Post by ClassicSoul on Feb 18, 2006 13:34:21 GMT -5
There are lessons to be learned from Berry Gordy and Motown
By REV. GREGORY JOHNSON
IN HONOR of black history month, I would like to recognize Berry Gordy, a man who transformed the music industry. He is a great example of leadership, and Christians can learn valuable lessons on maintaining healthy church fellowships by observing the principles he utilized.
His success as a songwriter came in 1957 with "Reet Petite," recorded by Jackie Wilson. Over the next two years, he co-wrote four more hits for Wilson. Gordy believed that Wilson was the consummate entertainer, and other acts were modeled after him. Gordy combined choreography with Gospel-based music, which appealed to mainstream America. Parents saw an image that they didn't mind their children emulating. This all began in his first studio, a rented eight-room house named "Hitsville USA."
It was fitting that "Hitsville USA" was a house because it became a home to many young people whose talents before this went unnoticed. The environment Gordy created was conducive to work, as well as fellowship. Berry's genius was that he saw both the potential the young people possessed and some of their emotional needs as well, and attempted to do something about both.
As a child of the '60s, I loved the music of these groups. As a pastor, it's the stories of Motown that impress me most because of the parallels it has to our own church community. The principals that fostered Motown's success are the same principles that create a healthy church fellowship.
The goal of the church must be clear. Berry idolized Jackie Wilson, and wanted to produce groups that reflected Jackie's musical artistry and excellence. His commitment to that goal led to much success. The church's goal is to ensure that each member comes into conformity with the likeness of Jesus Christ, the Ultimate Person (Romans 8:29), and be willing to dedicate time, resources, and energy to bring this into being.
We must realize that everything we need is right in our midst. Berry only traveled a few blocks to discover amazing talent. Everything we need for our fellowship is in our community. We must never stop looking for what God has promised us. "The harvest truly is plentiful," Matthew 9:37 declares.
Berry provided a family atmosphere that fostered intimacy, comfort, transparency and encouragement. The church must know that a building will not dictate our success. 2648 Grand Blvd., the home of Hitsville, was not luxurious, but it was filled with love. The church family is one that loves, serves, and prefers one another. And while at times we disagree with one another, we are quick to forgive. It is why we refer to one another as brother and sister.
Berry recognized the strengths and weaknesses of each performer and made sure they received the guidance needed to improve. The church should take a good look at the gifts in its fellowship and do everything to perfect them. (1st Corinthians chapter 12)
Berry knew that individual acts, no matter how impressive, would be secondary to their appearance. This is a crucial principal for church leaders: no matter how awesome the gifts of an individual may be, unless the individual is clothed with the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control - the gifts are of no lasting effect. Character always wins over gifts.
As we learn from Motown's successes, we can also learn from its failures. In the '70s, Motown suffered the defection of many of its top groups because of greed and disharmony. We must realize that the building of fruitful relationships within a church is the major component of success, and we must also realize that the major obstacles are usually greed and pride. No matter how successful a church is, it is no stronger than it's weakest relationship.
The next time you hear, "My Girl," "Please Mr. Postman," or "Where Did Our Love Go," don't just think about an old flame or prom, think about what a group of young kids did when someone took the time to encourage and perfect their God-given abilities... gifts. I think this is something that every local church can do, don't you? *
LINK
By REV. GREGORY JOHNSON
IN HONOR of black history month, I would like to recognize Berry Gordy, a man who transformed the music industry. He is a great example of leadership, and Christians can learn valuable lessons on maintaining healthy church fellowships by observing the principles he utilized.
His success as a songwriter came in 1957 with "Reet Petite," recorded by Jackie Wilson. Over the next two years, he co-wrote four more hits for Wilson. Gordy believed that Wilson was the consummate entertainer, and other acts were modeled after him. Gordy combined choreography with Gospel-based music, which appealed to mainstream America. Parents saw an image that they didn't mind their children emulating. This all began in his first studio, a rented eight-room house named "Hitsville USA."
It was fitting that "Hitsville USA" was a house because it became a home to many young people whose talents before this went unnoticed. The environment Gordy created was conducive to work, as well as fellowship. Berry's genius was that he saw both the potential the young people possessed and some of their emotional needs as well, and attempted to do something about both.
As a child of the '60s, I loved the music of these groups. As a pastor, it's the stories of Motown that impress me most because of the parallels it has to our own church community. The principals that fostered Motown's success are the same principles that create a healthy church fellowship.
The goal of the church must be clear. Berry idolized Jackie Wilson, and wanted to produce groups that reflected Jackie's musical artistry and excellence. His commitment to that goal led to much success. The church's goal is to ensure that each member comes into conformity with the likeness of Jesus Christ, the Ultimate Person (Romans 8:29), and be willing to dedicate time, resources, and energy to bring this into being.
We must realize that everything we need is right in our midst. Berry only traveled a few blocks to discover amazing talent. Everything we need for our fellowship is in our community. We must never stop looking for what God has promised us. "The harvest truly is plentiful," Matthew 9:37 declares.
Berry provided a family atmosphere that fostered intimacy, comfort, transparency and encouragement. The church must know that a building will not dictate our success. 2648 Grand Blvd., the home of Hitsville, was not luxurious, but it was filled with love. The church family is one that loves, serves, and prefers one another. And while at times we disagree with one another, we are quick to forgive. It is why we refer to one another as brother and sister.
Berry recognized the strengths and weaknesses of each performer and made sure they received the guidance needed to improve. The church should take a good look at the gifts in its fellowship and do everything to perfect them. (1st Corinthians chapter 12)
Berry knew that individual acts, no matter how impressive, would be secondary to their appearance. This is a crucial principal for church leaders: no matter how awesome the gifts of an individual may be, unless the individual is clothed with the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control - the gifts are of no lasting effect. Character always wins over gifts.
As we learn from Motown's successes, we can also learn from its failures. In the '70s, Motown suffered the defection of many of its top groups because of greed and disharmony. We must realize that the building of fruitful relationships within a church is the major component of success, and we must also realize that the major obstacles are usually greed and pride. No matter how successful a church is, it is no stronger than it's weakest relationship.
The next time you hear, "My Girl," "Please Mr. Postman," or "Where Did Our Love Go," don't just think about an old flame or prom, think about what a group of young kids did when someone took the time to encourage and perfect their God-given abilities... gifts. I think this is something that every local church can do, don't you? *
LINK
