MUSIC MINISTRY POLICY

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through Him...Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Colossians 3:16-17, 23-24

WELCOME!
The scripture above clearly communicates what is expected of each of us who are called to serve in ministry.  Though very rewarding, there are responsibilities that each of us must align ourselves with in order to follow God's instruction for a healthy ministry.  It is exciting to know that as we yield our lives and gifts to God, He will in turn use us to make a difference in the hearts of the people of this great congregation, community, and the world.

PURPOSE

This ministry exists to encourage, to equip and to exalt. In a world full of hurt and disappointment, our message is one of hope and peace. Our testimony and example will ENCOURAGE others to place Christ in the center of their focus. When we focus on Christ, troubles fade. Through on-going training, weekly rehearsals, and intentional discipleship, we are EQUIPPING the Body to use the gifts that He has given with excellence and humility.  There is only one God. Because of who He is and what He has done we will EXALT Christ with a lifestyle of praise and worship.

PRINCIPLES

EXCELLENCE
Excellence in Ministry - "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all of your might." (Ecc. 9:10). "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men...it is the Lord you are serving." (Col. 3:23-24). "Sing to him a new song; play skillfully and shout for joy." (Ps. 33:3).
Excellence in Life - "Find out what pleases the Lord." (Eph. 5:10). "Be imitators of God...live a life of love." (Eph. 5:1-2). "Live by the Spirit...." (Gal. 5:16). "Devote yourselves to prayer." (Col. 4:2). "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness..." (Matt. 6:33).

UNITY
Unified in Attitude - Words of life and encouragement to each other will allow God to bless this ministry beyond any of our imaginations. Our attitude needs to be to place others above ourselves. We need to guard our comments. If you have been offended by someone, it is your responsibility to make an effort towards reconciliation (Matt. 18:15). We all have different levels of ability and experience, and no one is more important than the other. We need to nurture an environment where the success of others is success for everyone.

Unified in Praise - We each have our preferences in regards to the form of worship, this is what makes us unique. We must not focus on HOW we are worshiping, but WHY we are worshiping. Methods and styles are many, but the motivation for worship must be the anchor point that unites our praise.

Unified under Leadership - It is important that you spend time praying for your leaders. Pray that God will give them wisdom and strength as we seek to follow His plan for the Music Ministry. Your leaders also need your support. Help them by your cooperative spirit as they instruct and direct the team.

HUMILITY
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." (Phil. 2:3). "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6). "A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor." (Prov. 29:23). "...to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men." (Titus 3:2.). NIV

GUIDELINES

TEAMWORK
This is a team ministry. Each person is VITAL to our success. Do your very best to maintain positive, encouraging relationships with each person involved. Be sure to "measure" your words and actions. You do not always know what the person sitting next to you is struggling with at a particular moment. You have the unique opportunity to strengthen, encourage, and breathe hope into their life by your words and actions.

PRAYER
Prayer is fundamental to God directing and blessing our lives and ministry. Commit to lifting this ministry up in prayer during your daily devotion time. We cannot assume that God will put His hand of blessing on this ministry just because He has in the past. We are in a spiritual battle that must be fought on our knees.

PERSONAL GROWTH
Make personal growth a priority. The music that we present must come from a heart that truly desires more of God. As each of us grows privately, we will see that growth reflected publicly in our relationships and in our worship.

1. Be a part of an intentional discipleship process (Sunday School, Mid-Week classes, etc.).
2. Maintain consistent personal devotions including Bible reading and prayer. Find a time of the day that works best for you.
3. Attend services regularly (Not just those that include your involvement on the platform). We set the example both on the stage and off.

NEW MEMBERS
Each person interested in joining the choir must be a member in good standing of Christian Life Center. If you are not a member, classes are on Sunday at 10:00 AM. Once you have completed the classes and your application has been accepted, you are eligible to join. When ready to make a comitment to the Choir (as outlined in this policy), an orientation meeting will be scheduled with the Music Pastor to determine vocal placement, discuss policy, etc.

Those interested in joining the orchestra must arrange for an audition.

PREPARATION
Do your best to learn your part on time and to the best of your ability. You know your potential - God deserves your best.

1. A practice CD will be available for every special song that we present. This CD will also include your part (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass - orchestra CD is demo only).
2. If you are having trouble getting your part learned on any particular song, please ask your Section Leader for assistance.

DRESS
Please be modest & conservative when selecting an outfit that you will be wearing when involved on the platform in ministry. Even though we are wearing robes on the platform, people see you in the hallways - let's set a high standard.
1. Men: Pressed dress shirt with collar and dress slacks. Clean and shined dress shoes.
2. Women: AM - Appropriate shirt/blouse with sleeves. Dresses at least knee length and dress shoes.    
                  PM - Appropriate shirt/blouse with sleeves. Dress pants and dress shoes. NO FLIP-FLOPS.

ATTENDANCE
You are an important part of this ministry. You are not just one of many. When you are gone, the team is missing a key player. Please make every effort to attend all scheduled ministry events and rehearsals.
1. Notify GROUP LEADER of any absences (Rehearsals or Sunday).
2. If you are unable to attend a rehearsal, we trust that you are practicing with your CD, and need you on Sunday.
3. ALL Leave of Absences must be approved by the Music Pastor and he must be notified personally.

ADMINISTRATION
1. SECTION LEADERS are in place to provide musical oversight, GROUP LEADERS provide administrative oversight.
2. Make sure that we have your current, up-to-date personal information on file (address, phone, email, etc.).
3. Notify your group leader of any information changes.
4. Check your box weekly, and keep it neat. All new music will be distributed to your box.
5. Perform regular folder maintenance. Turn in used music weekly to the MUSIC RETURN box.
6. If you need a new folder, or are missing music, please contact your section leader.

CHOIR ROBES
1. Do not eat or drink while wearing the robe or stole.
2. Robes are only to be worn while in ministry on the platform.
3. Please hang on hanger in robe room when not in use. Once on the hanger, close the Velcro cuff fasteners and zip the zipper. Place the stole over the robe on the hanger (green side out).
4. Robes are cleaned biannually at a charge of $3 each occurrence.

PLATFORM ETIQUETTE
1. Intentionally engage yourself in the "ministry of countenance." A smile brings joy to the heart (Prov. 15:30).
2. During special songs, watch the director at all times. It's okay to worship, but stay connected to the team.
3. During praise and worship, watch the director for movement direction and transitions.
4. During the sermon, take notes, stay awake, and refrain from talking.
5. When you leave the platform, please take everything with you - including used Kleenex.

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

ORCHESTRA - Thursday (Childcare is available in the Family Life Center (West Entrance - up to age 10)

7:00 PM In media suite arrive and prepare for rehearsal (Put music in order - check newsletter)
8:10 Move to the main Sactuary to rehearse with the choir and rhythm sectoin 
9:00 Rehearsal ENDS

7:00 PM In main sanctuary -  arrive and prepare for rehearsal (Put music in order - check newsletter)
8:10 joined by choir and orchestra to rehearse together. 
9:00 Rehearsal ENDS

You need to be aware that if you are going to be late, it is best to let the Music leadership know, because the sanctuary doors may be locked.

CHOIR - Thursday   (Childcare is available in the Family Life Center (West Entrance - up to age 10)

6:50 PM Arrive & prepare for rehearsal (Put music in order - Check newsletter)
7:00 Rehearsal STARTS
        Rehearsal typically consists of prayer, worship, announcements, choir anthems, sectionals, etc.
9:00 Rehearsal ENDS

MINISTRY SCHEDULE 

SUNDAY   Please park in the designated parking area (Northwest corner of Worship Center) 

7:50 AM Arrive (Get robe before rehearsal if time permits)
8:00 Rehearsal Starts (platform)
8:20 When dismissed, quickly take care of personal needs & line up backstage (prayer)
8:25 SERVICE #1 - Choir enters on cue (CHOIR STAYS IN LOFT FOR DURATION OF SERVICE)
10:00 SUNDAY SCHOOL (Music Discipleship - Family Life Center Auditorium)
10:45 When dismissed, quickly take care of personal needs & line up backstage (prayer)
10:55 SERVICE #2 - Choir enters on cue (CHOIR EXITS DURING GREETING TIME - approx 11:30 AM)

5:50 PM Arrive and prepare for rehearsal (Have folder available)
6:00 Rehearsal Starts (Choir - Choir Room, Orchestra - platform)
6:30 Combined rehearsal starts on platform
6:45 When dismissed, quickly take care of personal needs & line up backstage (prayer)
6:55 SERVICE - Choir enters on cue (CHOIR EXITS DURING GREETING TIME)

 After ministry on Sunday night, put robe away properly and return to the Sanctuary for the sermon.

CHILDREN - You are required to know where your children are at all times when you are on the platform. They must not be left by themselves unsupervised. If you do not see your children, or are unaware of their location, you need to leave the platform and perform your primary ministry of being a parent.