Something happened to me today that really stirred my thinking. While I was out of my office, a radio promoter called and left a message and his callback number. I knew I was not interested in his promotion at this time, but I took a few minutes to return his call. I am so glad I did.
He was a very gracious man and, even though I told him up front that I was not going to be able to secure his services, we had a very cordial conversation. Near the end of these few minutes we were spending on the phone, he startled me with these words: “Dr Frazier, I have left messages with approximately 50 ministries this past week and you are the FIRST one to return my call.”
I have to admit I was so glad I did not blow this guy off like I have done to some in the past. I was also amazed that there were so many who had apparently decided to ignore this man’s call. Now we all know that we get many unsolicited calls, and most of them are selling something that we aren’t buying. I suppose that is how we justify just ignoring the person who interrupted our day with a “nuisance call.” I was so glad I made the effort to return his call, even if my motives may not have been pristine.
The more amazing part of the saga is that it struck at the very heart of what I felt God wanted me to share in this month’s article. The Holy Spirit unfolded my own, personal scenario just to make the case crystal clear. The message God put on my heart had to do with a lack of courtesy in the Kingdom.
We all have our accounts of when we reached out to someone who summarily ignored us. How many of us have left messages, emails, letters, faxes, smoke-signals, and any other viable communication medium only to be left dangling like a “Persona non-grata.” I recently heard someone express their views on the availability of Facebook, My Space, and personal websites as simply multiplying the ways they can now be ignored. How sad, but true, for many in today’s society. They want to reach out and touch someone, but they are left with just an empty hand extended and very few reaching back to connect with them.
In my 40+ years in music and ministry, I am about convinced that we Christians are some of the worst when it comes to showing common courtesy. That is why it has become “uncommon courtesy.” We in ministry really get upset when we leave a half-dozen calls for a pastor or music director where we are hoping to schedule a service. How tragic it is that we do not realize that we may be reaping what we have sown.
If, and when, we do get the person on the phone, the conversation is often cloaked in inane, lame excuses for the fact that they did not think we were important enough to warrant a call back. Now, if they consider you a big name singer or minister, they will not let the sun go down before returning your call. When this ignoring happens, we do not need the devil to humble us; our fellow Christian servants have taken it a step farther and humiliated us.
How shameful that we treat each other with such indignity. Satan is quick to remind us that there is an apparent Caste System in Gospel Music. If you are in the elite, upper echelon of talent or notoriety, you get treated with respect and dignity. If you are not, you will probably be ignored. Again, what a shame that we cannot seem to separate dignifying the person with employing them for service. Just because we are not interested in their “product” does not mean we cannot acknowledge their value as a fellow Christian.
I know that we in Southern Gospel Music cannot clean up the world. But we can tidy our own houses. I am still waiting for some of my colleagues in Gospel Music to return my calls or, at least, answer my emails. The wait, in some of these cases, in now into the years, not weeks or months. The strange part of this is that some of these were in response to the other person suggesting I call or email them. When I did, it was an exercise in futility. They apparently just do not have the time or inclination to respond, even after asking me to contact them.
May I simply suggest that we stop treating each other the way we despise being treated by others? If we are fellow servants of God simply trying to obey the call, can’t we demonstrate some Christian courtesy in the Kingdom? Do we really think the Golden Rule applies to everyone but us? I believe the missing ingredient in our industry is an obvious lack of respect for other musicians and singers.
May I remind you that they are not our enemies, and their success will not come at our expense? We certainly can find a moment to hit the reply button and acknowledge their email, or give a quick call to tell them we did receive their call but are not interested. Do SOMETHING: just do not ignore them!
How do we change our industry? It is surprisingly simple. If you do not like to be ignored by those above you, then please do not ignore those who you feel are below you. As Christians, involved in Christian ministries, let’s strive to do as Paul stated in Romans 12:16, “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”
This great Apostle is telling us to treat all involved in ministry with equal respect, whether they drive a bus or a van. Answer your calls, return emails, and follow up when you said you would follow up. Do not allow yourself to get so busy that you forget your manners. Seek to develop the Christian Character and Grace God wants to see in His children. Moreover, remember what Jesus said as recorded in Matthew 25:40: “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
That should be all the motivation we need to add the qualities of honesty, integrity, and courtesy to our conduct. Christ’s approval will more than make up for any inconvenience we incur.
****A Personal Word to Our Readers from Dr. Frazier****
I would like to encourage you to tune into Universal Christian Radio (http://www.universalchristianradio.com)
and listen to our program, “Adventures in Faith.” It airs every Saturday night at 11:30 PM (EDT) and again on Sunday at 2:30 PM. It is also available “On Demand” 24/7 through their website.
Please feel free to share your questions, observations, or insights with our readers and me.
Website: http://www.donfrazier.com
Author: Donald Frazier
| Author's Website: http://donfrazier.com
Written: 05/02/2009
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Category: Golden Nuggets
Comments: 1
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Thank you so much for this article. As a new, unknown artist, it's so nice to know that I'm not alone in being ignored. It's so nice to hear from a pastor or church praise leader or even the church secretary. Even if they have to tell you that your style of music doesn't fit their churches style of music...Thanks again!!
sarah 
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