Charlotte Kroeker: Improving the Clergy/Musician Relationship Grows the Church

It’s our heritage, grace, and gift to the world, and Dr. Charlotte Kroeker of the Church Music Institute says church music is an invaluable way for congregations to remain healthy and reach the lost.

I first heard about Dr. Kroeker when I came across her excellent book that profiles nine churches, telling the story of clergy/musician relationships that work.

Dr. Kroeker’s passion is to further educate both clergy and musicians in one anothers’ field to produce a deeper synergy and mutual respect for congregational worship. I hope his interview will enlighten and inspire you as much as it did me.

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Synopsis
Let’s face it, clergy study very little music in seminary and musicians take few if any theology classes, then the two get paired up to do some of the most important work on the face of the earth. In this interview, Dr. Kroeker talks about ways clergy and musicians might better understand one another and improve worship for everyone. Here are my notes from the interview:

Music Serves the Liturgy
In an age when the word ‘musician’ is synonymous with ‘performer,’ Dr. Kroeker reminds us that in church it’s different: musicians aren’t trying to shine the spotlight on themselves, but God. Save the performing for the arena, in church music is about helping a congregation worship and see God.

Music Programs Evangelize!
As long as the Church has been around, church music schools have been around. But today, with public school budgets cutting out many music programs, churches are well-positioned to once again, take on the role of ‘music school’ for the community. Are you using your music program this way?

Plan to Learn from Each Other
Given the disparate paths musicians and clergy take to serve congregations, a best practice is for both to seek to learn from one another. In what ways do your clergy and musicians make opportunity to learn the other’s craft?

About Charlotte Kroeker
Charlotte Kroeker, Ph.D., is Executive Director of the Church Music Institute in Dallas, Texas.  Previously on the research faculty in the Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, she also is a pianist, performing throughout the U.S., Asia and England.  Prior to working specifically in church music, she was a full time university music professor and administrator, serving churches as organist/choir director in part time capacities.  Dr. Kroeker is editor of Music in Christian Worship: At the Service of the Liturgy, Liturgical Press, 2005, author of The Sounds of Our Offerings: Achieving Excellence in Church Music, Alban Institute, 2011, and author of articles and essays on church music, piano performance/literature, and piano pedagogy.

Books Dr. Kroeker Recommends
Good Taste, Bad Taste, and Christian Taste - Frank Burch Brown
The Heart of the Matter - Paul Westermeyer
American Religion – Mark Chaves