In Matthew’s account of the Transfiguration, Peter’s response stands out: “Lord, if you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” Not just one tent (or tabernacle, or shelter, or dwelling, according to different translations) but three! How’s that for enthusiasm!

Peter got it all wrong, but his heart was in the right place.

Any music ministry is likely to have at least one member with that same kind of enthusiasm—great intentions, but a tad misplaced. Sometimes more than a tad. They may have great ideas—but ones that won’t work in this particular community. They could throw themselves heart and soul into a project that falls on its face. They may alienate others without realizing it.

Some careful thought, and not a little time, is needed to deal with good folks like this without hurting their feelings or killing their enthusiasm or making them feel disrespected. The trick for a music ministry is to harness their considerable energies and redirect them into in areas where they can be an asset. Is this person well-organized? Is he or she thoughtful about the needs of others?

Someone who’s very orderly and, okay, persnickety might become a terrific music librarian: keeping the music library up to date, organizing folders so that everyone gets the right music, and filing music for future use. Someone who really cares about people might be a good social secretary: keeping a birthday list and getting everyone to sign birthday cards (or condolences, or get well cards), planning treats for the choir (with some supervision), emailing reminders of upcoming special events.

Find out what they’re good at and capitalize on it—for their benefit and that of the music ministry. When they do well, recognize their contribution. That’s what keeps them coming back.