The first mention of music in the Bible is in Genesis

Genesis 4:21: And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.

Music formed an integral part of Old Testament life. It was central in Israel’s worship (1 Chron 15:27-28 and Neh 12:45-47). In 1 Chronicles, King David assigned duties to the priests, musicians and singers, divisions of the porters, treasurers and other officials (1 Chron 25:1; 9:22-29). These people were entrusted with responsibilities for worship in the Temple.

1 Chronicles 15:27-28: And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen. Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps.

Nehemiah 12:45-47: And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son. For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.
And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified holy things unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified them unto the children of Aaron.

Today, in the Church, the choir is not simply in attendance. In worship, the choir:

• Assists in leading congregational singing. As choir members trained in music and voices, we seek to encourage others to participate in worship singing;
• Serves as examples or demonstrators for those in the congregation who have forgotten their role in worship. Were there times when you came to church with a mind clouded with the anxieties and frustrations of the past week? The choir is to be an example and a visual reminder to the congregation of how we are to worship the Lord with joy in our hearts.  David told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers to sing joyful songs, accompanied by musical instruments (1 Chron 15:16). Similarly, the choir seeks to communicate reverence, celebration and joy to those who may be distracted from worshipping the Lord.
• Models worship for the congregation. Choir members are to demonstrate what worshippers look like when they sing, when they pray, and when they respond both cognitively and in expression. The choir will lead the congregation in a worshipful attitude and lift the congregation up to God – to sing with joy and heartfelt praise to our Lord. It is from the choir’s example that the congregation takes its cue.

The choir seeks to minister to the congregation, drawing from the principles of the music ministry at the Temple. Firstly, the Temple musicians were prepared spiritually. They were set aside and ordained for their ministry. Similarly, choir members must sanctify ourselves and prepare our hearts before worship. Secondly, the Levitical musicians were trained musically. Choir members too seek to improve musically, through practice and voice training. Thirdly, the Levitical musicians were supported financially. In this respect, the church should also pray for the choir, that its ministry would be fruitful. Finally, the Levites served pastorally. At least seven times in the Old Testament, the Levites are said to minister to the people through their music. The choir too seeks to minister to the congregation through song.

It is our prayer that as part of music ministry, choir members can offer a unique sacrifice of praise to God.

The choir practices on Sundays. Do contact any of the choir members if you wish to join us.

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5

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