From my Saturday Morning Readings:


The ministry of the musician is not derived from that of the pastor, nor is it dependent on or subordinate to that of the pastor. The ministry of music derives from the character of the Gospel. The Kingdom of God has begun and is moving in history toward its consummation and final victory. Therefore the church, which is created by the final redeeming event of Jesus, must sing the new song of the Kingdom of God. The ministry of the musician is to facilitate the singing of the new song so that the church can be what God calls it to be and do what God calls it to do. The musician plans how this shall be done in the assembly by composing and by drawing on the compositions of others, by mixing repetition and variety, by facilitating the "conversation" between leaders and congregations, by using a variety of instrumental and vocal soloists and ensembles to supplement and/or support the congregation. The musician plans how this shall be done by taking into account the limitations, abilities, and tastes of the congregation, and also by identifying and utilizing the rich variety of gifts with which God has gifted the congregation, and indeed, the universal church.


Excerpt from a speech by Walter R BoumanPastors and Musicians: Partners in Proclamation,Association of Lutheran Church Musicians,Region Ill Conference, 1988