How to Build a Church Music Ministry from Scratch

Whether your church has one piano player and a handful of singers or a full ensemble, this workshop will give you a practical, people-centered framework for building a music ministry that actually grows. Drawing on 30+ years of ministry experience traveling to churches across the country, Ben Everson shares what works, what doesn't, and why most church music programs plateau. You'll walk away with a clear system, not just good intentions. In this session you'll learn: How to take honest stock of what (and who) you actually have The three-tier ministry ladder that protects beginners and challenges the advanced Why defining your purpose ruthlessly is the most important step most churches skip The difference between performance and ministry — and why the tension is a false one Practical platform presence tips nobody talks about (microphones, stairs, where the pastor looks...) How to handle applause, mistakes, and the musicians who won't practice Why music ministry is a long game and how to build one that survives losing any one person