How to Organize an Ecumenical Christian Choir

In John 17:22-23, Jesus said, "Father, I pray that they may be one, as you and I are one." Especially since 1950, Christians of many different denominations strive for this unity through various community, outreach and ministry projects. One such endeavor is the ecumenical Christian choir, which joins vocalists and instrumentalists of multiple faith backgrounds together to worship God and build fellowship.

Things You'll Need

• Organ or piano
• Christian choral music
• Hymn books
• Microphones
• Music stands
• Risers
• Choir robes (optional)

Instructions

1. Invite the pastors and music directors of all the Christian churches in your area to an informational meeting about the choir. Explain your purpose for organizing the group and ask them for feedback. Then, invite the leaders to either serve or appoint a representative from their church to be on the choir steering committee.

2. Create an action plan at the first steering committee meeting. First, ask the members to brainstorm for a qualified ecumenical choir director. Then, establish criteria and processes for membership, auditions, performances, music selection, supplies, venues and travel.

3. Select a date and place for the auditions once the director is in place. Even if this Christian choir is open to all, auditions will help you get to know your members, assess their singing capabilities and provide an excellent opportunity for fellowship.

4. Advertise the auditions in the local media and church bulletins and newsletters. Most newspapers publish such happenings free of charge when groups prepare a professional press release. The editors might even arrange for a feature article by interviewing the ecumenical choir director, steering committee members and local pastors.

5. Schedule a follow-up steering committee meeting with the director to assess and/or choose the singers, accompanists and other instrumentalists for the choir. The four main vocal groups (from highest voice to lowest) are soprano, alto, tenor and bass or SATB.

6. Hold monthly practice sessions at either a central location or a different church each month. Practice and learn a variety of Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox and Catholic hymns to equally represent each Christian denomination's unique musical tradition. In additiion, mix up the repertoire between classical, contemporary and gospel choral pieces to jazz things up.

7. Perform your choir's first event. The most successful ones are both free and open to the public. Invite the audience to give donations to offset choir supplies or to benefit a local charity.

Tips & Warnings

• Schedule performances outside of regular service and mass times.

• Ask a representative from each denomination to select or bring favorite hymns from his or her church.

• If confronted with negativity about your denomination, respond gently and charitably.

• Don't choose a director without the appropriate musical education, training and experience.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Find general choir information at Choral Net.