It is our belief at Called to Worship Ministry that the music team is a vital part to the ministry of this body of believers. Consequently, members should view their function as Ministers of the gospel through Music and song – actually as a part of the Levitical priesthood of Christ's church. Therefore, members should be responding to a call from God, our father, render this service as unto Him in a manner worthy of His calling.
Membership on the Praise & Worship team is a position of Christian leadership. The primary function then, is to lead, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the congregation at hand in true worship. “God is a spirit, and those who worship him must worship Him in spirit and in truth”. (John 4 vs. 24) I emphasize that our purpose and calling is that of leading others into the very presence of the living God. There is no calling issued for “ Performances” and “Showmanship” ---only true Praise & Worship. Therefore, members must strike continually through prayer and example to be pure of heart before God and others.
My vision of praise & worship Department is to maintain a musical program of excellence. I desire to have Praise and worship team that includes singers and musicians, choir and live recording of praise and worship.
It is very important that those who participate in the music team feel that they are “called , appointed and anointed” to the ministry at hand.
• Participants must be born-again believers of Christ, and their lifestyle must resemble that of a born again Christian.
• Participants must be worshippers on and off the platform. Anyone who has difficulty worshipping at home or in the congregation is not ready to be leader.
• Members of the praise and worship team are leaders public leaders, therefore new or immature Christians will not be considered eligible. All members must live a lifestyle consistent with 1 Timothy 3 v8 -13.
• A commitment to maturity as a worshipper of God in spirit and in truth, John 4:24 (we don't evaluate a person's passion for God we evaluate a person's expression of that passion).
• A commitment to personal growth. This includes growth in both knowledge and skill as a musician or vocalist and in knowledge and application of truth in personal life.
• A commitment to consistency in attendance, attentiveness and preparation, which allows God to move through Praise and worship team without hindrance.
• A commitment to integrity in relationship with other members, to promote unity within the Praise and worship team.
• A commitment to excellence in recognition of the public ministry functions of Praise and worship team. This includes leading by example in appearance and presentation.
• A commitment to demonstrate true servant hood, by maintaining flexibility and humility in dealing with inevitable technical, relational, and schedule challenges associated with this ministry.
• A commitment to serve the larger purpose of the worship ministry of Called to Worship by following the directives of the pastoral staff and designated worship team, leadership. (E.g. how do you respond when a special song you have worked on doesn't get done because the pastor took the meeting in different direction?)
Although the auditions are not generally required the musicians and vocalists need to have enough skill so that they can follow with the Holy Spirit. Musicians and vocalists should have open hearts to receive advice, correction, and training and should be committed to becoming proficiently skilled at their ministry. “Kenanian the head of Levite was in charge of the singing; that was his responsibility because he was skillful at it”. (1 chronicle 15:22) One does not need to be a professional musician to worship the Lord, but God honors the discipline of additional practice and preparation. “Failing to prepare is preparing for failure”.
Because musical excellence is a significant factor in the effectiveness of Praise and worship team, it is necessary for members to possess minimum standards of musical skills.
• I. Spiritual maturity – As stated, this is a leadership-type ministry and, hence, is ordinary not a place for new or immature Christians.
• II. Musical expertise- the musicians and vocalists need to be skilled enough to follow a service, which is “led by the spirit of God”. We don't want to limit what God can do simply because we can't handle it musically.
• III. Support of family – It is important that the individual's immediate family members are willing to accept the necessary time commitment and be a support to the individual.
• IV. Ability to flow with the team – Some people are very gifted musicians and/or vocalists, but for one reason or another (vocal range, musical style, etc) they have trouble flowing with the team. These individuals are highly encouraged to share their musical gifts in other ways (special music, choir, small groups of similar interest, etc) with the body.
• Commitment to perfecting gift through regular instructions and practice.
• Increasing ability to worship spontaneously on instruments.
• Ability to play within the sound of a band concept.
• Growing in ability to simultaneously read music and play instrument.
• Ability to “Play by ear” and develop a part in a short period of time.
• Ability to learn parts of a tape.
• A basic understanding of music theory.
• Keeping an organized songbook.
• Ability to transpose.
• Ability to play a variety of styles of music.
• Ongoing memorization of the worship songs.
• Demonstrate skill in sustaining pitch, vocal range and vocal control.
• Commitment to perfecting gift through regular instruction and practice.
• Increasing ability to worship spontaneously in song and word.
• Ability to sing within the sound of a band concept.
• Ability to hear and sing parts consistently.
• Growing in ability to sight – read.
• Ability to develop a part in short period of time.
• Ability to learn parts of a tape.
• A basic understanding of music theory.
• Keep an organized songbook.
• Ability to sing a variety of style of music.
• Ongoing memorization of worship song.
It is asked that the commitment on the Music Team be considered a Major commitment, and that it not be frequently disregarded for other events.
• I. Commitment to being spiritually prepared to minister – Our spiritual preparation has a direct effect on our effectiveness as a worship and Music Ministry Team. We need to come ready not only to sing and play music but to worship our Lord Jesus and minister to His people.
• II. Commitment to musical expertise – We need to work on our instrumental and/or vocal ability to become the very best we can be. This means a great deal of individual practice (maybe even lessons) as well as playing with the team. Keep it in mind that the team will only be as musically proficient as the individuals that make it.
• III. Commitment to growing spiritually – This too is as important on an individual basis as it is with the team. As a leadership, we need to be committed to maturity in Christ.
• IV. Commitment to “flowing” with the team – More than individual expertise, our musical goal needs to be ability to “flow” with the team. We need to look at our team as not just a collection of separate musicians but as a single unity with a single purpose. Our heart attitude should not be to shine forth our own technical skill but to use to enhance the team as a whole.
• V. Commitment to being a witness outside the word – should at any time during your involvement in the music ministry and/or worship team you feel that your personal life is not reflecting what we about or what Christ would have, that you voluntarily step down so that His name and work would not be publicly mocked.
Attendance and punctuality are very important factors for being a member of the Music/praise team. Rehearsals are required, and members should arrive ready to work on the designated material. Poor attendance and punctuality reflect a lack of discipline and respect for the Lord's Ministry.
Time commitment – Practice sessions, Tuesday and Thursday preparation and ministry are mandatory. In addition, there are seminars, conferences and events, and more. Involvement in this ministry needs to take high priority in your life next to family and work.
As leaders, members must dress properly. Realizing that outward appearance is not judged by God, we affirm that others may be offended by improper attire – “If eating meat offends my brother, I will eat no meat”. Consequently, members are encouraged to be neat, clean, and appropriately dressed for services. (T-shirts, old jeans, sweaters, short skirts, etc are not considered appropriate for most services. Let's go into Lord's presence with respect. “All the levites who were musicians – stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linens – (2 chronicle 5 vs.12)
• I. Under most circumstances, new applicants to Praise team will be required to attend several practices and rehearsals before “taking the Platform”. A recommendation letter from Pastor/Praise team leader is also required.
• II. Probationary period – There will ordinarily be a minimum of a six week probationary period during which the individual will attend practice sessions but will not play or sing with the team on platform. After such it will be at the discretion of Music Director as to when the individual will begin singing or playing on the platform.
Sound Engineers are important members of the Music Ministry. Sound Engineers are asked to arrive early, so that transparencies or fine – tuning can be selected. These people should be quick to response when a fine – tuning is needed and help the team as much as possible.
Sound Engineers must be alert and responsive, especially during the worship and should be ready to make adjustments with quickness!
If at anytime, a member (including sound Engineers) cannot attend a service, rehearsals, etc they must notify the Director of Music in advance if at all possible so that proper adjustment can be made.
It is important to state that these guidelines are open to interpretation due to unusual circumstances, events, etc. These instances will be determined by the leadership of Called to Worship Ministry (Board of Trustees). It is also important to state that these guidelines apply to those who participate in the Music Ministry on a regular basis, not those who participate in special programs, special music, etc.
Lastly open communication is of vital importance . If at anytime a member is confused, discouraged or unhappy at a given time, they are encouraged to speak with the Music Minister Pastor, Music Director and other leadership. The only way to deal with hurting feeling, resentment, confusion; etc is to bring it out the open so that the Lord can work it out.
I congratulate you for being a member of Called to Worship Praise and Worship team. Let's soldier on till Jesus comes. Together we will make it, divided we will fall.
God Bless
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