GREEN PASTORS: Pastor, Don’t Forget to Play the Grace Notes
I admire musicians. Even though I can make noise on several instruments, I’ve never been diligent about mastering any of them. My approach to music concerns novelty over discipline — learning a song here and there — then moving on. Nevertheless, my casual engagement and appreciation of music highlight an important aspect of discipleship and pastoring.
A friend of mine plays a chanter, the melody pipe of the bagpipes. A whimsical sound comes when played on its own without the deep, droning towers. While listening to him play, I noticed a distinctive feature of the bagpipes next to other instruments. The melody did not shift from note to note as it would on a guitar or piano. Instead, tiny flourishes interrupted the notes — quick, delicate embellishments. These are called grace notes.
Grace notes are a staple of some music styles, but are essential when playing the bagpipes. The constant stream of air prevents pipers from silently transitioning to a new note. The melody becomes rough and grating if a piper skips the grace notes because the open chanter will be heard during the transition. Unlike other instruments, where grace notes are optional — bagpipes demand them. Without them, the music stutters.
As I pray and plan for stronger discipleship in my ministry context, the importance of grace notes in our lives astounds me.
Grace Notes in Discipleship
Discipleship is a living melody, a lifelong song of faith that moves forward without pause. Like the bagpipes, discipleship requires grace notes — small, intentional acts of patience and gentleness that soften transitions and make the journey more beautiful.
Paul writes in II Tim. 2:24-25, “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance, leading them to a knowledge of the truth” (NIV). Gentleness and patience are not mere suggestions but biblical hallmarks in spiritual formation.
Without patience and gentleness, discipleship risks becoming a harsh and rigid process. We can’t risk speaking the truth without love, correcting without compassion or demanding growth by human will instead of trusting the Spirit’s timing. When we play the grace notes, we create a melody that reflects the kindness of Christ and a dependence in our ministry upon God’s provisions for spiritual growth.
The Cost of Skipping the Grace Notes
A bagpiper who ignores grace notes will produce a jarring sound — notes crashing into one another without refinement. Likewise, a disciple-maker who lacks patience and gentleness risks creating an atmosphere of frustration rather than formation. Scripture warns against this:
• Without patience, we grow weary in doing good. “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9 ESV). Impatience tempts us to rush the process, to demand instant transformation when God is working a slow, steady miracle through an individual’s sanctification.
• Without gentleness, we wound rather than heal. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Prov. 15:1 NIV). Harsh discipleship pushes people away. Christ-like instruction invites them to go deeper.
• Without both, we forget how Christ treated us. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Eph. 4:2). God has been gentle with us. How can we be any less with others?
While I was being discipled, around the time I first surrendered to ministry, my discipler would say, “You can’t expect an unsaved person to act like they’re regenerated.” Sometimes, it can feel like we have all the answers the people we care about need. Christians guided by the Scriptures have counsel that others can profit from. But, conforming to the image of Christ depends on the Spirit working inside of a person. When impatience causes disciple-makers to usurp the Spirit’s role in their disciple’s lives, it causes uncomfortable transitions that may be more harmful than helpful.
Playing the Grace Notes in Everyday Discipleship
What does it look like to play the grace notes in real life? It means:
• Listening before correcting. Jesus did not rush to rebuke. He asked questions. He listened. He responded with wisdom shaped by love (Mark 10:51, John 4:7-26).
• Celebrating small steps. Growth is slow. Sanctification is a process. Rejoice in the progress rather than despair over what remains unfinished (Phil. 1:6).
• Balancing truth with kindness. Jesus was full of grace and truth (John 1:14). He corrected, but His words carried the weight of compassion.
• Trusting the Holy Spirit’s timing. We plant seeds, but God gives the growth (I Cor. 3:6-7). Patience allows room for divine work.
The melody of discipleship cannot be rushed. Like a song carried by a steady breath, it moves forward without pause. But the grace notes — those moments of patience, those whispers of gentleness — transform an unpolished noise into something beautiful. Our efforts to make disciples should be marked by grace notes. Discipleship looks like steady teaching, kind correction and unwavering love.
As you disciple others this week, let the melody of Christ’s patience and gentleness be heard in the way you walk with others toward Him.
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Derrick Bremer
Derrick A. Bremer grew up in Northwest Arkansas where he met his wife, Michelle, in their 9th grade English class. Derrick surrendered to the gospel ministry in 2018 at Temple Baptist Church of Rogers, Arkansas under the leadership of pastor Wade Allen. Derrick was ordained in 2020 when he was called to serve as the pastor of Denver Street Baptist Church in Greenwood, AR.
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Derrick A. Bremer grew up in Northwest Arkansas where he met his wife, Michelle, in their 9th grade English class. Derrick surrendered to the gospel ministry in 2018 at Temple Baptist Church of Rogers, Arkansas under the leadership of pastor Wade Allen. Derrick was ordained in 2020 when he was called to serve as the pastor of Denver Street Baptist Church in Greenwood, AR.
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