Every Sabbath, across the Lake Union, and around the world, faithful hands rest upon the keys of pianos and organs, helping congregations lift their voices in praise to God. We hear the music and sing the hymns, but how often do we pause to appreciate the ministry taking place behind those keys?
I came to understand the value of that ministry through an experience I will never forget.
Early in my pastoral ministry, I had the privilege of serving a newly planted congregation that was still developing its ministries, including music. We did not yet have a pianist or organist to accompany our congregational singing. We sang a cappella or used recorded accompaniment, both meaningful ways to worship. Nevertheless, I longed for the blessing of live music accompanying our voices.
The challenge was simple: No one in our young congregation knew how to play the piano.
I began exploring possible solutions. Perhaps we could invite a Christian pianist from a nearby church to accompany our worship services. I even envisioned a double blessing: enriching our worship experience while building a friendship with a fellow Christian who might come to appreciate our Adventist faith.
The congregation embraced the idea. Unfortunately, despite our efforts, we could not find an available pianist. Determined not to give up, I proposed another approach. What if the church offered to pay for piano lessons for anyone interested in learning and eventually serving as our congregational pianist?
We promoted the opportunity for several months, but no one expressed an interest. I was saddened that we had not yet found a solution, and I remember bringing that concern before God in prayer. Little did I know that He would gently invite me to consider becoming part of the answer.
As I prayed one day, I sensed a question forming in my heart: “What about you, Elden?”
My response was immediate. I did not have the time, the training, or the ability! Yet, as I wrestled with that impression, I remembered something from my childhood. Growing up, we had a piano in our home, and as a child and teenager, I occasionally sat down to play. I was hardly accomplished, but I had learned a few basic chords and had certainly made my share of joyful noises unto the Lord!
Could God use what little I remembered?
Eventually, I decided to try. Early in the mornings, before beginning my pastoral visits and Bible studies, I would stop at our empty church and practice. Those first attempts were painful, musically speaking! More than once, discouragement nearly convinced me to quit. But I continued praying and practicing, and little by little, those childhood chords began coming back to me.
After several months, I approached Charlie, our head elder, and announced that we would try singing with piano accompaniment during our Wednesday evening service. He was thrilled! I quickly tempered his enthusiasm, explaining that we could sing only the few hymns I knew and that he would have to lead while I played.
I wish I could tell you that our first attempt was a beautiful musical experience. Unfortunately, it was far from impressive! I could not transpose music into different keys, so Charlie had to adjust his singing to whatever key I could manage. Sometimes the melody was painfully high, and other times, uncomfortably low. But somehow, we managed, and most importantly, we kept going.
Charlie became my greatest encourager. Whenever I struggled, he would reassure me, “You got this, Pastor!” His patience and encouragement meant more than he probably realized. Somewhere along the way, Charlie and I became that little congregation’s first praise team. Eventually, I began accompanying our congregational singing every Sabbath, with Charlie faithfully leading the hymns.
Then, in God’s providence, an accomplished pianist joined our church. I cannot adequately describe my gratitude! I gladly surrendered the piano bench to someone who truly knew what to do with all those keys. Looking back, I realize that what began as an unexpected personal challenge became one of the most meaningful lessons God taught me about the ministry of music.
That experience forever changed how I view church pianists and organists. I came to appreciate not only the beauty of their music but also the time, preparation, patience, and dedication required to serve faithfully, Sabbath after Sabbath.
Scripture reveals that music occupied an important place in Israel’s worship. First Chronicles 9:33 describes Levitical musicians who were devoted to their sacred responsibilities. Their ministry was not treated as an afterthought but was recognized as an important part of the worship life of God’s people.
Their ministry mattered then, and yours matters today.
I sometimes wonder whether we have become so focused on completing our worship services that we unintentionally diminish opportunities for worship itself. We carefully plan our programs, yet occasionally shorten hymns to accommodate everything else on the schedule. While every element of our worship experience has its place and purpose, congregational singing is not merely another item to complete before moving on to the next.
Psalm 100:2 invites us to “come before his presence with singing” (KJV). When we unite our voices in praise, we are doing more than participating in a musical exercise. We are offering our thanksgiving, adoration, and worship to the One who is worthy of all praise.
To churches without musicians, I offer a heartfelt encouragement: Consider investing intentionally in developing them. Identify young people who demonstrate an interest in music. Help provide lessons, nurture their abilities, and create opportunities for them to grow. Not every congregation has the same resources, and beautiful worship does not require an instrument. Nevertheless, perhaps the person God will use to bless your congregation is already sitting among you, simply waiting for someone to recognize and encourage their potential.
And to every pianist and organist who faithfully serves our congregations, Sabbath after Sabbath, I want to say something from my heart: Thank you. Even when your dedication goes unacknowledged, please know that your ministry is deeply valued and appreciated. Behind those keys are more than talented hands. There is a willing heart, a sacred calling, and a ministry that brings glory to God. Thank you for allowing God to use your hands to touch so many hearts.
Elden Ramirez is president of the Lake Union Conference.