Choir
Posted By Bro. West on September 30, 2007
Recently I received an email asking for a set of requirements for their choir members to follow. These requirements will vary from church to church depending on the size and organization of its ministries. Realize, that the pastor is ultimately responsible for setting such guidelines. It is my personal belief that choir members be considered as part of the leadership of the church and should follow similar standards as that of a Sunday school teacher.
Please post your helpful comments or tell us how your ministry handles its guideline here. This would be of great benefit to those who are just beginning a choir or have not considered having guidelines for their choir.
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Bro. West currently serves as minister of music at Fellowship Baptist Church in West Virginia.
Having directed choirs for 30 years in 2 different churches, I always felt that the choir reflected the spirit of the rest of the church. I didn’t make rules for the choir, other than to be AT rehearsals and to be ON TIME. But I DID emphasize constantly that it was ministry to the Lord and each of us needed to treat it that way! The one requirement we DID have was the a choir member had to be a member of the church. But we would occaisionally allow visitors from like-faith churches to sing with us, if they wanted to. I wanted my choir members to WANT to serve God, not feel like it was a job or a task they HAD to do! We have had some wonderful times and have seen God work marvellously over the years! I have a saying that I use…”Treat people as if they are the way they ought to be, and you help them become what they are capable of becoming!” God bless you in your ministry here.
Thank you for the great website and the opportunity to share with others.
Over the years I’ve noticed that directors tend to go to extremes in requirements, either being so rigid that it drives people away or so lax that it doesn’t matter if you’re there or not. Our intent is to have a compromise (in every GOOD sense of the word) that will allow participation by as many as possible. We do not want to exclude willing souls regardless of their vocal abilities. Our desire is to have a consistent group dedicated to serving the Lord in the ministry of music. Believing that God will bless willingness more than natural ability, we have come up with these simple ideas in an effort to encourage our folks and give a little direction in our ministry.
I’m also conducting five minute ”interviews” with each existing member as well as any new prospect. I have asked them each to sing a verse of their favorite hymn and then we have a couple of minutes to discuss the music ministry. It’s amazing how much one can learn in such a short time. It helps to keep things consistent and actually gives me more ability to place individuals according to their strengths or weaknesses.
I’ve worked very closely with our pastor in the formulation and implementation of this new approach. We are simply trying to be all that we believe the Lord desires us to be in regard to this vital part of our church ministry.
GUIDELINES FOR FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH CHOIR MINISTRY
The music ministry is a vital part of our worship services. Singing often prepares the hearts of those in attendance to hear the preaching of God’s word. Since the choir is so visible to the congregation, it is important that we are consistent with the standards established for others in positions of leadership in this ministry. After a great deal of consideration and prayer we feel that instituting the following guidelines will help us each to give all that God expects of us as we strive to please Him in all that we do.
You must be saved and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, be a member of this church, and of good report.
Ladies should dress modestly. Please do not wear slacks to rehearsals or church services.
Men should wear a dress shirt, tie, and suit or sport coat.
Rehearsal is from 8:00 to 9:00 on Wednesday evenings. Please assemble in the choir loft promptly after our prayer service. On Sunday mornings, please leave your Sunday School class in time to be in the choir room with your music ready to sing by no later than 10:45. If you must be absent from either a rehearsal or a service, kindly let someone know ahead of time. As in any ministry, faithfulness is vitally important. We generally practice each selection over a period of three weeks ahead of the service in which it will be presented. It is difficult at best to sing in a group without adequate rehearsal. If you cannot attend at least two of the three rehearsals, please speak with the director to determine whether or not it would be appropriate for you to sit in the congregation for that service rather than run the risk of detracting from the music of the day.
Please do not chew gum or bring water bottles during services. Remember, the congregation is watching everything we do. Don’t distract by talking or being inattentive during the services. Be careful of your facial expressions. Your face is an open book that registers your approval as well as your disapproval of whatever may be going on in the service. Visitors and members alike are watching your every move. Souls are hanging in the balance.
After reading these guidelines and prayerfully considering your responsibilities, please sign below.
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP IN ADULT CHOIR
FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH
Deltona, Florida
Name:________________________________________________
Today’s Date:_________________________
Address:______________________________________
City:________________ Zip:_______________
Have you accepted Christ as your Savior?_________________
Are you a member of this church?_______________
Are you a member of Sunday School?__________________
What class?_________________________________
Do you read music?_________ What part do you sing?________
Have you had any musical training?_________
What type of training?___________________________________
How long?_____________________________
Do you play an instrument?___________
Which one or ones?__________________________________
Have you been a member of a choir before?__________
Where?_______________________________________
Why do you want to be a member of this choir?
__________________________________________________
Please share with us your salvation experience.
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
What types of music do you like best?
____________________________________________________
Are you willing to give sacrificially of your time and talents to serve in this choir ministry? ______
Are you willing to cheerfully follow the leadership of the pastor and director? _____________________________