I’ve always been fascinated by conducting. Shaping the sound of a choir and orchestra through non-verbal hand waving is an odd thing for a talker like me. Watching the great ones — Sir Simon Rattle, Gustavo Dudamel, the great Leonard Bernstein, and Frederick Fennell — inspires me. In fact, one of my favorite YouTube videos is Fennell rehearsing Lincolnshire Posy with the US Navy Band. It’s over two hours long and not one second is boring (to me). These are fairly well known names in the music world. Many conductors have been inspired by their work, myself included.

There’s one conductor you may not be familiar with that I want to tell you about: Paul Black. I first saw Paul conduct a church choir and orchestra at the wee age of 15 and was inspired. He was different. Didn’t follow the rules. Moved like a happy maniac. Even with his back turned to me and the rest of the audience, what I saw — and, more importantly, what I heard — grabbed hold of me. I was more than inspired. I was awed.

How did Paul do that and what can I learn from it?

So, like a wierdo, I called him at his church office and started asking questions. I told him that I was going to school to learn music ministry and wanted whatever it was that he had. Paul was gracious and started teaching me. Through the years, as I led church choirs, orchestras, and rock bands, he was my source of inspiration. I took on the role of the sponge, desperate to absorb whatever he could impart.

It didn’t take long to recognize that, for Paul, this was more than the artistry and mechanics of music. He wasn’t just indicating tempos and dynamics, he was evoking sound from a unified group. It was worshipful, heavenly, and remarkably different from everything else I saw. College taught me how conducting works, but Paul taught me how to lead the worship of those who led worship as a conductor. The Holy Spirit worked through him, as if conducting on a different plane beyond the notes on a page. It was alive and spiritually vibrant.

When I was tasked with launching a traditional/blended worship service venue at Central, I knew I needed help. Before that, I had been a senior pastor who hung his conducting gloves up in the closet, assuming I’d not need them again. Yet, here was a new assignment from God. So, as I had done before, I called Paul and asked him to coach me and, by God’s grace, to get some of the same vibe I saw in his ministry.

Of course, I can’t get someone else’s anointing, but I knew that I could learn from someone who took the path I was searching out. Through conducing coaching and strategies for team building, Paul walked by my side and made a huge difference in developing my own skills and in pouring into others. He helped me see what God was doing and to join Him in that work.

Last year, I invited Paul and his accompanist Suzanne to come to Central and work with us. A Saturday workshop gave space for shaping not only music but the heart of our musicians. We saw the difference and wanted him back again this year. Last weekend, Paul and crew came back. This time, however, it wasn’t just to coach our people but to coach my conducting. In front of everyone. In real time. An earlier self-conscious version of myself would’ve crumbled in embarrassment. The goal wasn’t to look good but to grow — musically, communally, and spiritually. If that meant my conducting hero would correct me, I was happy to be corrected!

Like a kid in a candy shop, 30 years later. What an honor. What a gift. Not even scared.

The angle of your hands, the way you stand, the look on your face… subtle conducting changes make big changes in an ensemble. I know this up here (points to head) and feel it here (points to heart) but have to express it (wiggles fingers and waves arms). It’s not as easy as Paul makes it look — but I know that comes from years of trial and error, spiritual growth in his own life, and a willingness to give to others, which is exactly what he did for me.

There is a difference between inspiring people and impacting people. When I was just starting out in following God’s calling on my life, I was inspired by many — especially Paul. But, as he’s been generous in teaching me, I have been more than inspired. I’ve been impacted from up close. And it has made all the difference. I’m grateful for the mentors I’ve had in my life over the years. Last weekend with Paul was a special time for me and the people I serve, and I am grateful.

If you’re looking for a worship mentor, Paul is your guy. Highly, highly recommend.

Thank you, Paul.