(6) A singing group is known as "The O.K. Chorale."

(6) A singing group is known as "The O.K. Chorale."

Hey, I think I know this group. Not many of them have musical talent, and their voices are a little bit “hickeyfied” (ask, and ye shall receive an explanation) so the music comes out close to what it is supposed to be, but people wince at the wrong notes and sit and listen because they are not going to get up there and be a part of that either.

When they are done, the audience may clap (for whatever reason, maybe not wanting to hurt their feelings), and the singers will sit in their seats feeling that they are the best!

Folks, it’s time we do something about this. Now I don’t mean for you to walk up to them and say, “Your singing sucks!” No, instead of being hurtful, you need to find out what other areas of the ministry that they actually have talents that could be helpful and steer them in that direction. Too many times in churches we do not use people where needed for fear of hurting someone’s feelings. People sit on committees or perform tasks that are not really in their true capability. But because that is what they want to do, that is what we let them do.

And because of it, that ministry suffers. The cleanliness of the church is not up to a reasonable standard. The music of the church feels stunted or not enjoyable. The church lawn has more waves in the grass than at a sports stadium.

Ministers, it’s time to “clean house.” Start with a clean slate. No one goes back into a position unless you can show where they are qualified to do such. Use their performance and the results from it if they do not have professional qualifications. If they are not qualified for the role that they used to fill, find out where they can serve, or give them a “retirement party.” (see earlier blog in “how to have a successful church” series).

Announce that the music program is going to have auditions if you have a large enough congregation. Or start a worship team of your singers that can carry a tune and use them, especially for special music, and the choir for when everyone else is singing so that they won’t stick out.  These are just a few of the suggestions that I can give you. Each situation is different and calls for its own course of action. But start to think outside of the box. Pastors, you wouldn’t put unqualified people in a business, hoping to be successful. So why do you expect success in your church when the wrong people are in the wrong positions? Church is not a business, but many of the same basic principles need to be exchanged between the two. Then the furtherance of His Kingdom can become a reality.