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You are here: Home / Mike Harland / Artists & Shepherds – by Mike Harland

Artists & Shepherds – by Mike Harland

April 25, 2016 2 Comments

Artists & ShepherdsFor the last 10 years I’ve been helping my friend, Vernon Whaley, by teaching in the Center for Music & Worship at Liberty University. I love it. I often wonder if I’m the teacher or the student whenever I’m on campus. Every time I come back, I am refreshed and renewed by the experience.

On one trip – now five years ago – my son John went with me. He was in the ninth grade. When he graduated high school, there was never a question of where he wanted to go to school. Now, he is finishing his sophomore year at Liberty.

Recently, in one of my classes, a discussion broke out about the differences between Artists and Shepherds. The context of the discussion was around church ministry and which role best described the Worship Pastor. Here are a few of the thoughts from the dialogue that day –

  • Artists create. Shepherds lead.
  • Artists express. Shepherds impress.
  • Artists inspire. Shepherds equip.

You get the idea.

We talked about this for over an hour and the list goes on and on. But, here are a few takeaways:

  • Both artistry and shepherding are needed in worship ministry. Artists aspire for excellence with purpose while Shepherds aspire for development of the flock and nurturing of the body.
  • The Shepherds among us need to strengthen their artistry and the Artists among us need to hone their Shepherd’s staff.
  • Music is not our message; It is our language.

The Church needs Artists AND Shepherds.


Mike HarlandMike Harland is the Director of LifeWay Worship. When he’s not directing 30+ employees, you’ll find him leading worship at various churches around the country, writing/arranging worship songs and/or, writing his next book. In his spare time, he loves playing basketball and spending time with his family. Mike can be found on Twitter @MikeHarlandLW and on facebook.com/Mike.Harland.37.

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Filed Under: Mike Harland, Words Tagged With: Artists, Create, Equip, Express, Impress, Inspire, Language, Lead, Liberty University, Mike Harland, Music, Shepherds, Teach, Vernon Whaley, Worship Ministry

Comments

  1. Jerry Wright says

    April 25, 2016 at 12:51 pm

    In my opinion, yes both are needed and I think a person can be both! The fact the we see ourselves in a Shepherd’s role – as you put it leading, equipping, impressing, should not keep us from making our music the absolute best it can be!

    Reply
    • Mike says

      April 29, 2016 at 9:33 am

      I totally agree Jerry! Thanks!

      Reply

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