.

Our local colleges and universities are brainwashing our young vulnerable kids minds that God and Jesus are just myths through idiotic philosophies of evolution.

Evolution is not science it’s a philosophy. You can cannot study history in a test tube.

3. Pastors are not equipping with the word.

I have never been to seminary and I’m sure they offer classes on Christian apologetics. But why aren’t they being taught in Sunday school?

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 3:15

The apostle Peter and Paul were Christian apologists.

What’s apologetics you say?

No, you’re not apologizing. The Greek word for apologetics is “Apologia” which means to give a good reason for what you claim to be true.

Pastors who teach the word of God are accountable for sharing truths to their flock. Pastors and leaders of the church are gonna be judged more harshly when they face judgment day. Pray that your pastor is equipping your congregation with the right mental and spiritual tools.

Emphasize Christian apologetics to your pastor and see if it can be taught in Sunday school.

You don’t want to enter a gun battle without any guns. Especially today it’s a war zone out there.

4. Church musicians try to impress not express

There are so many church musicians who just wanna play on the church stage to look and sound good. After the service they grab their check and take off. It’s just a gig for them.

One should question whether they’re Christian or not. Again I can’t speak for for everyone but I see this all the time.

Everyone wants to be admired, loved, respected and appreciated especially musicians it gives us a natural high. It’s a “me, me, me” world instead of a Jesus world.

When I was kid at youth camp in the early 90’s I would sit right next to the worship band. I would get ready early and get to the sanctuary up the hill early before the service would start and grab a seat right next to the bass player. I was just in awe at how cool they sounded.

I wanted to do that and I eventually did and it became my part of my career. Everything is done for his glory alone.

Conclusion

Churches big and small have got to establish standards for their musicians and if they don’t want to obey well then there’s no need for them. Everyone on the platform represents Jesus Christ and that’s a monster privelige that I am proud to represent my God.

Those are my 4 reasons why most church musicians are going to hell.

Don’t hesitate to agree or disagree with me by leaving a comment in the section below.

Moving forward.

Roland

Summer of 2008

At a small church in Lynwood, Ca, I was music director for quite some time. That summer they were reconstructing the church alter. I helped redesign the stage and it came out pretty good, I was happy with it at least.

One night at rehearsal I presented a new tune from hillsongs. My poor memory can’t quite remember the title of the song but it was a good one believe me.

The following friday night service, after the preaching, we had an alter call for prayer and naturally the worship team came up to lead worship. This was a perfect opportunity to present the new tune we were working on.

The song started with a drum fill, I counted the song off.

Then I heard nothin, I thought the drummer screwed up so I counted off again.

Again nothing….

I turned around and the drummer waved his sticks indicating that he didn’t want to play the song.

I look baffled…. Okay…..

I signaled him to start up again but he refused. Everyone in the church was already praying and worshipping and the team was wondering what was going on. It’s not like he couldn’t play it. I mean this drummer was the best in our church district.

After various attempts, forcibly I had to begin another song.

Then I lost a few hairs.
When the church service ended I pulled the drummer to the back and had a little chat with him trying to point out what was the issue.

Turns out he didn’t like the song and thought the music style wasn’t appropriate for worship.

Huh??  Are u kidding me??

I thought I was the music director. Now, I was a totally easy going guy, but right when you are in the middle of worship and the drummer is causing disruption in the flow of the Holy Spirit just because he didn’t like the music style is totally unacceptable.

My thoughts

People hate and fear change, and are conformists that is why there a very few success stories in this world out of 7 billion people on this planet.

Back to the story

The drummer didn’t want to open his mind for anything thing new. It didn’t last very long for him. The issue was deeper than just the music style.

“I don’t know everything but If there’s one thing I do know, you can’t please everyone to be successful.”

Bill Cosby

Believe me I’ve had those times when I wasn’t music directing at my current church Oasis. I would rehearse the songs a certain way at home but when I got rehearsal at church the current music director would ask me to play my part differently.

Then the pigheadedness would kick in.

“But the mp3 was playing it this way!” I would say.

Then I have to remind myself that I’m not leading. I have to learn to be a good servant musician and obey my leader. You can make a decision later if the other guy is not qualified and then you choose to stay or not.

Regardless if your serving then you have to follow the lead of your leaders.

You can give suggestions, but don’t pout or kick and scream if your leaders don’t go along with your ideas.

I have worked with dictator leadership and servant leadership. I prefer servant leadership hands down. Working with a “my way or the highway” type leader won’t be influential to the growth of your ministry.

So, are you a pigheaded musician or a servant musician?

Be honest and let me know in the comments below. Believe me I can still be pigheaded at times but I’m working and praying about it always.

If you like this post don’t forget to share it in your favorite social media.

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Roland

As a church musician should you get paid to serve at church?

That’s the long heated debate. Just to let you know I don’t get paid the cheddar at my home church Oasis. The main music director is on staff and gets paid of course. I do get paid to play at a small church every Sunday playing piano.

Here’s my take on it.

There’s nothing wrong with it.

And… It depends.

There are two types of musicians at church.

1. Professional musician
2. Amateur musician

Let’s dissect the two.

Professional Musician:

Simply put, pros make a living with music. The pay their bills, rent, gas, insurance, etc. using the gift of music that God gave them to make a living. God wants us to use our gifts to earn a living and serve others. Statistics state that most talented individuals do not use their talents to earn a living. Which is why most folks hate their 9 to 5 job.

There are many jobs as a musician, you can be: freelance, session musician, instructor, music director, composer, songwriter, etc. Plenty of musicians have families that they need to provide for and others probably don’t have families but they have personal needs.

Professionalism is also a mindset. Being prepared, highly trained, being on time to rehearsals and gigs, having the right attitude, getting the job done, like ability. Nobody likes divas, drama queens, or even anti-social musicians.

Attitude and mindset is probably one the key factors that differentiates between amateurs and pros.

Amateur Musician:

Amateurs get paid and don’t get paid. I have seen it both ways. But most amateurs earn a living through their regular day jobs.

I have seen many amateurs that are amazing musicians and others that are average. They do have a different mindset though.

In both, highly trained and poorly trained I have seen great attitudes but mostly poor attitudes.

They don’t learn the tunes, don’t come to practice, have poor attitudes, their commitment is average, arrive late, don’t call or text to let everyone know they are coming or not and it goes on and on.

I can’t speak for all churches but I have worshipped in many different denominations and churches across the globe in different cultures. There is definitely a pattern of amateurism and professionalism no matter what church.

Conclusion

Looking for that church cheddar?

If you would like to get paid as a church musician there many opportunities out there. You just have to find the right one, which is tough. But when you find the right church it will be very steady work for you. As opposed to finding a steady secular gig which is even tougher.

It does depend on the church, not the church size. Believe it or not regardless of the size a lot of churches do not know how to manage their finances well or they’re just a bunch of tightwads and don’t value the spiritual gifts that you are providing.

I have experienced both. Run away from those poorly run churches. God will take care of them for not providing for their flock.

They are churches that pay and others that are voluntary. You pick and choose what you are looking for. If it is just for extra cash to spend on a new toy and not to provide for yourself or family then maybe you should question is it about you or God.

In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it. (1 Corinthians 9:14 NLT)

I pray that this opens up for discussion, please leave a comment below. Also, please share this post by clicking on one of the share buttons below.

Keep seeking and you will find. Matt 7:7

Roland