Music Ministry
Who we are
We are a group of musicians and singers who lead the sung worship at our Sunday morning meetings, and at occasional Sunday evening and midweek meetings. Our typical lineup consists of a worship leader, one or two backup singers, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, keyboard, bass and drums, and one or two instrumentalists.
What we do
Setup begins at 8:30am with members of the Audio Ministry team, assembling the PA system and laying out the stage. We soundcheck and run through songs from 9:30am, stopping around 10:20am before the congregation enters the main hall. The meeting runs from 10:30am - 12pm, after which we pack it all away again!
During the meeting, our responsibility is to provide a musical vehicle for the congregation to engage with God, beginning with songs of thanksgiving (Psalm 100:4), and leading to a time of adoration and intimacy where people can 'do business' with God. It is at this time that we make space for people to minister with spiritual gifts of tongues and prophecy (1 Cor 14:1), and we encourage contributions of scripture and encouragement.
Our style
While I respect church choirs, organists, bagpipe players, brass bands, didgeridoo players and yodellers, I believe it's important that the church engages society with relevance and accessibility. We play worship songs in a contemporary style with a sound which is familiar to those without a church upbringing. (That doesn't rule out singing hymns, it just means we'll play them with a guitar hook and a backline groove.)
Our commitment
You may have heard it said of church musicians and singers "as long as the person has the right attitude, it doesn't matter if they're not too skilled". Well, I'm afraid I don't fully subscribe to this point of view!
The Psalmist, David, was a skilled and anointed singer, songwriter and musician. Described as someone who was "cunning in playing", he knew the power and importance of music in worship and was called upon several times by King Saul to minister in music.
David wrote in Psalm 33:3 "play skillfully". I believe that skilled musicianship and a heart for Jesus Christ are both extremely important to take part in the music ministry. I expect all of our musicians and singers to be continually developing and honing their skills through personal lessons, practising and rehearsals.
Get involved
If you are growing in your faith, and are skilled in singing or playing an instrument in a contemporary style, I'd love to chat with you over a coffee or hot chocolate about the music team, and how we might include you in our ministry. | 