Special Music Ministry Guidelines

Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your Name give glory. (Psalm 115:1)

The special music ministry offers vocalists and instrumentalists to use their gifts to enhance the worship services of our church on an occasional or rotational basis. Such music can involve solo or ensemble performances during offerings, communion and/or special occasions.

Purpose

The purpose of special music participants is to:

  • Exalt and magnify the LORD, not themselves.
  • Edify and encourage God’s people in worshiping the LORD.
  • Prepare hearts to respond obediently to the proclamation of God’s Word.

Attitude

The special music ministry is not about showcasing one’s talents or drawing attention to one’s self. It is about glorifying God and edifying His people through the avenue of music. This is a high and holy calling. Music ministry is not the right of the talented but a privilege extended to the committed and faithful. As such, those involved in the special music ministry must possess and continually cultivate a Christlike attitude of humility (Philippians 2:3-5).

This essential attitude of humility will reflect itself in a spirit of:

  • Reverence towards God.
  • Respect and submission towards those who lead the music ministry.
  • A teachable spirit regarding song choice and music proficiency.

Qualifications

The following qualifications are required of those who wish to participate in this ministry. Special music ministry participants must be individuals who:

  1. Have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
  2. Have been obedient to Christ in baptism.
  3. Are committed in their spiritual walk with God.
  4. Support the purpose statement and core values of the church.
  5. Regularly attend this church, or their home church if they are guest performers. Those who only attend church when they are scheduled to perform will be placed on probation from this ministry.
  6. Also attend one of the church’s weekly spiritual growth groups of their choice (i.e. Sunday Bible Class, Men’s or Women’s Bible Study, Care Group Home Bible Study, etc.).
  7. Display a genuine servant’s heart that puts the needs of the church above their own preferences and that willingly accepts instruction from those who lead.
  8. Demonstrate God’s giftedness in musically performing for His glory.
  9. Possess the humility to audition for this ministry as well as take direction from the pastor and Music Director.
  10. Be approved by the pastor and Worship Team Music Director.

Conduct

Since performing special music is one of the most visible ministries of the church, it is especially important that participants see themselves as representatives of the Lord Jesus and of this church at all times, both inside and outside the walls of the church. Special music participants are expected to seek to live according to the highest standards of commitment to Christ and submission to God’s Spirit and His Word. Vocalists and instrumentalists should show reverence for the Lord by demonstrating a commitment to excellence in practicing their music prior to the Lord’s Day as well as accepting constructive input by those who lead.

Auditions

Potential special music ministry participants will be required to undergo an auditioning process which may include a personal interview and/or a musical audition. The purpose of this process is to determine an individual’s musical proficiency, spiritual maturity, and personal compatibility with our approach to worship. At the end of this process, an invitation may (or may not) be extended for participation in this ministry.

Music Approval

Once accepted, special music participants should sufficiently practice their musical selection and then perform it for the Worship Team Music Director for its approval for use at one of the church’s worship services. Those who are unwilling to audition their songs or accept constructive input will not be approved to perform for a church service. We are not interested in musical perfection, but we are committed to offering our Lord our best for His glory and for the good of His people.

Use of recorded background music will be permitted only if pre-approved by the music director and pre-arranged and practiced with the sound room technicians. Singing along with a recorded artist is not permitted.

Musical Development

Special music participants should be committed to developing their musical abilities, humbly seeking out help and guidance from qualified individuals, in regards to the following issues:

  • Intonation
  • Tone Quality
  • Group: Balance
  • Dynamic Variation
  • Enunciation
  • Style
  • Proper Projection
  • Best Use of Microphone

Appearance

While we do not have a specific dress code, all vocalists and instrumentalists need to be aware of appropriate dress and appearance as they perform in church. Special music participants are expected to look neat, clean and modest in their appearance. The general rule of thumb is to remember that we are representing the Lord and our role is to draw the congregation’s attention to Him and not to ourselves. Avoid any clothing that would be considered immodest, disrespectful or unnecessarily draw attention to yourself. It’s important to us to find a God-honoring balance between a legalistic and specific dress code on the one hand and a lack of any standard of dress on the other. If you have any questions on what would be appropriate attire, please feel free to discuss this with the pastor or Worship Team Music Director.

Agreement

œI, _____________________________________ (print name), have read the Special Music Ministry Guidelines above and wholeheartedly support the principles it contains. I believe that I meet the basic qualifications for this ministry and I will abide by the suggestions and decisions of the Music Director and/or the pastor regarding song choice, adequate rehearsal, and scheduling.

________________________________________________________________

Signature, Date

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