Safety of Godly Submission

Over the course of my career and ministry, I have had the privilege to serve  various types of leaders.  The two I will focus on are Sauls and Davids.  The excitement of starting in ministry combined with my lack of real world wisdom made me highly susceptible to blindly fighting giants.  As clarification, I never had a spear chucked, but I did have a pastor point to his gun to remind me he was the boss. 

As the young hotshot, I couldn't see how doing what I was asked to do would be a declaration of war.  The movement that was never embraces the movement that will be.  It would behoove you to serve under a pastor that has a true vision from God.  This can generally be sniffed out with ease.  The anointing passes from one generation to the next.  Ask who mentored them.  If they claim to be self made you are dealing with a Saul.  If they speak of a life serving God and His people, you have greatly upped your chances of having discovered a David.  Watch how they deal with people of less prominent position.  If they cannot speak to the custodian or their children disdane extravagant expressions of worship, run away.

Find a pastor that never feels they've outgrown worship.  A pastor that will not lift their hands and sing the praises of God is far to holy for mere mortals like us to incumber with the task of pleasing God.  Worship is a lesser giving honor to a greater.  Pastor Walter Hallam's teaching on the Luciferian spirit is a must have for anyone wondering why worship is stifled in the presence of pride and arrogance.  As a side note, Pastor Hallam still sings and plays the piano in services.  Not all the time, but frequently enough that the congregation sees their leader passionately pursuing God's presence.  He doesn't just preach the word, my pastor lives it.

If you crave revival, find a church leader that values the voice of God more than the rush of preaching.  A David doesn't see praise and worship as the warm up band.  I've witnessed my pastor dancing before the Lord with childlike abandon.  Ever wonder why Abundant Life Christian Center has so many miracles? The point man of the house loves God more than fame.  It's easy to compose music in and for a church that wants to see God move in might and power.  Pastors with a heart after God are always excited by the presence and glory of God.  As long as God's will is done, they are pleased.

Music ministry is not a career, it is a calling.  If you desire to be one of a countless number of kingdom hirelings, nothing I've written will impact you.  When the wolves and storms come you will just find another "gig".  If you feel you are called to co-labour with a pastor to help care for God's people, please strive to ignore the financial promises of the established Sauls.  Long-term it will benefit you to follow a David to a cave or storefront.  I am a witness that God will bless your obedience.  I've been on many very large platforms because I was willing and obedient.  Follow the leaders that truly follow Christ.  God will make sure your faithfulness is rewarded