When I was first learning to play the electric guitar, I learned exclusively by mimicking the styles, sounds and songs of other guitar players. I copied Stairway to Heaven, Purple Haze, and Smells Like Teen Spirit note for note.
But as I began to grasp and master some of the fundamentals of guitar playing, such as standard chord progressions, scales, and basic song format, I was able to branch out and create my own sounds. My own songs. My own guitar solos.
And no doubt, my “original” stuff was heavily influenced by the artists I started out copying (and, in my case, it wasn’t nearly as good). But by blending my favorite techniques and approaches from many different players, and executing them in my unique context, I created some unique sounds. My very own music.
Now, when you start out in the ministry, or in a business, you have to copy a lot of what other people are doing note for note. And that’s okay. In fact, it’s wise, because we all have to learn the fundamentals: leadership, systems, administration, etc. No need to reinvent the wheel.
So we go to conferences, read books, and ask mentors questions. Most of the time, we’re able to follow their advice, almost to the letter.
But after we’ve gotten a grasp on the fundamentals, hopefully we’ll begin to experiment with our own tones and melodies. Our own ministry approaches and flavors. Our own signature riffs that will serve as our unique contributions to the body of Christ. And we’ll never stop going to conferences, reading books, and drawing inspiration from the music of those who have gone before us, any more than a great rock player would ever stop listening to and gleaning from the legends.
But by staying tightly connected to God, and staying in sync with our distinctive Spirit-filled, Christ centered passions, strengths, and intuitions, we’ll make our very own music. We’ll develop our very own voice, becoming one-of-a-kind originals, remade in the image of God.
After all, cover bands may be able to find a gig in some bar, somewhere, every night of the week.
But no cover band ever changed the world.
(Special thanks to Brian Tome for the inspiration behind this post.)
