Maestros of Ministry: Their Legacy in the Department of Music and Worship

12  |  MAESTROS of MINI STRY Anderson cannot speak enough of the educational value of tours. Touring requires painstaking discipline to work towards perfection in a sequential, systematic, and inten- tional manner to make the experience “our best sacrifice of praise.” As for Anderson’s role in conducting during rehearsals and concerts, he is keenly aware that in his position he should not be an “ogre of the baton,” but a maestro who can lead others with a Christ-like spirit. This view drives his rehearsal demeanor, his expectations, and his respect for the people he is privileged to lead. Anderson is mindful of stewardship in the form of bibli- cal integration in the classroom as well. Even when he was teaching sophomore theory, he would ask students to write hymns as assignments. The pedagogical emphasis was upon musical composition with typical construction and stylistic traits, but students had to choose a biblical text, then modify it poetically and restructure it, doing whatever was necessary to produce a fine hymn. Above all else, and pervading all aspects of his life, work, and service, prayer is the ultimate expression of stew- ardship. “Prayer has always been a very primary thrust in my life personally and in my teaching. I consider the prayer before our classes to be vitally important within Cedarville’s educational mission.” Prayer and disciple- ship have permeated throughout the Department due, in large part, to Anderson’s consistent stewardship and care for his students. What kept Dr. Anderson at Cedarville after that first experimental year? He saw Christian living truly and honestly represented in the Cedarville community. “The fellowship of working under Christian faculty and administrators was a tremendous blessing.” Now, so many years later, Anderson has become one of those faculty members that he originally admired. Although he has not yet finished his course, he wants to be remem- bered as a professor of music whose “relationship with Jesus Christ supersedes all the professional aspects of what he is paid to accomplish.” Above all else…prayer is the ultimate expression of stewardship.