The Great Commission ID Church-Music Department. Bylaws. Article I - Name

Transcription

1 Bylaws Article I - Name The Great Commission Interdenominational Church Music Department Theme: Excellence in Ministry through Singing and Music. (Psalms 33:3, 1 Chronicles 13:8) Mission: Colossians 3:16,17 Article II - Purpose The purpose of the music ministry is to help implement the mission of the church. This mission is Evangelism through song. To give glory to God and to edify the body by invoking God's presence in the sanctuary. Submitting our lives to the call of music ministry and yielding our vessels to be used by the Holy Spirit. Providing songs/selections that tells of the goodness of God and songs/selections that gives Him honor in worship services. The music department is responsible for providing music at the worship services and other activities of the church and in every way possible. With full cooperation with the Pastor to encourage the development of the strong musical program within the life of the church. Here are some passages of scriptures that everyone in the music ministry should familiarize themselves with to further support the Purpose : Psalms 135:3, Psalms 47:6-7, Psalms 96:1-2, Psalms 147:1, Psalms 66:2,4, Psalms 100:2, Psalms 81:1-2, Psalms 68:4,32, Psalms 104:33, Psalms 105:2, Psalms 21:13, Psalms 146:2, Psalms 149:3, Psalms 59:16-17, Psalms144:9, Psalms 7:17, Psalms 95:1-2, Psalms147:1, 1 Chronicles 16:9, 2 Chronicles 20:22, 1 Corinthians 14:15, Ephesians 5: Article III - Principles and Covenant Principles - The essence of the Christian ministry is personal service. In Luke 22:25-27, Jesus set forth the principle that one's readiness to serve is the standard by which His greatness as a Minister is to be assessed. Those who minister within the church are to regard it not as an opportunity to wield. But a commission to perform the services of the Lord. Choir members should also evangelize in the ministry of song. There are many songs which proclaim the good news of salvation, therefore, members should humble themselves to God and show humility to all mankind. Being servants for God in singing, there should be a message in the songs. The more choir members yield their lives to the Lord, the more God will get the glory out of the singing and more souls will be touched. Singing and musicianship should be done to glorify God and not self

2 Covenant - We, the members of the choir, do enter into Covenant with our lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to be His singing servants, bound by the Rules and Regulations of this church and the Pastoral under-shepherd. To serve to the best of our knowledge and spiritual ability for the beauty and fervor of divine worship. Realizing that, as a singing unit, we are, first under the direct supervision of the Minister of Music, who is under direct supervision of the Pastor. We agree, therefore, in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to submit our talents to our Minister of Music to be developed and used in whatever position such talents are found to be suited, whether individually or collectively, for the spiritual exaltation of the worship of this church, and we further agree to accept the decisions of the Minister of Music, in this respect, without strife. Realizing further, that the worship program is solely under the supervision of the Pastor, we agree, to sustain the Pastoral leadership of this church in the execution of plans of worship as they relate to the duties of the Minister of Music. Insomuch, as we, along with our Minister of Music, consider the works of composers, whose works we shall perform, to be the sacred gifts from God, presented to His musical, creative servants from His own storehouse of knowledge and entrusted to us, to be performed with the Spirit and brilliance in which they were given and written, we do, here and now, covenant with our Supreme Giver of Gifts, and with our Minister of Music, to perform these works with all seriousness and without willful distortion of spirit, words or form, we realize, further, that musical blemishes may not only reflect discredit upon the Minister of Music who teaches their works and under whom we serve, but they may also reflect discredit upon our character and upon the worship service to which we contribute our talents. We further agree to stand always ready to welcome into this choir new talents, new life, and spiritual fervor to this choir, to the church, and to the glorification of our God, and we shall endeavor at all times to conduct ourselves in such a manner as to reflect dignity upon the spiritual status of our church, lest we forfeit our rights to serve in this distinguished capacity of service. Article IV- Membership of Singing Ministries A. Voices of The Great Commission Interdenominational Church - The worship/sanctuary choir comprised of male and female singers. These singers are to be 18 years or over, (unless certain exceptions apply and are approved by Minister of Music). Such exceptions including mature singers in their teenage years that express the desire and posses the ability to sing with The Voices, due to the inactivity of The Youth Ensemble. This choir serves as the main choir of the church with choral literature ranging from sacred, classical/contemporary anthems, negro spirituals and traditional gospel music. The worship choir will perform all major cantatas, seasonal oratorios and special activities to enhance the total ministry of the church. The choir will occasionally accept engagements upon receipt of written invitation, at least

3 days from engagements and subject to approval by Pastor and Minister of Music. The choir will remain focused on the worship service of this church, community and through our state. Must be a born again believer and a member of this church to join this singing ministry. B. The Great Commission Male Chorus - Comprised of male singers of the church. These singers are to be adult men of at least 21 years or over. The group is required to sing on designated Sundays to enhance the worship services through traditional/contemporary gospel music, negro spirituals and spiritual anthems. Upholding the musical legacy of men united for Christ through the ministry of song, evangelism and old fashioned musical inspiration. Must be a born again believer and a member of this church to join this singing ministry. C. The Great Commission Youth Ensemble - Comprised of young people from ages 13 years to 18. The ensemble is committed to lift the Lord's name in song, providing youthful and jubilant praise to enhance the worship service. The ensemble's singing is not only to encourage the young adults of the church but to serve as a tool that allows young people to fellowship and learn the importance of music ministry. Singing choral anthems, contemporary gospel and negro spirituals. The goal of the ensemble is to allow the singers to mainstream into the main worship choir, (The Voices), by teaching anthems and negro spirituals. Teaching the singers worship, accountability and responsibility as they are being vocally trained for excellence in singing. Grooming the singers for the main choir and helping them to maintain a level of excitement as they transition over to the next singing ministry. Must be a born again believer and a member of this church to join this singing ministry. D. The Great Commission Sunbeam Choir - Comprised of little children/young teens from ages 3 years to 13. Children choirs sing songs of praises, God's promises and songs of thanksgiving. Sunbeam choir do not sing hard gospel songs or those with words of experience with the Lord in which they have not had. The goal is to develop and train singers for the Youth Ensemble and impart the Gospel into them early, through Bible teaching, that they will accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. E. Praise and Worship Team - Comprised of individuals picked by Minister of Music. Praise team opens the services with worship and praise songs that gets the congregation ready to receive the Word of God and give glory to God. Singers must be born again believers and members of this church. Must exhibit an upper talented vocal capability for specialized song selections that will vastly differ from the main choir. Must possess a willingness to learn more of how to lead the congregation into worship. Singers must be a member of at least one of the existing singing ministries. Must have a heart for worship and not shy or ashamed to praise and worship God openly. Must be excited and uplifting, jubilant, Spirit led, obedient and a team player. Must be able to connect with the congregation in the worship services

4 Article V - Officers and Duties A. Minister of Music/Director of Music - The Minister of Music is the person who is responsible for the long/short range planning, the administrative development, and the music development of the program of music department for the church. The Minister of Music/Director of Music serves the church as a full time or part time staff member. The Minister of Music is to plan and lead the musical segments of the church. Scheduling of church outings should be coordinated by the Pastor and Minister of Music. The chain of command should be the Minister of Music is directly responsible to the Pastor only. The musicians, members of choir/chorus/ensemble are directly responsible to the Minister of Music. No one is to dictate operations, regulations, functionality or correction to the Minister of Music accept the Pastor. Minister of Music is to make known to all musicians and choirs all approved scheduled engagements in advance for productive attendance. The Minister of Music must understand their calling and their commitment to serve and it is important that this understanding is agreed upon once you are hired for position. Lead in maintaining the administrative staff of main choir. Also, serve on the church council. All choirs, all choir administration, and all directors fall within the responsibility of the Minister of Music. Serves as chairman of the administrative staff, coordinate the music ministry with the calendar and emphases of the church. Trains members of the choirs and all music leaders. Guides in setting music ministry goals, organization, leadership, facilities, finances and administrative procedures. Assists the Pastor in planning congregational services of the church and be responsible for the selections of music. Responsible for enlisting and training leaders for the music ministry in cooperation with the church's growth needs. Supervise the work of all music leaders in the music department. Coordinate the performance schedules of music ministry and individuals directing each singing ministry. Should be informed of denominational goals, publications, materials, policies and plans for employing them as they relate to the local church. The Minister of Music must prepare and administer the music ministry yearly budget, reporting directly to the Trustee Board for approval. The Minister of Music must attend strictly to music business. In the event the Minister of Music has illness, conflict or last minute emergency, Minister of Music should assign or appoint a replacement in their place. Also, the Minister of Music must: (1) Must be a confessed born again believer. Patient, tolerant, know music and knowledge of most instruments played in the local church, know voice culture and ability to teach, train and inspire singers. (2) Select music that will uplift saints in the worship services and bring glory to God. (3) Responsible for the selection of songs, how they are presented and individuals to sing lead for each song. (4) Be versatile in selecting members to lead songs, while keeping in mind each singer's ability. Encouraging everyone to strive for excellence with their talents

5 (5) Determine the length of practice time and frequency. (6) Responsible for the seating arrangement of choir members. (7) Be available for all choir practices and engagements when practical or possible. Inform the Pastor, Musicians and President of all planned and/or emergency absences. (8) Determine suitability of applicant(s) for the choir. (9) Must maintain their focus on the worship services, to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit for the services needs and the best outcome for the worship services. B. Choir Directors - The Choir Director is the guiding spirit of a body of singers, musicians and congregational hymns. The choir director is directly responsible to the Minister of Music. There can be a number of choir directors within any one singing ministry, appointed solely by the Minister of Music. Each director must possess vocal abilities to successfully correct the choir instantly while performing in rehearsals and in worship services. The choir director has a major role in the worship services through processional, congregational hymns, directing songs and formation of choir. The choir director must be have knowledge of all sections in the choir,( soprano, alto, tenor, baritone), and their parts in order to successfully direct them in songs. The Choir Director assists the Minister of Music during the teaching of songs. The Choir Director may be appointed to supervise the functions of the choir in the absence of the Minister of Music. Each choir director should have knowledge of all songs that the choir sings in the event of another director's absence. The choir director should be a born again believer and a member of this church. The Choir director should be teachable and be willing to attend workshops to learn better directing techniques. Also, come to rehearsals ready to be used and be a team player. The Choir Director's image to the choir is important, so every song should be the choir director's opportunity to pull the best out of the singers. C. Church Musicians - (Piano, Drums, Bass, Guitar, Horn section, Keyboardist) Primary functions are to attend rehearsals as scheduled. To play for the worship services, funerals, accompanying the choirs and special services as assigned. Responsible directly to the Minister of Music. Responsible for being well versed musically to successfully add to the worship services. When given CD's or music on any other format, it is important to learn all the material so that the rehearsals aren't spent longer in time for the lack of musicians knowing the material. Musicians should maintain a regular schedule of practice for self-improvement. When available, be open to help train and groom other musicians to get better in their talent. To serve in the capacity of assisting the Minister of Music whenever Minister of Music is unable to perform due to emergency, sickness or vacation. Musicians should assist the Pastor in duties unauthorized by the Minister of Music,(i.e. Funerals). The Pastor is the only person who has authority to make changes in the musical development of the Music Ministry

6 The Pastor is also above the Minister of Music. Each Musician should be a born again believer and be willing to follow direction from the Pastor and Minister of Music. D. Choir Officers (The Voices of The Great Commission) (1) The President - Should be at all business meetings, occupying the chair and calling the members to order, announce the business before the assembly in the order in which it is to be acted upon, recognize members entitled to speak, state and put to vote all questions which are regularly moved or necessarily arise in the course of proceedings. He/she should always have the interest of the choir at heart and should be able to direct, suggest and present the business of the choir in the manner that will keep all members working in harmony. He/she may call meetings at their discretion, giving proper notice of such meetings through the secretary. The President serves as the business voice of the choir and need to posses appropriate skills to maintain the office. The President should be patient, tolerant but firm, reasonable and can help the Minister of Music tactfully handle administrative details. Responsible for the conduct of choir members when assembled. Supervise all matters requiring discussion and voting to insure that all things are done in decency and in order. Resolve conflict of interest situations among the members, as pertains to the choirs. The President should be aware of all invitations from other churches in case of conflicting times, dates and availability of members. THE PASTOR'S APPROVAL MUST BE OBTAINED PRIOR TO ACCEPTANCE OF ANY ENGAGEMENT AS A CHOIR UNIT. UPON HIS APPROVAL. THE CHURCH SECRETARY MUST BE NOTIFIED TO UPDATE THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AND AVOID OVER EXTENSION OF ENGAGEMENTS. Upon acceptance of an invitation from another church, if the choir ONLY is invited, the President should advise the choir secretary to send a written letter of acceptance to the institution extending the invitation. If the Pastor is also invited, the church secretary will send the letter. Attend all rehearsals and engagements and inform the Minister of Music or Vice President of all planned or emergency absences. Notify the choir secretary to contact all members in case of changes in schedules, rehearsals or engagements. Responsible for attendance record of each member. Choir members is to be counseled in case of abuse, insubordination, excessive tardiness and absences. Insure that all rehearsals, engagements and meetings are started and ended with prayer by the Chaplain. Coordinate with members on transportation availability and location of other churches prior to scheduled date to make travel arrangements. Insure that the choir secretary keep minutes of all meetings. The tenure of office is two (2) years at which time election/re-elections will be held. The individual may be re-elected at the discretion of the members of the choir through the voting process. The President s office may be vacated by the member or board of officials. In the event of such action, the vice-president will be expected to satisfy this position until a replacement is elected. Intent to vacate - 6 -

7 (2) The Vice President - May serve in the same capacity as President in the absence of the President or when placed in the chair by the President. The Vice President assists the President in all of the choir administrative duties and co- planning. The Vice President should be able to fill the same duties as the President while assisting. The Vice President should not withdraw efforts just because the office is presently one of assistance. The Vice president should also show roles of leadership and support the administrative staff of choir, provide helpful suggestions in meetings, be willing and ready to work hard in the office, be prepared to bridge the gaps between President and Secretary by providing better communication tips for staff, never assuming that the President has covered all basis for the choir, but rendering all efforts to maintain a strong staff that keeps the administrative foundation of the choir grounded. (3) Secretary - Is the recording officer of the administrative/choir business and the custodian of its records, except such as specifically assigned to others, such as the Treasurer's books. The records however, should be open for inspection by any member of the choir/pastor. The Secretary is responsible to the President of the choir. A correct record of minutes of all meetings should be kept. In addition to the minutes, the Secretary should keep an accurate roll of choir members, with current address, phone numbers, addresses, so notices may be sent to members whenever it's necessary. Maintain an attendance record. Maintain a schedule of all pending engagements and keep an open line of communication with the Church Secretary, to insure that no engagements or events are overlooked or conflicting. Notify all members and advise according to the President's request. Tenure of office is two (2)years. Can be re-elected at the discretion of members of the choir through the voting process. Choir Secretary s office may be vacated at the request of the President due to lack of performance. Intent to vacate position should be in writing to the President, then the notice shall be submitted to the administrative staff of the choir. The President will select a replacement to satisfy that position until elections can be held. (4) The Treasurer - Responsible for collecting money for monthly choir dues, fines. Responsible to the President of the choir. Responsible for holding funds deposited by choir members, the money is then weekly submitted to the Treasurer on the Trustee Board. Maintaining a form of receipt when the monies are turned over to the church Treasurer, insuring that the receipt matches the same data on the choir Treasurer database. Maintaining an accurate ledger to the exact amount collected and deposited to the church Treasurer weekly/monthly and submitting data directly to the choir Secretary. The Treasurer is in no way to act as a collections agency for getting choir dues. The Treasurer has no authority to advise anyone of their late dues or monetary commitments, the President/Vice President does. Treasurer is to simply collect, give receipt to each member after payment, keep a database, deposit monies collected weekly to the church Treasurer, get a form of receipt from church Treasurer proving deposit and for documented paper trail, and turn all data in to Secretary twice per month. Record and maintain all financial records, provide written financial reports to the choir secretary and make a financial report to the choir on an annual/bi-annual/quarterly basis,(after administrative staff determine schedules for either the annual/bi-annual choir business meeting). All monies collected and deposited are held subject to the order of the Church or Parent Body. Tenure of office is two (2) years. Can be re-elected at the - 7 -

8 discretion of members of the choir through the voting process. (5) The Librarian - Should keep up with all music used by the choir. See that the right song books or music for use at each appearance of the choir are in place so it will not be necessary after the service has started for books to be passed, music to be searched for and confusion created because some member can't locate the music needed. At the close of the service the Librarian should see that all music is collected and placed in a secure case where it cannot be taken away without their knowledge. (6) The Chaplain - Responsible to the President of the choir. Must be a born again believer. Responsible for prayer before and after each rehearsal and before each engagements. Tenure of office is two (2) years. Can be re-elected at the discretion of members of the Administrative Staff through the voting process. Must have a heart for the growth of the choir and desire for spiritual growth. (7) Sergeant at Arms - Responsible for conducting and maintaining orderly meetings and rehearsals. Report directly to the President for administration. Sergeant at Arms role is to be regarded as sensitive but firm, due to the descriptions and functions of the office. Sergeant at Arms role is to enforce the rules and regulations of the choir. Enforcing the rules by approaching the member in violation with a warning and advise them that they are in violation of the rules they are presently violating. Sergeant of Arms should not be quick to approach a choir member on the basis of hear say but actually witness any/all violations before approach. Sergeant at Arms should be knowledgeable of the governing Bylaws for the Music Department. Understanding procedures and rules that relates to the choir. Sergeant at Arms need only give one (1) verbal warning to any member for the same violation, in the same day, before issuing a fine, ( ex: excessive talking in choir stand, in rehearsals, joking and laughing, text messaging, etc.). Sergeant at Arms need not involve themselves in any verbal confrontations with any member, simply report the offense to the President. If the President feels that the offense cannot be resolved, then it shall be turned over to the Minister of Music for further actions. Sergeant at Arms should be tactful and peaceful with all choir members to retain the respect needed to occupy this office. Tenure of office is two (2) years. Can be re-elected at the discretion of Staff. Article VI- Election and Term Office The Minister of Music is appointed by the Pastor of the church. The choir directors and musicians are appointed by the minister of Music. Elections for the choir officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Librarian, Chaplain, Sergeant at Arms) shall be held once every two (2) years. Voting shall take place on the second week of October for the new officers to take positioning at the new year. Voting shall be by members present and done by ballot. The majority votes win. No officer may hold the same office more than (3) consecutive terms (total of 6 years) - 8 -

9 Article VII- Administrative Staff The staff consists of: Minister of Music, President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Sergeant at Arms. The Music Committee will consist of Minister of Music, choir directors, musicians, and administrative staff. The chairman (Minister of Music) of the Administrative Staff and Music Committee serves on the church council (Advisory Board). Article VIII- Meetings (1) The Calendar Year for this church shall begin January first (1) and end December thirty first (31). (2) Public Services of Worship- Sunday morning worship services shall be rendered. Shall assist the Pastor in engagements to visit other churches or to appear on other programs, as directed by the Pastor and Minister of Music (3) Two (2)or three (3) Scheduled Rehearsals per month for each choir. (4) Business Meetings- Administrative Staff at least once a month in order to continue the planning of the year calendar and invitations given throughout the year. (5) Choir Day Celebrations- In the tradition of the predominate Black church, our choir day celebrations have played a vital role in the income of the growth of the music Ministry and the church in general. Should have one (1) choir day per year. Article IX- Amendments The Bylaws may be revised or amended at any business meeting of the choir on recommendation of the Administrative Staff, provided two (2) weeks notice of such proposed revision or amendment shall be given in writing. A three fourths (¾) vote of the choir members present and in good standing is necessary to carry the amendment. Article X- Finances The amount of dues assessed each choir member may be determined by the Administrative Staff and the regularity in which they are paid may also be determined by the same. While finance is not the object of any choir, but there sometimes the need for securing new music, replacing music, sending flowers to sick members, purchasing of uniforms (robes) and many other use of finance, that the Church or Parent Body does not feel responsible for. Thus, choir dues are necessary. All monies collected by the choir shall be directly deposited to the Church treasury. Article XI- Rules of Order Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the business procedures of this choir

10 Choir Rules and Regulations: 1. Attend all scheduled rehearsals each month in order to sing, unless you re on vacation, working, hospitalized, sick or have contacted an officer for an excused absence. Scheduled Rehearsals: A. The Voices - The first and last Monday of each month (7:00PM) B. Male Chorus - Third and fourth Thursday of each month (6:00PM) C. Sunbeam Choir- Second and third Friday of each month (6:30) D. The Youth Ensemble TBA 2. Be on time for rehearsals and 15 minutes before worship services. The jewelry should be removed before processional. If you re going be late for choir devotion, contact the President or Minister of Music. The choir should be early to be uniformed and to consecrate yourselves for service unto the Lord. If you haven't contacted the President of lateness, and the choir is in the choir stand, you must take a seat in the audience. 3. Should support choir in all endeavors by : (a) Cooperate with decisions made by the staff. (b) All services and engagements where the choir is scheduled to perform must be in full attendance, in uniform, no exceptions. 4. Financial contributions - Dues are as follow: The Voices- $10.00 per month Sunbeam Choir- $1.00 per month Youth Ensemble- $2.00 per month The Male Chorus- N/A The Praise team- N/A 5. Support your leadership and officers: (a) Pastor (b) Minister of Music (c) President/Vice President (d) Choir Director (e) Musician 6. Work towards spiritual growth by attending at least one of the following: Sunday School, Prayer, Bible Study, evening worship services, etc. 7. Choir Decorum and Etiquette: (a) No talking during rehearsals or during church services in the choir stand. (b) No text messaging or browsing the internet on your cell phones during church services in the choir stand and during rehearsals. (c) Must be at all times in proper uniform and have robes cleaned. Women are not allowed to minister in sleeveless tops and are to dress in a Christian and respectful manner, not being revealing of physical/personal features, for the sake of Ministry

11 (d) No earrings at all to be worn by men, women are not allowed to wear earrings that dangle or those of large/med size hoops. President will define the size earrings that are allowed for the women. (e) After rehearsals and worship services, all members must clean up their section from tissues, water cups, etc. (f) No socializing 5 minutes before worship services, this is the time to get focused on Ministry and preparing for processional. (g) Do not wear the choir robe outside of the building. Carry your robe in your hands. (h) No suggestions during the choir rehearsal. Suggestions should be made before or after choir rehearsal. This will alleviate confusion and negative feedback. 8. Accepting Engagements - When invitations are received, the Pastor will notify the Minister of Music if it is feasible for the choir to attend, according to the Church calendar. After protocol, the President will be notified along with the choir Secretary, so that there is a written reply accepting or rejecting the invitation. The choir instantly rejects invitations sent within 30 days of the engagements. As this practice is maintained, there will be no unpleasantness or misunderstanding. 9. Must be a team member whose main purpose to glorify God and create an atmosphere of harmony and love among the members of the music ministry. 10. Must be faithful in service. 11. Must abide by the bylaws as voted upon and set forth for guidelines and directions. 12. Excessive absences (unexcused) from rehearsals and/or engagements will result in counseling by the President. Continued unexcused absences will result in the member being asked to resign for the good of the music ministry. A member of the choir may be asked to resign from the choir for actions considered detrimental to the good of the music ministry or may at their own choice resign. All resignations should be in writing. The President, after coordinating with the Administrative Staff and Pastor, will initiate all resignations. 13. Fines are as follow: (a) unexcused absence from rehearsals, worship services and engagements is $ 5.00, (b) disrespectful behavior during rehearsals and worship services is $10.00, ( c) violations of the rules of the choir is $10.00, (d) violation of the dress code, (i.e. large earrings, necklaces overlapping robes) is $ All fine payments are to be made to the choir Treasurer. Non- payment of fines within 30 days of fine issuance will result in suspension until fine is paid. Non-payment 30 days after suspension will result in dismissal from the choir. BUILDING A GOOD CHOIR 1. It is very essential that every officer know specifically what their job is and that they fit into the total spectrum of the Music Department and the Choir. 2. The better trained the musicians and directors are, the better the choir, musically

12 3. Choir members should understand and accept that the Minister of Music instructs the choir members and not vice versa. 4. Promptness to rehearsals, good attendance, willingness to learn and alertness builds the foundation for a good choir. 5. The Minister of Music must know what to sing, when and where. 6. Lead singers must understand that they are merely a part of the whole choir and must constantly keep a watchful eye on the director when singing. 7. All musicians must remember to take their cue from the director of each song. 8. To successfully maintain a good working unit, everyone must be able to take directions and accept constructive feedback with humility. 9. Give 100% commitment in your section and help others to become their best. 10. Be prayerful and be a true Child of God in word and in deed. 11. Seek the anointing of God, to be used whether you lead or sing in your section. It's the anointing that destroys the yokes of bondage and our endeavors should be that God can use our musical talents. 12. Sing with your all so that God may be glorified. 13. Never base theories on slow songs/fast songs. Just give God praise in whatever song you sing. 14. Proper care of uniforms should be stressed. Dress, look, act and sound like a choir. 15. A Sunday morning worship is not the time for the choir to entertain, but to assist in the overall ministry of winning souls for Christ. The musical atmosphere must be one of an appeal to aid the sinner into being drawn by the Holy Spirit. Joyous expressions of praise coupled with words of love pertaining to Christ are most suitable for worship service. Leave of Absence A leave of absence is a specific length of time that a member requests to have their membership temporarily suspended. Members are expected to return to the choir after a leave of absence. A leave of absence may be granted for the following reasons: Academic; Study abroad; or extended medical/personal reasons, job related conflicts. A Leave of Absence is considered absence in excess of 30 days. To return to the choir after an approved leave of absence, the choir member must attend two (2) consecutive rehearsals prior to ministering with the choir in Sunday worship service. Members requesting a Leave of Absence must complete a Leave of Absence form. The form can be obtained from the Minister of Music or President. It is important that you include the anticipated length of your absence on the form. Completed forms may be given to either of the following: (a) Minister of Music (b) President. Administrators, Assistants, Directors, Musicians or Officers who require a leave of absence must also complete a leave of absence form. Return the completed form to the Minister of Music. It is important that you include the anticipated length of your absence on the form

13 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Our mission is to lift up Jesus Christ through song, minister to those searching for hope, and encourage the believers through harmonies and melodies that touch the soul. The fulfillment of our mission is dependent upon an earnest commitment from each choir member to God, His church and community and to the standards of the choir and the procedures set forth by the choir's Administrative Staff. Be effective in our ministry to our congregational family through the worshipful singing and leading of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Prepare the hearts of the congregation to receive and apply the Word of God. Foster a healthy and vibrant ministry within the music ministry family. Be an example to the other members of the body at this church and in the North Las Vegas community by the testimony of their lives. Be fully committed and faithful in attending rehearsals and services. Be in total communication of unavoidable tardiness and absences. Provide an avenue of service to the body at The Great Commission Interdenominational Church. Provide responsible and sensitive leadership by the appointment of the Choir Administrative Staff. Strive for excellence in all corporate and individual endeavors relating to the Music Ministry. Go through our choir repertoire, look at the songs we haven t sung in a long time and make plans to either re-learn them as is, revise them, or drop them for the time being. Put together a plan to introduce the choir members to a little more music theory. Create an ambitious yearly plan to build our music program within the church and to grow visibility in our greater community. To train aspiring musicians and singers of all ages but focusing on the youth. Provide the music committee with a more structured agenda with regular meetings and monthly, yearly, and long term goals and tasks. Work with Rev. Hooks to use music to create flow in the Sunday morning service and generate energy within our community to attract new members

14 2012 Administrative Staff and Music Council Rev. Brian Garland: (Minister of Music/ Director of Music/Chief Director, Organist, Chairman) Deacon Robert Mosley: (Choir President) Sister Patricia Battie: (Choir Vice President) Sister Evelyn Kline: (Choir Secretary) Sister Denise Hoyes James: (Sergeant At Arms) Deacon Lawrence (Larry) Lynch: (Choir Treasurer) Sister Kim McCoy: (Pianist, Choir Director) Sister Sonya Jones: (Choir Director) Sister Flossy Jones: (Librarian)

15 REFERENCES Choir Decorum and Discipline by Dr. R.M. Simmons (Laymen Christian Leadership Publication) Choir Directing by R.M. Simmons (Laymen Christian Leadership Publication) Choir Membership by R.M. Simmons (Laymen Christian Leadership Publication) Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc./ 30 th Annual Convention Cincinnati, Ohio August 9-16,1997 /Instructor Glen McMillan (Senior Minister of Music of the Mount Lebanon Baptist Church, Brooklyn, N.Y.). Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc./ 30 th Annual Convention Cincinnati, Ohio August 9-16, 1997/ Instructor Toni Towns (Class-Choir Decorum) Music Ministry Potential- Margaret Pleasant Douroux ( Song Writer) Resource Booklet for Choir Directors/Minister of Music, Musicians, Soloists and Choir Members by Dr. Dorothy Grant (Directory of the Springhill Baptist Church Gospel Chorus) The Holy Bible Little Rock Interdenominational Church Music Ministry Bylaws Choir Policies and Procedures