How I Learnt to Worship Behind-the-Scenes
It’s nice when people thank the pastor or worship team at the end of a church service. Not because the receiver of thanks absolutely needs the satisfaction of knowing they did a good job, but because it does help to occasionally know that someone else was impacted by their ministry and it keeps them going. We’ve been there right? Messing up during worship and needing a word of encouragement. Maybe I started singing in the wrong key, or came in too early in the chorus (thankfully not often!). If someone comes up after service to thank me, I’ll be glad because I know that God has used me to bring Him glory despite my inadequacies.
My previous job position was similarly very ‘front stage’. I used to teach teenagers, do workshops for teachers, and plan strategies for school-wide and cluster-wide implementation. People could see the work and connect it to me. It felt good when I saw faces light up after concepts were grasped or when people told me that they finally understood. Knowing that I was useful and making an impact was satisfying.
All that is so different to my current job. I’m relatively new to the Awaken Generation team, having just joined them less than a year ago, and the bulk of my work is what people may call the ‘backstage stuff’. You know, the work that isn’t usually seen. I help to create slide decks and announcements that go out to our students, manage data, and amongst other things, I assist our leaders and help them with different tasks. Sometimes, it includes running day-to-day errands or doing simple things like getting a bottle of water for example.
Question is: Why did I move “backstage” where people couldn’t put a face to my work anymore? Wouldn’t I get less appreciation? Wouldn’t it then translate to less feelings of satisfaction or joy?
Well, I liken my job to an armour-bearer.
In the Bible, an armour-bearer is someone who fulfills a wide variety of duties for his master, such as carrying the shield into battles (hence the name). The armor-bearer also waits on his master’s needs so that his master may be able to put more time and effort into the demands of his main mission.
Of course, going to war may not seem so relevant to us in Singapore. Still, we fight spiritual battles all the time. I recognise that by supporting our leaders in carrying out the vision that God has given them, we’re really stomping out the enemy. We don’t need to be in a noticeable position to do God’s work, and in fact, if position or title is so important, then maybe our hearts aren’t in the right place in service.
When Christ came to earth in the form of man, He didn’t come to steal the show or perform miracles to be praised. Instead, Christ came to serve in humility and obedience to God, His father. And in His life, He showed us that it’s not about the praise or position, it’s about bringing glory to God.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
Colossians 3: 23-24
Even as I take on an added role as a Vocal Mentor this year, I'm constantly reminded that my heart should still remain the same. Despite it being a somewhat more ‘front-office’ or forward facing responsibility, I don't want to be proud or feel like it's an ‘upgrade’. My service is ultimately unto the Lord, both the mentoring of students and the lesser seen administrative tasks. Both are equally important.
Even if nobody sees or nobody knows the work I do as an administrative staff, I’m so honoured to be able to serve in this capacity because what I do allows my leaders and colleagues to better concentrate on bringing the dreams God has given them into reality. To fellow armour bearers - know that your service brings glory to God in both direct and indirect ways, and that’s all that matters!
Cheryl joined the Awaken Generation team in 2020 and we couldn’t be happier to have her! Besides being the team’s administrator, she is also a Vocal Mentor.
PARTNER WITH US NOW
Awaken Generation is a not-for-profit organisation registered in Singapore and we believe every year for the full funding needed to support the operational costs of running the ministry. In this season, we are organising a series of online worship rooms, revival nights, and public electives to encourage and equip the Body of Christ. Partner with us financially via the following channels:
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UEN No. 201927870M
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