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Surviving in pastoral ministry requires an ability to gently embrace a graced moment while being able to stand firm in the face of the storms that blow derision and controversy our way. As prophet and servant, teacher and disciple, we struggle to balance the demands of ministry with our own needs in a system that often fails to support and compensate us in a just way. The same Spirit that calls us to service invites us always to listen for the “real though far off hymn” that gathers our voices into “endless song.” In that song, the chains that oppress those who would do as Christ did are broken, the flames of the Spirit are brightened, and hope becomes more than a possibility. 

My life flows on in endless song … In this issue, we consider the challenges and possibilities of pastoral ministry with a particular focus on music ministry. David Dreher offers a perspective on the future challenges and opportunities in store for pastoral musicians. Recognizing the central role that music ministry plays in parish life, Lori True describes some of the ways that music ministers function in leadership in a parish community setting. David Haas presents a compilation of resources for music ministers, covering the spectrum from spirituality and basic formation through essential music resources. 

Through all the tumult and the strife … While storms of many types threaten our world and our church, we labor on in the trenches of parish life, ever hopeful for those bright moments when we know a connection has been made and the Christ has become fully present among us. Sometimes the strife seems endless. Gail Morris shares with us concrete ways to rise above the type of conflict and division that threatens to demoralize and demean our best attempts at ministry. David Philippart concludes his feature on the church building as a primary tool for evangelization — yet another way of singing the Gospel message into the world. 

It sounds and echoes in my soul … Ultimately, the voice of the Spirit sounding in our hearts and souls drives us to persevere in ministry despite the obstacles. Not directive nor statements of authenticity but rather the voice of Christ echoing in the real sound of the assembly of God’s people at prayer compels us to continue. We will sing the songs we hear in the silence of our souls, with the words that God, and not a committee, has whispered in our hearts. We will continue to speak and live (and yes, even preach) the truth that is our vocation by baptism and call. When we have persevered, we will become that “fountain ever springing,” secure in the peace of Christ, for “No storm can shake my inmost calm, while to that rock I’m clinging. Since love is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?” 

(“How Can I Keep From Singing” text: Robert Lowry, 1826–1899; additional text by Doris Plenn, © 1957, 1964, Sanga Music, Inc.) ML

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