I remember being in front of
a large audience. My heart was bursting. I had had long talks with my music
director, and I was pretty sure God was working on my heart to serve the church
in music. At the time (1979), that meant being a music minister. Directing the
choir, leading hymns, and teaching youth choirs. I wasnÕt sure that was what I
wanted to do, but the Lord was working on me. Who was I to say ÒnoÓ? The music
director said, ÒEric has something heÕd like to say.Ó I stepped up and told my
family and congregation that I was going to follow GodÕs call and be a music
minister.
Well, long story short, it
didnÕt happen. Like many college age kids, things changed and I began spending
less time at church and more time doing, non-church things. I followed music,
and although I kept my relationship with the Lord, I know He couldnÕt have been
too crazy about the things I was doing.
I became a professional
musician, touring with hotel bands and eventually landing in Chicago. I played
with more bands, but started paying more attention to my songwriting and
production work. I would return to my hometown and grow as a music producer,
meeting my wife, and getting back into the church. Eventually, I became known
for working with independent Christian musicians, and began working with
artists around the country. I figured that since I was helping people in music
ministry, then that was my ministry. I was doing enough! God had to be happy
with that Ð right?
It got to the point where my
production work was strong, but there was no consistency financially. It was
hard on my marriage, my work, and my walk. I got to my knees and prayed a very
dangerous thing: ÒGod, whatever it is You want for my life, IÕll do it. I donÕt
care! Just deliver us from this!Ó
Soon after, we were
considering moving to Nashville, so that I could attract more clients. But
then, I got a call to do a web site for a music leader at a local church. She
said, ÒYou know, you could really be helpful in a church situation.Ó It made
sense, but I had no experience, and did God really want me to go work at a
church and give up producing? The artists I worked with were doing so well, and
my quality had never been better. Clients were still coming! He couldnÕt want me
to give up being a producer!?
But I remembered my prayer. I
put my name out there, and soon found a local pastor seeking a music leader. My
family visited the small church. My daughter heard the sparse music and said,
ÒDaddy, I like a BIG church!Ó
I led music and began working
on a trial basis. It worked. One day the pastor said, ÒHow about this, we canÕt
afford to pay you full-time, but we can pay you part-time and build you a small
studio to work with clients?Ó A few months later, I moved my production
business into a beautiful new facility at Daybreak Community Church. The praise
band has grown from a drummer and a few singers, to a full 25+ member band with
guitar, bass, drums, flute (my daughter is one of the flute players and loves
it!), and 10-15 singers. My production business is booming and my quality has
risen greatly since moving in.
God knows what He is doing.
The long road here provided me with years of training as a web designer,
songwriter, singer, producer, project leader, video editor, and keyboard
player. All these talents I use on a daily basis to serve Him at the church and
in the studio.
I encourage you to pray the
prayer of surrender to the Lord: that He will use you and direct you. Just
because you give everything to Him, doesnÕt necessarily mean you will lose
it. ÒTrust in the Lord with all
your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your
paths straight.Ó Proverbs 3: 5-6
To find out more about Eric
and his work as a music director and producer, check out www.EricCopelandMusic.com
© 2004 Christian
Sound & Song. All rights reserved. Churches are encouraged to reproduce for
use in their ministries. For any other use, permission must be obtained from
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