13/06/2026
Louder!
WHY ARROGANCE HAS NO PLACE IN THE MUSIC MINISTRY
Arrogance has no place in the Music Ministry because the ministry is about serving God and helping His people pray, not about seeking attention, recognition, or praise.
A music minister is called to imitate Christ, who came "not to be served but to serve" (Mark 10:45). When arrogance enters the ministry, the focus shifts from God to self, from worship to performance, and from service to personal glory.
The Music Ministry is not a competition. It is not about proving that one choir is better than another, that one cantor sings better, or that one group is more talented than the rest. Every choir, music minister, and liturgical musician is called to work together in building up the Church and leading God's people in worship.
Sadly, arrogance can sometimes manifest itself in unhealthy ways. There are music ministers who react harshly when corrected, insisting that they are always right and refusing to consider other perspectives. Some defend their position with anger rather than charity, turning disagreements into personal conflicts. Others bring their frustrations to social media, engage in public rants, or flood private messages with accusations and arguments instead of seeking peaceful dialogue.
At times, arrogance can become so severe that respect for authority and fellow ministers is lost. No one is exempt from being treated with charity, not fellow choir members, conductors, organists, coordinators, nor even priests. Differences of opinion may arise, but they should be addressed through calm and respectful conversation.
It is also painful when conflicts become visible during the liturgy itself. When a conductor and an organist openly display anger toward one another, the choir senses the tension, and the assembly can be distracted from prayer. The liturgy should never become a stage for personal disputes. Unity among ministers is itself a form of witness to the Gospel.
Arrogance can:
* Create division within the choir and among different choirs.
* Lead to unhealthy competition instead of collaboration.
* Make a minister unwilling to listen, learn, or accept correction.
* Foster resentment, gossip, and conflict.
* Distract the faithful from prayer and worship.
* Diminish the spirit of humility that should characterize every disciple of Christ.
On the other hand, humility enables a music minister to:
* Recognize that musical talents are gifts from God.
* Respect and appreciate the gifts of other choirs and ministers.
* Accept correction with openness and maturity.
* Resolve disagreements through dialogue and charity.
* Serve joyfully without seeking applause.
* Work harmoniously with others.
* Lead the assembly more effectively into prayer.
The true measure of a music minister is not how impressive the music sounds, but how well it helps people encounter God.
In the Music Ministry, talent may attract attention, but humility brings people closer to God. We are not called to outshine one another, but to help one another glorify God.
LITURHIYANHONG MUSIKA
