Recruitment Tools (Part 1)

The next four articles will contain what I call "The Four I's" for building your instrumental ministry. There are only four ways to grow your ministry, but many methods of applying these ways. As I have said in previous articles, the support of your pastor is imperative in building your instrumental ministry. Without his approval, it will either struggle or not survive.

The first "I" is Inherit.

These are the players who are already involved in your instrumental or choir ministry. If you are just starting an instrumental ministry, you may not have any established players. That's good and not so good. The good: There is no expectation from people in the group, positive or negative (because there are no people in the group). You can begin your own expectations with them. The not so good: You have no experienced leadership and the startup time is slowed.

If you are a new director maintaining and building an established group, you may face some challenges. There is one word that can solve a multitude of problems. That word is audition. Weaker players are afraid of it… Stronger players appreciate it. But, if they feel God calling them to the instrumental ministry, they will audition. You can make it more like an "interview", but you need to hear them play.
· Always find a time away from regular rehearsal for the audition/ interview. Use discretion when interviewing someone of the opposite sex. If after hours, make sure you have your ministry assistant (or someone) close by.
· Use the same music and ask the same questions for each person. Watkins-Farnum Scale Performance Exercises, Form A, #5 is a good standard for auditions.
· Set your level of expectation high. Remember, excellence breeds excellence.

Recruitment Tools (Part 2)

Last week we talked about the first "I" in recruiting, Inherit. This week we will talk about #2,

Develop Inreach

These are the players already in your church but not involved in the instrumental ministry. Here are a few ways to find them:

· Play with excellence. There's not much better "advertisement" than hearing your ensemble play and play well, week in and week out.
· Pastor's support from the pulpit. This is a learned process for many preachers. They will often times say, "Thank you choir, for that resounding message in song." Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to "train" your pastor to say, "Thank you choir and orchestra…". My pastor, Ken Whitten, has done very well! He also "advertises" for the orchestra by inviting people to join with us. He is an encouragement to our entire music ministry!
· Sunday morning handouts are a great way to promote your instrumental ministry and let them know of your needs: New member packets, Sunday bulletin "want ad", Bible Study (Sunday School) newsletter, weekly or monthly church-wide mailout.
· List players needed and put list in your prayer calendar or prayer room at the church.
· Do a music survey through your Sunday morning Bible Study… Attach it to a general church survey or do it separately.

 Recruitment Tools (Part 3)

Well, it's time to reveal the third "I" in building your instrumental ministry (I know you're on the edge of your seat).

Develop Inviters

These are players that are not members of your church. They could be Christian or nonbelievers. Make sure your philosophy about nonbelievers playing in your group coincides with you pastor.

· Your instrumentalists should be your "first line" of inviters. If your players are excited about the orchestra and know that outsiders are welcome, they will become inviters. Even people in your congregation may invite a coworker to visit your rehearsal (I've had several). Remember: Excellence breeds excellence.
· Form an orchestra visitation team to visit orchestra prospects.
· Create a 5-minute calling card as an orchestra "business" card that contains pertinent info about your group. If it's worth 5 minutes of long distance, they will hang on to it! Many companies let you customize the cards.
· Create events that allow outside players to participate or listen: All-Church Orchestra… Instrumental workshops or clinics (with or without a guest artist) for full group, brass, trumpets, rhythm section… Special events with guest artist (s).

Recruitment Tools (Part 4)

Here it is! The fourth and final "I" in building your instrumental ministry:

Develop a Structure for Instruction

Your church is the place to teach folks of all ages to become worship leaders on their instrument.

· Begin (or maintain) a fine arts school or conservatory. Include both private and class instruction. There are many successful programs today. My top three: Germantown Baptist Church, Terry Mcnatt, Pastor of Instrumental Ministries tlmcnatt@yahoo.com; Bellevue Baptist Church, Carter Threlkeld, Minister of Instrumental Music cthrelkeld@bellevue.org; First Baptist, Atlanta, Phillip Allen, Music Associate/ Instrumental phillip@fba.org
· Begin (or maintain) a Sunday night Church Training class (or Wednesday night) for music reading, either beginning players or "rusty" players. You could have a class for both, but do not mix the two! You should do this yourself… or use someone you really trust!
· Begin daytime instruction for home-school students. There are many home-schooled students… their schedules are flexible… teach students while moms are in morning bible studies.