How to Build an Effective Music Ministry

Music worship is an overt expression of praise.

Christianity throughout the ages has been a puzzling contradiction of passion, pain, persecution and joy. Something deep in a Christian's relationship with the Lord transcends the difficulties of the moment and rises above hardship in a crescendo of adoration. A powerful music ministry should be founded on a deep faith in Jesus Christ, gratitude to Him for all that He has done and a desire to help others to draw near to Him in song.

Things You'll Need

• Musicians
• Singers
• Lyrics
• Sound system
• Computerized projector or slide projector
• Video monitors or screens
• CD player

Instructions

1. 

   Base your ministry on the Bible.

   Establish your ministry on God's word. Dr. Ron Hamilton, music minister at Calvary Baptist Church in Greenville, S.C., says that, first and foremost, a "music ministry must be built on the principles of the Word of God." Being an accomplished musician is not enough. There is an empowerment in knowing what the Bible has to say about music and worship and understanding its purpose.

2. Select a music director. This person must be a strong leader both spiritually and musically. This leader must be a well-seasoned Christian who has stood the test of integrity and character. A music ministry with a leader highly trained in practical skills, yet immature or weak in character, could fail.

3. Call upon interested vocalists and musicians. Ask them to audition. Begin with a written application and follow the audition with a personal interview. Include questions about their musical background and relationship with Christ. Invite those who qualify to join the ministry.

4. 

   Sound systems are basic tools of a modern music ministry.

   Acquire technical tools. Sound systems, microphones, slide or video projection systems, CD player for soundtracks and lighting are all key elements to a modern music ministry's operation.

5. Make a song list. The selections should be of various tempos and topics. All should direct praise unto God and express different aspects of a relationship with the Father, Son or Holy Spirit. Some songs express gratitude for salvation. Others recognize the Lord as healer. There are also songs that exude appreciation for the blood of Jesus, give thanks for deliverance from evil, or invite the Holy Spirit's presence. If Easter or Christmas are on the horizon, include hymns and worship songs that celebrate the season. As time goes on, your list will grow.

6. 

   Instrumental rehearsals come first, then add vocals.

   Practice the music with your band or orchestra, first, and then schedule rehearsals that include the worship team or choir. Keep your eye out for leaders in the group. A few people should emerge as logical choices for worship leaders. Utilize more than one person and assign them service times on a rotational basis. The demands of ministry can be great. If there are many services per week, you should work toward having a large enough staff to give time off from ministry.

7. Appoint someone to put the lyrics on slides, which will be projected on a video screen in the sanctuary during each service. This will enable the congregation to easily sing along. Place a video monitor in a location where the song service leader can also see a screen. Everyone in the choir must have the words memorized but having a visual cue is a good backup, in case of a brief memory glitch.

Tips & Warnings

• Remind everyone on your team why you are doing this. The purpose of music ministry is not so that you can be viewed as a musical virtuoso. It is, instead, to create an atmosphere that enables the congregation to enter into the presence of God.

References

• Ministry 127: How to Build a Church Music Ministry
• Heritage Bible College.edu: Music Department

Resources

• Inside Out Music: Top 10 Ministry Tips
• Experiencing Worship.com:4 Major Steps
• TehillahMusic.com: TEHILLAH MUSIC MINISTRIES "Teaching the Practice of Praise"
• Victorious.org: The Power of Praise & Worship