Guidelines and Requirements
Calling
- Itisvery important for those who participate in the Praise Team to feel that they are “called, appointed, and anointed” to the ministry at
Lifestyle
- Participantsmustbe believers of Christ, and their lifestyle must resemble that of Christ.
- Participants must be worshipers on and off the platform.
Talent and Skill
Although we recognize the importance of a pure heart, the musician and vocalists also need to have enough skill so that they can follow the Holy Spirit. Musicians and vocalists should have open hearts to receive advice, correction, training, and should be committed to becoming proficiently skilled at their ministry. “Kenaniah the head Levite was in charge of the singing; that was his responsibility because he was skillful at it”. (1 Chronicles 15:22) One does not need to be a professional musician to worship the Lord, but God honors the discipline of additional practice and preparation. “Failing to prepare is preparing for failure.
Commitment
- PraiseTeammembers should be actively involved and dedicated to our church’s vision and to the leadership of its pastors and other leaders. This commitment includes their prayers, regular attendance, and tithes/offerings.
- Thosewhocommit to serving on the praise team are asked to commit to weekly rehearsals and they are expected to do their best to make sure other commitments do not interfere with their ability to serve on the Praise Team on a weekly basis.
- Becausewevalue the importance of family, prospective praise team members should not join the team without the full support of their
Attendance and Punctuality
- Attendanceandpunctuality are very important factors for being a member of the music
- Weeklyrehearsalsare required, and members should arrive ready to work on the designated material.
- Poorattendanceand showing up late for rehearsals demonstrate a lack of respect for the Lord’s
- Thosewhoare unable to attend rehearsals should not expect to participate in the praise team the following Sunday unless prior arrangements with the worship pastor have been made
Attire
- Asleaders,members must dress Although we recognize that God does not judge us by outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7), we also realize that proper attire adds a level of professionalism to the worship experience. Consequently, members are encouraged to be neat, clean, and appropriately dressed for all services.
New Applicants and Waiting Periods
- We constantly seek to expand our praise team. Anyone interested in servingis encouraged to set up an appointment with the worship pastorand senior pastor to discuss the guidelines and expectations presented in this manual.
- Newapplicantsto the music team will be required to attend several rehearsals before “taking the platform.”
Schedule Conflicts, Etc.
If at any time, a member cannot attend a service, rehearsal, etc. they must notify the worship pastor in advance if at all possible so that proper adjustments can be made.
Sound Engineer, Visual Equipment Director and Operators
- Soundengineersand visual equipment operators are important members of the music ministry.
- All praise team members need get familiarized and learn the duties of the sound engineers and visual equipment operators. If by any reason they need help or they are unable to do their duties, we can jump in to help.
It is important to state that we intend for the information in this manual to serve as a guideline, but we realize that exceptions will occur. These exceptions will be determined by the leadership. It is also important to state that these guidelines apply to those who participate in the music ministry on a regular basis, not those who participate in special programs, special music, etc.
Open communication is of vital importance. If at any time a member is confused, discouraged, or unhappy with the way things may be happening at a given time, they are encouraged to speak with the worship pastor and senior pastor. The only way to deal with hurt feelings, resentment, confusion, etc. is to bring it out into the open so that the Lord can help us work through it as a team.
Lastly, if you have further concerns you may speak directly to Pastor Sione Tilini.