C. Randall Bradley – From Postlude to Prelude: Music Ministry’s Other Six Days – Reading Questions –

Chapter 1 – Philosophical/Theological Issues

1.   What is a call to ministry?

2. In what areas do vocational music ministers need to be trained?

3. What is ordination?

4. What are qualifications expected for one to be ordained?

5. What personality traits are essential for a minister?

6. Why should one look at theological issues in a church before accepting a position?

7. What is worship?

8. Explain how Isaiah 6:1-9 is a model for worship.

9. Who was Sǿren Kierkegaard and how is understanding his model important in understanding worship?

10. What questions are important in developing your own philosophy of church music?

Chapter 2 – Personal Issues

1.                  In what ways can the minister manage his/her time to include the family?

2.                  What priority does Bradley suggest for relationship?

3.                  How can one maintain a healthy lifestyle while serving as a minister?

4.                  What are signs and symptoms of burnout and how are they caused?

5.                  How can burnout be prevented?

6.                  What are the qualities of a leader?

Chapter 3 – Employment and Vocational Issues

1.                  What skills should be learned as preparation for the music ministry?

2.                  What benefits should be discussed when applying for a position?

Chapter 4 – Working With Church Staff

1.                  How are ways to ensure a better working relationship with the pastor?

2.                  What are ways to develop relationships with all members of the staff?

3.                  According to Bradley, “all musicians in the church must be viewed as ministers.”  In what ways can you work with the accompanists to ensure their effective ministry?

4.                  What are ways to deal with conflict?

5.                  Look at the job descriptions on pp. 103-108.  Were you aware of all of these responsibilities?  Does your church have job descriptions for each of these positions?

Chapter 5 – Involving Others

1.                  What are ways you can improve communication among church music staff members in your church?

2.                  What are ways to recruit and work with volunteers?

3.                  What are ways to conduct a good meeting?

4.                  Why should you delegate some responsibilities?

5.                  Conflict is inevitable.  What are ways you can manage worship conflicts?

6.                  How might you introduce new songs to your congregation?

Chapter 6 - Promotion

1.                  What are general ways to promote your choral programs both within the church and in the community?

2.                  Each choir is different in its approach.  Discuss ways to reach members in each of the following areas:

Adult

Children

Youth/Student

Senior Adult

Instrumental

Handbells

3.                  What are major considerations in working with symphony players?

Chapter 7 – Organization and Time Management

1.                  Why is it important to set goals?

2.                  What are important considerations in preparing and presenting a budget?

3.                  Look at the Music Ministry Budget on pp. 189-190.  Talk with the minister of music or other leader at your church and find out what is included in the music budget at your church.  Be specific.

4.                  How are space and structure different within the various choirs of the church?

5.                  Does your church choir have officers?  What are their duties?  If there is not a written description, you might suggest the descriptions on pp. 202-204.

6.                  Look at the music library at your church.  How is it organized?  Is it searchable?  If so, by what system?

Chapter 8 – Facilities and Purchases

1.                  Where can you find music?

2.                  How do you determine what is right for your choir and church?

3.                  What is involved in purchasing an organ or piano?

4.                  When purchasing handbells, you need to purchase more than just the bells.  What other items are necessary?

5.                  What items should be considered when constructing new choir rehearsal space?

6.                  In designing a worship area, the purpose is the most important consideration.  In your own church, what are the importance of choir, instrumental, and congregational spaces?  If it were your decision, how would you modify the worship area?

7.                  What are major considerations in choosing and using a sound system?

8.                  What are considerations in purchasing a new hymnal?

Chapter 9 – Dealing with Transition

1.                  Based on the information in this chapter, develop your own resume.

2.                  What are things you can do to prepare for the interview?

3.                  Look at the interview questions on p. 260.  How would you answer each question?

4.                  In the interview process, though you are the one being interviewed, how might you assess the pastor to determine whether you and he/she have the same philosophy and would work well together?

5.                  How are ways you might find out about your prospective church?

Chapter 10 – Ministering in Special Situations

1.                  What are the most important things to remember when ministering to the grieving?

2.                  What are basic rules to follow when counseling?

Appendix 1: Professional Music Organizations – try out some of the URLs and see which organizations would be of interest and importance to you. 

Appendix 2: Church Music Publications – try out some of the URLs.  Join at least one organization and bring any information to class that you receive.