We know that God has given church leaders the authority and responsibility to shepherd our sheep. For those of us in Asian American contexts, we must think critically about how our cultural history and practices affect what we do and why we do them. For worship leaders in Asian American churches, that means being knowledgeable about the musicians on our teams and the congregation we lead in praise.
Here are 6 challenges that I have observed leading music in an Asian American church, and I hope it will help you to lead your people well.
1. Most of your musicians will be volunteers
Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts. (Psalm 33:3)
I started playing piano for my church in elementary school. Just like today, our church did not have a worship pastor, and back then, we only had one adult helper who would come and play for the children. So my parents volunteered me to be the resident pianist for my fellow students. But just because I was proficient at the piano did not mean I was qualified to lead any congregation in worship. While I am thankful to those who gave me the opportunity, my faith was still being formed.
Many Asian American churches do not hire worship pastors or directors. These churches utilize volunteers who have had no formal music lessons or instruction in the instruments they play. In addition, musicians are often elevated to high positions of service in the church without a thought to leadership ability or theological acumen.
Therefore, Asian American churches should invest in their worship leaders. Let the volunteers serve, but give them healthy critique and ample opportunities for musical and theological training. Set high standards for those who want to serve, not only in their skills but also in their leadership and lifestyle. Make church music a discipleship platform.
2. The youth will be some of your most talented musicians
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)
Throughout my childhood and adolescence, my parents graciously provided for me: group piano lessons, private piano lessons, singing and dancing opportunities in a performance group, violin lessons, and a marching band and indoor drumline career. I was at the peak of my performance levels during these crucially formative years.
Asian American parents place a high value on music. But they do not always place a high value on using your learned musical skills in the church. Maybe it is because of a lack of opportunities, or maybe it is because of time commitments. But serving at church is usually seen as secondary to supporting a college resume.
To combat this norm, Asian American churches should actively use their youth’s talents and teach them how to serve. Show them how to steward their gifts in spiritual maturity and give them room to grow. Build them up at an early age as they begin to lead God’s people in praise. Partner with parents by encouraging them to think in this way and help grow their children into the love of Christ and His church.
3. The stage might be used by parents to platform children
Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! (Psalm 115:1)
Somewhere on the Internet, there is a video of my brother, sister, and me as young children performing a medley of worship songs for Father’s Day. While we have had many showcases of talent and special events at our church, I have grown to have more regard for the sacredness of the stage, especially during the Sunday service.
Honoring your parents, giving the best opportunities to your children, and seeing the results of your work are highly valued in Asian American culture. Many will see the church stage platform function in different scenarios. And in an environment that encourages multiple uses of facilities, we can lose the sanctity of the stage if we are not careful.
Therefore, Asian American churches must guard the way we view and use the stage. Pastors, do not cave into the pressure from parents. Apply wisdom and warn of the perils of pride. Understand that the pulpit should not be replaced by performances. Do not use your youth to attract new visitors. Have high regard for the worship and glory of God alone.
4. Many instrumentalists and vocalists will be self-taught
Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men. (Proverbs 22:29)
I had one guitar lesson in junior high. The rest I learned by observing others and experimenting on my own. I played the tenor drums in marching band. But I had to learn the drumset by trial and error through friends who invested in me.
Being able to play the piano and violin is so common that it is an Asian American stereotype. Music lessons are rarely provided for guitar, drums, bass, or vocals. Yet we see these instruments as the driving force for most modern worship bands in our culture and our churches.
Therefore, Asian American churches should take up the task of training for all types of instrumentalists and vocalists. Pastors and parents should encourage their people and children to practice, as well as recognize the hard work and skill it takes to master a musical instrument. Furthermore, we should put a renewed emphasis on vocal excellency since the chief charge of the church is to sing.
5. Expression must be modeled
Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! (Psalm 47:1)
I was always careful about raising my hands in worship. The Bible is clear in saying that God does not do well with hypocrites, and we should not seek to elevate ourselves. But I have recently begun inviting the congregation to raise their hands. Why this change?
Asian American culture dissuades from drawing attention to oneself. The identity of the individual is secondary to the good of the group. So raising hands in an Asian American church where no one else raises their hands is equated to singling oneself out in the crowd. This is a shame because we should seek to lose the preoccupation with ourselves as we worship our awesome God. We should be free. And thinking about what others think of us, whether we are raising our hands or not, is unfortunate.
Therefore, Asian American churches should be aware of our propensity to hinder physical expressions of worship to God. While there must be temperance and discernment, I admit that I am too quick to judge when I see something outside of the status quo. We must teach what Biblical worship looks like, sounds like, and feels like. And pastors must model what they want to see in their pews.
6. Church music must be championed
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16)
I grew up playing JEMS, Maranatha, and Vineyard songs. While this was not the typical curriculum of primary-level piano, my parents saw the importance of placing music and faith together. So they prompted me to prioritize church pieces in my practice and performances.
But for most Asian American musicians, classical music is the bread and butter of their musical repertoire. You need to know it to be well-rounded, and you need to know it to pass your piano exams and receive your certificates of merit. Popular music is performed in marching band and school orchestras (and in AirPods). Church music does not have a place in the modern musical landscape.
Therefore, Asian American churches must celebrate spiritual songs. Make these melodies permeate all of life – from church, to home, to parties, and funerals. We need songs to sing when we are put in prison. Learn lyrics that stress the supremacy of Christ. Let these songs saturate our lives with the Gospel.
Lord, Hear Our Hearts
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:18-21)
I am not a professional musician. I do not work for the church as a pastor. I don’t even enjoy being called a “worship leader.” But my church has allowed me to steward my gifts and serve in generous capacities, from leading worship in our children’s ministry all the way through our adult ministry. God gave us the good gift of music. So I write to encourage and exhort you as a brother in Christ, church member, and servant. And as we sing the praise of His glorious grace, may Jesus Christ be magnified in our Asian American music ministries.