The open seminar was called to hold open dialogue and discussion between pastor, leaders of the generation and teachers, who implement theological-practical education in the churches of St. Petersburg.

In leisurely discussion, musical ministry leaders, church pastors, and ministers of the church took part in the discussion.

The historical aspects of musical ministry, liturgy, and worship within Russian Protestantism are quite diverse. Even the terms that are used in this area of ministry are far from being understood by newcomers or members of the church. This was one of the questions with the participants discussed and shared opinions on. The first thing that was agreed upon was that musical ministry (generally speaking) plays a significant role in worship of a church. Also, initially it was clear, that musical ministry has different, or even applied meaning: general worship, youth worship, children worship, evangelical worship, celebration worship and so on. Thus, many forms of worship exist. Further dialogue focused on the possibility of using one or the other form, finding the right form or applying all forms of musical ministry. Here, various opinions were voiced.

Representative of "Union of Christians" church stated: "Christian music can be divided into songs of worship, where each generation has its own song and their own relationship with God. Also, a song can be educational, instructive, but can also be a prayer and contemplation of personal worries."

From "Calvary Chapel", Sergei Mikhailkovskiy: "Signing can be for the general, but the song lifted should be in the heard. Worship is a part of our life, of every moment". This statement sparked the discussion of the question of how much attention a church pays to instruct the leaders of ministry and church members the significance of worship. So the discussion moved to the question, "Which theological decisions do the church need for effective organization of church worship and praise (theological worship and praise)?"

Rector of SPbCU, Alexander Negrov, stated: "Local churches are characterized by specific perception and practice of mystical experience, aesthetic character, subcultures, and the history of the church. Musical ministry reflects these points. From one hand, we see the diverse, and it is good. For the other hand, it cannot be statelessness and unscrupulousness."

Participants of the discussion attempted to characterize the building of musical ministry in churches.

S.N. Samoilenkov: "In Russian Protestantism a conflict between the east and west exists. In our musical ministry, there are thriving modern songs and traditional ones. There is a balance of the one and the other, however, on the very same issue conflicts arise. In my opinion, singing is a reflection of theology in the church, in some churches, it is edifying, and in other, it is the necessity of experiencing God here and now. This is what musical ministry comes from."

Natalya Basova: "Interaction with the pastor is vital for musical ministry, since he walks before God and he is important for the church. Worship lays the ground for the sermon. Ministry should not be for ministry's sake, but for the people. Otherwise, we are simply showing our talents and turn worship into a concert."

Repeatedly, participants of the discussion mentioned one key aspect:

S.N. Samoilenkov: "Musical ministry should be a dominant part, where one meets God."

A.I. Negrov: "Musical ministry is often projected as liturgical worship: 15 minutes during the service. That is not right. Worship and praise is the personal response of faith in one's life, it is obedience and humbleness. It is all of life."

Returning to the discussion of forms of musical ministry, the participants attempted to answer the question on the impact of social-cultural factors on musical ministry.

Defining the "right form of worship" turned out to be hard. One of the comments said that king David, who is one of the great worshippers, broke every existing rule of worship, according to the rules of the time. The other problem is that modern Russian Protestantism's "attempt" to translate western songs is not always successful, since not all translators are able to "relive" the song. There is an issue of creating something of your own or finding the balance between traditional and modern.

Most importantly, it is fundamental to remain ministers, worshippers, and servants. It is not taken for granted that early Christian converts from the worldly arts would bring with them their artistry, which would hinder true worship. In chasing professionalism in musical ministry, it is an attempt to satisfy tastes of modern comers, there is danger in becoming a "star" and losing holiness.
On the other hand, it is not correct to turn down the new, and put a generation in a certain framework. Based on various testimonies, who have converted, they were influenced by the various styles of praise and worship. Some wanted choir singing, and for others, God revealed himself through familiar and rhythmical sounds.

In concluding the discussion, the participants agreed that for a levite, worshippers, and minister, musical professionalism is a high level of worshipping God. This level should be seen by the church, in the ministry, and in the life of the worshipper. For him, in the first place, spiritual development is of utmost importance, for the more reasons to belittle himself before God and present the gift of praise.

In this way, spiritual development, edification in theological disciplines and perfecting of the theological level of music ministry leaders is no less important. Rector of SPbCU, Alexander Negrov, spoke of the possibilities of spiritual development, of specializing programs that edify not only in spiritual disciplines but also professional musical education.

Participants of the open discussion concluded that the interest of the church and ministers are necessary to continue dialogue on this topic and aid the process of forming similar programs.

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