How to Become a Music Minister

Church pianist

Music ministers provide the music during church services and help create an atmosphere of praise and worship. The basic requirements to become a music minister are musical ability, leadership skills and a love for God. Churches employ music ministers to play or direct during Sunday and weeknight services. They also organize and lead choir rehearsals. The position of music minister is one of the most visible positions in the church.

Things You'll Need

• Musical instrument

Instructions

1. Take classes on worship ministry. You can take classes from an online or a campus college. These classes are biblically based and teach about hearing God's voice, the difference between praise and worship and the act of leading worship.

2. Take music or vocal classes that fit the style of music for your church denomination. Learn traditional hymns and contemporary Christian music. Piano players should learn how to play the organ. Singers should learn how to lead solos and direct choirs. There are instructors that offer private music or vocal lessons.

3. Join the music department at a church. You can volunteer your services by filling in for absent church band members or choir directors. Another option is to take a regular position at a small church to gain experience. You can work your way to a larger church and a paid position.

4. Network with other churchgoers. Networking can go a long way when you feel it's time to move on to another church's music department. Churchgoers in your community may know of open musician positions at other churches.

5. Audition for open music minister positions. Interview with the church leaders and meet the other musicians and choir members. Some churches will require you to play during a rehearsal to see how you interact with band members and the choir. The next phase of the audition process is to play or direct the choir during a church service.

References

• Ken Foster: Music Careers
• Christian Leadership University: Worship Ministry Concentration
• Play to Worship Him: Becoming A Church Musician

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish