Kristel Peters

Musically enhanced follower of Christ who has the privilege of being a Worship Minister.

[Kristel Peters @TheoFermata]

Why is it when I’m ready to dig into a project the body thinks that is a great time for extreme fatigue to settle? It’s maddening and feels ridiculous.

[Kristel Peters @TheoFermata]

“I’d like to hear about it later”
The familiar phrase used to “show interest” but not have to hear about. AKA I’m not really interested but I don’t want to say that and appear rude to your face.

If you don’t have the intentions of actually following up, don’t throw it out there.

[Kristel Peters @TheoFermata]

Hard singleness reality. You are your own problem to make decisions for, take care of, give encouragement to, let down, and keep functional. All while being expected to maintain life and relational responsibilities the same as those who get to share the mental load of everyday.

[Kristel Peters @TheoFermata]

I appreciate a well intentioned compliment. I do tire of weekly commentary on what I wear to church. It holds a weird sense of entitlement that has not been given to have someone regularly commenting on your appearance.

[Kristel Peters @TheoFermata]

Don’t take for granted the ability to have real conversations with your parents. I’m at the stage where one can’t hear 80% of what I tell him, one can’t remember where they went for dinner. They’re here but I miss them.

[Kristel Peters @TheoFermata]

A full sanctuary with a congregation that likes to lift their voices always reminds me that I’m so glad it’s not about me. It’s not about whether I felt healthy, ready, or qualified to lead in the moment. It’s about a God who gives us a reason to sing.

[Kristel Peters @TheoFermata]

I know I’ve hit the proverbial wall harder than I thought when it takes longer to recoup than anticipated. Past experience informs me it will pass…eventually. Waiting to move from functional back to creative is numbing.

[Kristel Peters @TheoFermata]

I keep thinking eventually I’ll find the right life/ministry balance. My body continues to remind me I have not.

[Kristel Peters @TheoFermata]

I know it’s been a busy season when I’m past the end of year spring choir concert and my desk is still buried in leftover Christmas and Easter music.

[Kristel Peters @TheoFermata]

Because I’ve seen it in others, I don’t wish to become so jaded in ministry that I constantly think someone has an agenda if they invite or try to engage relationally. I don’t want to lead in fear of past hurts but with anticipation of goodness. People can tell the difference.

[Kristel Peters @TheoFermata]

I find myself trying to mentally prepare for Holy Week while sitting in the midst of a paper and project focused on Advent. These seasons prepare us to reflect on and celebrate the beauty of intention gifted to humanity from a God who has always desired to be with His people.

[Kristel Peters @TheoFermata]

I’m almost at a stage where I either want to just be a church musician so I can focus on music or be released from music to pursue other areas of church ministry and help when needed. The balance needed to do both well is exhausting in the 21st century.

[Kristel Peters @TheoFermata]

Tried to take time away from the office to focus on a project that has taken the back burner…5 days in and I’ve finally had a morning almost 100% uninterrupted. Thankful for the ability to take time, still navigating how to be one person in too many places.

[Kristel Peters @TheoFermata]

Reminder to self: don’t say yes to the next project even if it feels like you’re not allowed to say no.

[Kristel Peters @TheoFermata]

It’s an odd dilemma: it’s been a long week and you want to worship with your church but you’re the worship minister and it’s your day off.

[Kristel Peters @TheoFermata]

My heart is burdened for ministry colleagues working at institutions that take advantage of the experience and time invested over years of investing in the community of the church. Pay your staff what they’re worth, manage them well in a manner that shows they matter.

[Kristel Peters @TheoFermata]

There’s something sobering about pulling a choir folder out of rotation for a member that has passed. This is the first time I’ve done it but I know there will be more in the years ahead. I’m grateful for the relationships strengthened through God’s music.

[Kristel Peters @TheoFermata]

One of my favorite things about my job: when parents share clips of what songs their children are singing from worship, unprompted and spontaneously. 🥰 My heart bursts every time.

[Kristel Peters @TheoFermata]

Overheard from an unhinged coffee shop conversation about women and Christianity between two guys: “If there were women at the council of Nicaea Paul’s writings might not be in the Bible”
I wish I could say that was the only uninformed statement in the conversation.