LONGWOOD, FL-The idyllic perception of what a congregant sees on Sunday mornings does not always reflect what happens behind the scenes. Such is the case in Darren E. Butler, Sr.'s literary debut, To Be a Minstrel: A Biblically-Based Perspective of the Church Musician, Volume I (paperback, 978-1-60266-145-5; hardcover, 978-1-60266-146-2). As a congregant, creative artist, and pastor, Butler has encountered numerous frustrations and disappointments associated with creative arts operations that fall short of expectations. It is important because of the complaints that often emanate from pastors, creative artists, and congregations themselves.
To Be a Minstrel aims to build a greater platform of understanding, cooperation, and enjoyment of the music ministry experience between pastors, ministers of music, and congregations by exploring scriptures about what God has to say, what He intended, and what He expects for church music ministry. Says Butler, "The most important thing is there is a divinely ordained solution to this pervasive problem, and that answer is very realistic, relevant, and rewarding. The explanation is waiting to be found in this book."
By confronting a controversial, almost taboo issue that is too often avoided, To Be a Minstrel will strike a chord with a wide-reaching audience seeking greater enjoyment from the church's creative arts operations, which includes instrumentalists, vocalists, actors, rappers, dancers, and visual artists.
Darren E. Butler, Sr., an ordained minister, is the founding pastor of The International Good News Fellowship, Inc. He is married to Patricia.
Xulon Press, a part of Salem Communications Corporation, is the world's largest Christian publisher, with more than 3,900 titles published to date. Retailers may order To Be a Minstrel through Ingram Book Company and/or Spring Arbor Book Distributors. Salem Communications is the country's leading Christian communications company with interests in radio, Internet, and magazine publishing.
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2007