The singing evangelist must be inspired with the highest ideals, which means that he will be willing to pay the price of application and practice. Such a worker soon enters upon the joys of leadership. There is no joy to be compared with that of seeing definite results in souls saved by the ministry of the Word through preaching and singing. The singing evangelist should be as well trained and as effective as the minister. And the two should stand together as a team.
Too often the singing evangelist becomes self- satisfied. He renders but perfunctory service. Such a so-called leader seems satisfied to do as little as will let him get by. He generally has a ready excuse to offer for his lack of preparation, to say nothing of the music he offers at different services and his lack of cooperation with the minister and his message. This is the reason why many singing evangelists are not recognized as on an equality with the minister.
I am glad that the denomination has right fully recognized the consecrated song leader. Let us who have chosen the singing ministry as our mission, endeavor to live up to the high standards that God has set for this ministry.
Sometimes these leaders render a satisfactory musical service in church and evangelistic meetings, but, without a genuine experience, their musicianship lacks real heart appeal, and is not very effective.
The professional attitude many times leads to a habit of faultfinding. But faultfinders are sooner or later out of the picture. The sacred song leader, aside from his musical gifts, should have a working knowledge of the Word of God. This does not mean he should take the place of the minister, though if an emergency arises he should be able to "take the service."
Effective song leaders should also strive to become effective personal evangelists, especially if they are helping in an evangelistic meeting. With all our music we must be consecrated soul winners.
One of the most common and really justified criticisms of singing evangelists is that they talk too much during the song service. Singing, not talking, should be their great aim, and yet there is an art in knowing just how much to say, for a song service that consists only of calling out a new number at the close of each song can become very dull and monotonous.
The singing evangelist who is qualified for his task will not be ignorant of the organization he represents. He should be an enthusiastic sup porter of every policy, plan, and ideal. Just to know music alone—though in that realm he is supposed to excel—will not call forth the support he should have.
It takes much thought and planning to render a well-balanced and effective program. Therefore, the song leader should be alert. He should try to discover those who possess musical talent, also to encourage those who are just beginners or who have lost their enthusiasm. Mr. Moody is reported to have said, "It is better to set ten men at work than to do the work of ten men." Surely this is wise advice for any leader.
There is another phase that is very important. The singing evangelist should, above all, be punctual and have a very cooperative spirit. He should have the ability to overlook grace fully the unintentional mistakes of those with whom he is associated.
The first evidence of leadership is confidence. This does not mean that he depends upon himself, but he must have the confidence that he can do the job. He knows what he wants, and is alive to what he is doing and so in love with it that others will gladly follow him. When this is the result the leader can feel he is, by the help of God, accomplishing the work he has been called to do.
