Worship Team Handbook Fall 2013
Table of Contents Letter... 3 Constitution and Bylaws... 4 Title and Corporation... 4 Purpose... 4 Doctrinal Statement... 4 Church Government and Organization... 5 Elders... 5 Membership... 6 Sacraments... 7 Appendix A... 8 The Apostles Creed... 8 The Nicene Creed... 9 Appendix B...10 The Role of Tradition Within the Church...10 Christ Community Church At Worship...11 Requirements...15 Commitment...15 Housekeeping...15 Appearance...16 Standards...17 Conduct...18 Speech...18 Conduct...18 Love...19 Faith...19 Purity...19 2
Letter from the Music Minister August 25, 2013, Ordinary Season Greetings, Thank you for your interest in serving in the music ministry of Christ Community Church. This year (2013) marks my 10 th anniversary as Minister of Music at CCC and it continues to amaze me that God lets me serve him in this capacity. I have had the privilege to serve alongside some excellent musicians over the years and am always interested to see who God desires to add to our team. A decade is plenty of time to develop a culture. While musical styles and worship wars come and go, there have been a few attributes that have remained within the music ministry over time. First, it has been our desire to foster a deep reverence for the person and work of Jesus Christ. Our prayer is that, above all, he is honored and glorified. Congregational singing is also a high priority for us. If God s children cannot be heard singing his praises, we need to ask ourselves whether we have done our job. Complicated arrangements, unpredictable melodies, and an ever-expanding repertoire of the latest worship songs can hinder congregational singing. Thus, simplicity emerges as another value among us. While we desire to offer our gifts with excellence, we have found great beauty in keeping our arrangements, chord changes, schedules, and rehearsals manageable and stressfree. Many more core values could be expressed here and other still have yet to emerge. Serving Christ and his Church in music is a great joy; when it becomes about ambition, it becomes a joyless labor. This handbook is intended to answer the following questions: 1) who is Christ Community Church, 2) why does Christ Community Church do what she does on Sunday mornings, and 3) what is expected of the members of the worship team? Each of these questions is addressed in the pages that follow. Thank you, again, for taking interest in the worship team. I look forward to serving our Lord with you in this great and awesome task we call worship. Peace of Christ, Ben Williams Minister of Music 3
Christ Community Church Constitution and Bylaws ARTICLE I TITLE AND CORPORATION The name and title of this particular local congregation shall be Christ Community Church. The address of this congregation shall be 700 North Parkway, Jackson, Tennessee, 38305. The congregation shall be incorporated. The appointed Elders shall be the Directors of the Corporation. Christ Community church is an independent, evangelical church. ARTICLE II PURPOSE The purpose for which this church is established shall be to glorify God through the preaching and teaching of the Word of God for the building up of the faith of believers, the worldwide proclamation of the Gospel of the grace of God as the means of salvation, the promotion of Godly worship and the defense of the faith once for all delivered to the saints, while continuing steadfastly in prayer and observing the sacraments of the New Testament Church. ARTICLE III DOCTRINAL STATEMENT 1. We believe in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as verbally inspired of God and without error in the original manuscripts and that they are of supreme and final authority in faith and life. (See Appendix B: The Role of Tradition Within the Church) 2. We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We accept the Apostles Creed and the Nicene Creed which describe for us the true faith. (See Appendix A) 4
3. We believe in the bodily return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 4. We believe mankind alone was created in the image of God. Man fell from the state of righteousness in the disobedience of Adam, the head of the human race. Thus, all men have a sinful nature in their natural condition. All are born sinners separated from God, guilty under God, and justly condemned by God. God s free provision and solution for man s sinful condition is the Man, Jesus Christ. Salvation is wrought by God s grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Belief in Christ secures eternal life in Heaven, deliverance from and provision for all sin, and provides the desire and resources to lead a new life that is pleasing to God. Repenting of one s sins is evidence of new life in Christ. Those who do not trust Christ for salvation will spend eternity in Hell. 5. We believe the Church is the universal Body of Christ. All true believers belong to the universal church. The body of Christ shall have its local expression in the locally organized church overseen by appointed elders. The local church shall meet together for worship, teaching, fellowship, prayer, and edification. The local church shall be committed to making disciples in Jesus Christ. Christ ordained that the church should observe the sacraments of baptism and the Eucharist or Lord s Supper until He returns. ARTICLE IV CHURCH GOVERNMENT AND ORGANIZATION SECTION 1 ELDERS Under the authority of Jesus Christ and the Word of God, the Elders exercise authority within this local congregation. This authority is to be exercised with the love and grace patterned by our Lord Jesus Christ. The Elders shall be comprised of men who re qualified for the office as set forth in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. Those qualities of spiritual maturity, ability to teach, spiritual mindedness, and the calling of God must be present in every elder. 5
A. Appointment of Elders: Elders shall be appointed by the Elders currently in the congregation. Appointment of an elder is only to be done after much prayer and meditation upon the Word of God and informative discussion with the current members of the congregation. The appointment must also occur only after the Elders agree in complete and total unity. The timing of the appointment of an elder is at the discretion of the current Elders and is dependent upon God raising up men to fill the office of elder. B. Tenure of Elders: Elders shall be ordained for life and shall serve in such capacity until death, resignation, termination of church membership, or by conduct that violates the Scriptural qualifications of eldership as set forth in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. Termination shall be by unanimous agreement of the remaining elders. C. Duties of Elders: The Elders are the pastors, overseers, and shepherds of the church. Their main duties shall be in devoting their time to prayer, the ministry of the Word by teaching and encouraging sound doctrine, and shepherding the congregation. In addition, the Elders will oversee the ministries of the church and administer the business of the church. Deacons and deaconesses may be appointed by the Elders for specific tasks as the need arises. The roles of deacons and deaconesses are explained in Scripture for functioning within the congregation. Deacons and deaconesses perform their duties in service to God and to the congregation under the authority of the Elders. D. The appointed Elders shall be the Directors of the Corporation. Should there be less than three (3) elders, the Elders shall appoint a member for the needed office. ARTICLE V MEMBERSHIP 6
1. Qualifications of Membership: A member of the church is defined as one who agrees with and will abide by the Christ Community church Constitution and bylaws and has met with and been recommended by the Elders. 2. Additions to Membership: a. By profession of faith. Upon a credible profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and baptism as outlined in Article VI, a person may be received into the membership of this congregation. b. By transfer. Members of other congregations may be received as members of this congregation when the person(s) has met with and been recommended by the Elders. 3. Termination of Membership: a. By death. b. By request of termination of membership. c. By church discipline. Church discipline may be exercised when a member continues in public sin, flagrant sin, false teaching or causing division within the congregation. (1 Corinthians 5:1, 9-13; Matthew 18:15-17) Those members liable for church discipline shall be counseled by a member(s) of the Elders with a view towards reconciliation with the church. Those members refusing reconciliation shall be removed from membership. d. At the Elders discretion, inactive members may be removed from membership. ARTICLE VI SACRAMENTS Sacraments are a communication of grace instituted by God and given to the Church. Those who participate in a sacrament are not saved by sacraments, but they are a means whereby our faith is strengthened. Sacraments are not to be entered into lightly or unadvisedly, but soberly and with great joy. Sacraments are to be administered by the Elders or deacons appointed to the task. 7
Among the sacraments are: 1. Baptism: Our practice is to baptize by immersion in water all adults and children who make a credible profession of faith in Jesus Christ. All individuals who desire to unite with our congregation should evidence a credible profession of faith in Jesus Christ. If such individuals have been baptized by other modes commonly practiced in other Christian fellowships, they are not required to be baptized again. 2. Eucharist: This meal instituted by our Lord is a meal of remembrance, proclamation, and thanksgiving. Christ gave thanks before He broke the bread. From this thanksgiving we get our word Eucharist to describe the Lord s Supper. Those participating in Eucharist are encouraged to remember Christ s body given for us, His blood of the new covenant, and His coming again. We are also encouraged to discern the Lord s body: in His death and resurrection, His bodily life in glory, and in His church. We celebrate the Eucharist regularly in recognition that Christ is truly present with us. Adults and children may participate in the Eucharist or Lord s Supper upon a credible profession of faith in Jesus Christ and having been baptized as outlined above. APPENDIX A The Apostles Creed I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day, he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 8
I believe in the Holy Spirit, The holy catholic* church, The communion of saints, The forgiveness of sins, The resurrection of the body, And the life everlasting. Amen. The Nicene Creed We believe in one God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all that is visible and invisible. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God; begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made; being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven: And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man. And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered death and was buried. And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures: And ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father: And He shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. And we believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father (and the Son): Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified. Who spake by the Prophets. And we believe in one catholic* and apostolic** church: We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins: And we look for the resurrection of the dead: and the life of the world to come. Amen. *catholic the whole Christian boy or Church throughout the world, at all times and in all places **apostolic pertaining to the apostles teaching 9
APPENDIX B The Role of Tradition Within the Church We do not despise the interpretation of the Greek and Latin fathers and the teaching of the councils, but subordinate them to the Scriptures; honoring them as far as they agree with the Scriptures; and modestly dissenting from them when they go beyond or against the Scriptures. In matters of faith we cannot admit any other judge than God himself, who through His Word tells us what is true and what is false, what is to be followed, and what is to be avoided. We reject traditions which contradict the Scriptures, though they may claim to be apostolic. (Second Helvetic Confession) 10
Christ Community Church at Worship Walton Padelford The elements of worship at Christ Community Church fall into four major headings: liturgy, singing, preaching and Eucharist. We are following the Biblical pattern of heavenly worship given to us in the Book of Revelation. This pattern is not new, but has been used in Christ s churches from the earliest days of the Christian era. This teaching in Revelation Chapters four and five is particularly relevant for us today as it follows directly from the teaching on the Laodicean church in Revelation Chapter 3. The Laodicean church is a rich church which to herself appears that she has no needs. Jesus calls her wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. This church and the people are wretched which means that they are living at a level almost devoid of spiritual power and reality. They are miserable or lonely. This is the age of individualism, and we are paying a terrible price for it. We are losing communion in marriage and family, in church and community. Even in the midst of gigantic churches, the parishioner can feel very alone. These worshippers are poor. They are poor in faith. Faith has not developed very much. They are blind which means spiritually blind. The age of individualism places man at the center of thought and theology. Therefore, we are slow in seeing Christ in all the Scripture. We are spiritually blind. Nakedness means that believers are trying to cover themselves in works righteousness rather than the righteousness of Christ. We are literally sinking in a plethora of activities and good works, but it is only the righteousness of Christ that can clothe us and fit us for heaven. Christ says to us; Come unto to me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Any sober reflection must reveal that Christ s church in America is truly the Laodicean church. These things are true of us as modern American Christians. As Christ commands; we need to repent, to change our minds about who we are, and admit that we are a needy 11
people. However, Christ offers wonderful remedies for us in the midst of this dreadful situation. In the midst of Christ s loving rebuke stands a door and a wonderful promise that if we open the door, Christ will come in to the church and have intimate fellowship with us. (Revelation 3:20). Liturgy As the Apostle John hears this promise he sees a door opened for him in heaven which he enters and beholds amazing heavenly worship. John sees twenty-four elders around the throne who say in unison a praise to the Lord. The four living creatures say Holy, Holy, Holy. We see here the pattern of congregational reading and response; that is of a type of liturgy composed of reading and response. Preaching In Chapter five we see a book with seven seals that only the Lion of Judah can open. This teaches us the importance of The Book in worship. The preacher, as it were, stands in Christ s stead and opens the book for the congregation; thus preaching forms an integral part of worship. Singing In verses eight and nine of Chapter five, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders sing a new song to the Lamb. Thus we have heavenly singing to which our earthly congregational singing acts as a reminder of heavenly worship. Eucharist Finally, in Chapter five verse six, we see the Lamb standing as it had been slain. This gives us a picture of Lord s supper or Eucharist in which we remember the death of Christ for us and look forward to His second advent. This is both a somber and celebratory event. God crushed His Son on our behalf, yet we rejoice that He has redeemed us. 12
Roles There are several different roles members can play in the worship team. Each role requires a level of commitment and skill. If you are interested in any of the following, please let me know. MUSICIAN Members who feel called to play skillfully unto the Lord and meet the requirements in this handbook. INSTRUMENTAL LEADER Skilled musicians who desire to teach fellow team members to improve in their musical skills. Instrumental leaders are responsible for identifying problem areas and for developing methods to address them. This role may require one-on-one or extracurricular training sessions. VOCAL LEADER Skilled vocalists who desire to develop fellow team members in vocal training. The vocal leader will teach practical skills in reading music, singing harmonies, and diction. This role may require one-on-one or extra-curricular training sessions. WORSHIP LEADER Musicians who possess both musical skill and a heart for leading others in worship. Worship leaders are responsible for planning services, praying for services, communicating with team members, creating chord charts, and conducting rehearsals. This role requires discipline in meditation, prayer, and scripture reading as well as the ability to sing and play a lead instrument. ASSISTANT (coordinator/facilitator) Dedicated individual (not necessarily a musician) who desires to serve in an administrative role for the worship team. The assistant is responsible for filing music, copying sheet music, scheduling and coordinating events, communicating with the 13
team, etc. The assistant must possess computer skills and will be required to attend most worship team functions. 14
Requirements Worship team members must be: In agreement with the doctrines and practices of Christ Community Church Growing in their knowledge of and love for God through prayer and Bible study. Committed to pursuing humility and servant-hood Faithful and punctual in attending required meetings and rehearsals Committed to growing in their musical skill. Faithful to communicate to the appropriate pastor any circumstances that might affect the integrity of their participation on the team. Commitment Faithful and punctual in attending required meetings and rehearsals Notify worship leader of expected absence at least 48 hours prior to relevant worship service Be familiar with the lectionary readings prior to each Sunday service Checking planningcenteronline.com web site weekly Housekeeping Be on platform by 9:25 a.m. every Sunday morning Remove all cups and dishes from platform each Sunday Remove all sheet music and organize for filing after each service Keep platform clear of instrument cases and unnecessary clutter 15
Appearance Conservatively Casual Men need to be reasonably groomed (facial hair appropriately trimmed, tidy clothing, etc.) Women need to wear pants or full-length skirts/dresses No hats 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. Romans 12:1-2 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 16
Standards 1 Timothy 3:2-12 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil. Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. Titus 1:5-9 5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you-- 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. James 3:1 1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. "Worship isn't a gig. It's the overflow of a life devoted to the glory of Jesus Christ." Bob Kauflin, Worship Matters 17
Conduct Don t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 Speech 2 Corinthians 6:7: by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; Ephesians 4:29: Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Colossians 4:6: Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Titus 2:7-8: Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. James 3:8-10: but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Conduct "If the way we live doesn't back up what we proclaim on Sunday morning, we're not only deceiving the church we're misrepresenting the God we claim to be worshiping." Bob Kauflin, Worship Matters " if your marriage is struggling, if your children are rebelling, if you're viewing pornography, if you're easily angered, if your speech is foul start by confessing it to those who can help you." Bob Kauflin, Worship Matters Proverbs 28:13: Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. "Sometimes the best way you can demonstrate the value of Jesus Christ to others is by stepping down." Bob Kauflin, Worship Matters 18
Love 1 Corinthians 13:4 7: Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love in response of criticism Attitudes toward others in the worship team How would others evaluate your example of love? 1 John 3:16: By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 1 John 3:18: Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. Faith Set example for the church by remaining steadfast in our faith Hebrews 11:6: And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Purity Titus 2:14: who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Undefiled, unmixed, and undiluted, free from evil or contamination 2 Corinthians 11:3: But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. Sexual purity: clothing, vocal style, etc. 19