Worship
Leading the congregation in hymns, praise, thanksgiving, and spiritual song.
Music has an important place within the worship life of the Church. The Choir serves not simply as a group that performs music, but as a ministry that helps the congregation participate in worship through hymns, spiritual songs, praise, and thanksgiving.
The Choir serves within worship by helping lead the congregation in song. Its ministry is part of the wider worship of the Church and is carried out with discipline, preparation, reverence, and unity. Discipline is the Choir's core value.
Hymns and spiritual songs provide ways for the congregation to praise God, give thanks, pray, and worship together. A normal Sunday's worship songs generally move from forgiveness of sins, into thanksgiving, then songs of the Holy Spirit and power, victory, healing, and protection, blessing, and gospel — with most of the service's songs sung in English so the whole congregation can take part.
The Choir also has a place in expressions of praise and thanksgiving. Thanks-offering songs are sung in sets of three or seven, and are kept strictly spiritual.
Praise & Worship songs are intended to lift the congregation's spirit and prepare the congregation to receive the Word as the preacher comes to the pulpit — not as filler during announcements.
The ministry of the Choir requires preparation and discipline. Practice, attentiveness, unity, appropriate conduct, and readiness help the Choir serve effectively during worship. Regular practice is essential to proficiency, and the Choir is expected to be conscious of time and self-regulating in how it serves.
The purpose of the Choir is to serve the worship of the Church rather than draw attention to individuals. There is no praise-worship of any individual person within the Sanctuary — the focus remains on God, and on helping the congregation participate in worship.
Musical instruments may be used in support of worship according to the established order of the Church. Music should contribute to worship rather than distract from it, and sound levels stay regulated out of care for the congregation.
What you'll notice as a visitor: hymns, spiritual songs, and instruments supporting congregational worship. Internally, instruments dedicated to worship are not used for outside social occasions — a matter of stewardship for Choir members rather than something a visitor would need to know.
Those serving in the Choir are expected to maintain appropriate conduct, discipline, integrity, and respect for the ministry entrusted to them. The Choir is properly attired, with its cape conforming to the doctrine of the Church, and ordinary (mufti) clothing is not worn within the Choir's area during worship.
The Choir is meant to be a focus of the Church's worship and a delight to the Lord — which is why this level of discipline and integrity matters.
Choir ministry depends upon unity. Singers, musicians, leaders, and the congregation each contribute to the worship experience.
The Choir helps the congregation participate actively in worship. Its ministry is not separate from the congregation but serves the congregation.