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(i)ncarnation of worship 
Posted by Seth Norris on December 3, 2010 at 1:52 am
Coming from the perspective of someone that won’t necessarily be working in the rehearsal setting – YES!!! I would certainly hope that the rehearsal setting serves as a tool for evangelism. Although I believe the use of words is necessary more often than St. Francis of Assisi did when he said, “preach the gospel at all times and if necessary use words,” I see the rehearsals as an opportunity to glorify God and reflect in the truth of the gospel message. While I always hope that those responsible for leading others in worship are believers, I know that others may be involved simply because of the opportunity to create music. After hearing a number of horror stories from rehearsal settings, it seems the only way to maintain a common voice is to center all things on Christ – including the rehearsals.
Perhaps worship bands could use rehearsals non-conventionally, to intentionally invite musicians or those interested in learning the art to rehearsal to observe. At the end (or beginning) of every rehearsal, someone leads the group in a devotional and evangelistic scripture. Music has amazing power to develop a community and I pray that rather than allowing the music to develop the community, it is Christ. Music could be the relational component necessary to invite and build relationships. Also, rehearsals could also include some rehearsal time and some evangelism time in the community.
I know my thoughts are somewhat scattered on this response…reflects the time of semester.
Posted by Jason Musgrove on December 4, 2010 at 9:10 pm
I beleive that any setting the Christian finds himself in can and should be a mechanism for evangelism. We can never assume that everyone in the room has a personal relationship with Christ, whether it be a church service, a Sunday school class, a choir rehearsal, or even a seminary class. Knowing this, we should always conduct ourselves in a manner that is consistent with our Christian worldview and which demonstrates Christ’s love in tangible ways.
In specific regards to rehearsal settings, I can personally attest to the fact that I was unsaved when I first started playing in a church orchestra and singing in choir. Looking back, I can say without a doubt that my personal interaction with other members of the music ministry affected my desire to be a Christian, both positively and negatively. While the decision to accept Christ as Lord and Savior ultimately was between me and God, it was certainly influenced by those around me.
Posted by Donnie Jones on September 12, 2011 at 4:06 am
I totally agree, Jason! So often, we take for granted that people are saved just because they are good people and that they attend church regularly. I believe we should take every opportunity to preach JESUS to everyone.
If this means that we can share a Bible Study and make it evangelistic, even to a praise band or a choir, I believe this is ok… Again you never know. Every week, I share the gospel with my youth during the service… you never know who is has been thinking about this very subject of salvation and who God has been dealing with about this.
My brother went to chuch all his life and was even a deacon in his church, but a latter age in life, he realized he was without Christ.
Never stop preaching Jesus. Preach Jesus to Everyone no matter who they are, what they do, or who they claim to be!
Posted by Steven McMorris on December 5, 2010 at 5:33 pm
I’m with Jason on this one- we can never assume everyone in the room is a believer. I too was lost even while serving in a church as a college student. Praise the Lord the Spirit of God convicted me and I entered into a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ. I believe the church, and even the choir and worship team is filled with lost people who have hidden behind religion for salvation. Obviously you wouldn’t want to extend an invitation during every rehearsal and constantly be skeptical about people’s salvation, but the door should always be open and as worship leaders I believe that we should be nurturing those in our worship team and reminding them of what a relationship with Christ is all about.
Posted by gwoodward1 on December 11, 2010 at 4:40 am
Great post, showing we can’t be legalistic about opportunity for evangelism in a rehearsal
Posted by Rendell James on December 6, 2010 at 12:53 pm
And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
The choral rehearsal is an avenue for evangelism. The combined experience of rehearsal on Saturday and performance on Sunday convinces me that when people join together to offer God praise and honor, the communal experience is a blessing and a means of spreading the Good News. As a co-conductor of Dr. Harlan’s composition, I witnessed the presence of a good and gracious God in the people which I led in rehearsal and performance. Each chorister and instrumentalist had a commitment to perform well and provide the audience with the message surrounding the Christ Child’s birth. As heralds of the Gospel message, we are entrusted with the awesome responsibility to serve members of the Body of Christ.
Although I teach at a public school, I view my work as a ministry. The recent winter concert provided my high school chamber singers an opportunity to sing a cappella sacred art music. The performance of “Sicut Cervus” provided the audience with an artistic concept of Psalm 42 through their comprehension of the cascading imitative and contrapuntal phrases. Throughout the semester, the students did not understand the value of working together. The week before Thanksgiving break, the ensemble had a transformation. As we prepare the Fauré Requiem, they now have a better concept that cooperative efforts bring about positive results in the rehearsal room and on the performance stage.
Posted by Donnie Jones on September 12, 2011 at 3:28 am
I believe worship leaders, choir leaders, etc. should ask if their members are saved but you never know if ones are just saying that they are or just believe that they are because of their personal belief of Salvation.
We need to preach the gospel at every chance in our lives. We need to preach Jesus and His power to will and to work in our lives. You never know who will connect with this message. There are pastors, deacons, Sunday School teachers, etc who discover that they are not saved after believing that they are for many years.
I believe we do too much assuming. I believe this is the case because of the water-down-perspective some of the church has of the gospel and perspective of salvation. We got to preach Jesus. Preach Sin, Law and Judgement! There are so many who needs to repent, and it will surprise us!
Posted by Melissa Mann on December 6, 2010 at 10:19 pm
I agree with all of the above comments. The rehearsal can definitely by a way to evangelize. Like Jason said, we can never assume though we often do that everyone in the church or rehearsal is saved. So, it is important to develop relationships among one another, preach the gospel to one another as well. You never know who it will impact. This also refers to the way we conduct ourselves in rehearsal. Not only do we not know if everyone is saved but someone who is not saved could potentially walk in and what would they see? A group of people who love God and each other or a church group fighting over the solo for next week and such? Our actions should always model that of Christ, even when we may disagree. I also had the idea of taking the group of musicians out together to evangelize through music and otherwise. Through having times of getting together, praying together, and sharing with one another the group could share about people they know who are lost and they could make an effort as a group to witness to them. I also liked the idea of bringing others in to observe or participate in rehearals which opens doors to witness and build relationships with people to share the love of Christ.
Posted by Benjamin Decou on December 7, 2010 at 5:03 am
I agree with what’s above, and I a glad to hear to stories of conversion through this unseeming ministry. I certainly believe that the rehearsal setting is a tool for evangelism. Evangelism should be at the core of our beings and of our worship. Our God is a loving and merciful God. Our function in worship is to ask God to reveal Himself to us, and to ask God to help us respond. It seems only natural for evangelism to take place within any structure of it. There are those that are exposed “by there fruits” when worship and its setting or rehearsal take place. This is especially true when believers in the praise team are worshiping privately and diligently seeking God’s will. We as christian musicians must humble ourselves and show the same love an mercy that our Father showed us. We must evangelize whenever, whereever, and in whatever circumstance.
Posted by Rendell James on December 7, 2010 at 7:47 am
On Thursday of this week, I will rehearse with the adult choir, children’s choir, and lectors for my church’s first Advent celebration of nine lessons and carols.
The gentle season of Advent prepares our hearts and minds for Jesus to be born once again in our hearts and for the second coming of Christ at the end of time.
Through rehearsal of Scripture and song, we will prepare for the service. Although the concept of lessons and carols is new to the assembly, hopefully people will attend with an open mind and heart to worship God.
I pray that the experience of the liturgy will draw people into a more intimate place with God during this preparation before Christmas. I hope that the adult choir and children’s choir will work in a cooperative spirit for God’s greater glory and honor. I pray that the lectors will proclaim God’s Word so that it may penetrate to the core our longing hearts.
All are welcome…let us praise God as a faith-community, rooted in prayer and joined together in love.
Posted by Brooke Newsom on December 8, 2010 at 3:36 pm
I agree with all of the above comments. I think too often as Christians we compartmentalize our lives and block out certain times for ourselves, times for evangelism, times for prayer, etc. When we do this we are in danger of making those times different from each other (and making ourselves different during those times). We need to remember that EVERYTHING we have and do and are is God’s. We belong to him. All our time, all our money, all our lives. This should mean that we are walking evangelistic tools. all the days of our lives. We should constantly be being Christ to those around us in hopes that we will lead others to him. Oh to live that way everyday of my life – no matter where I am and no matter who is around me (those I think may be saved or those that are lost). My desire to live as Christ and share Christ with those around me should not change with the company I am around.
Posted by Rendell James on December 9, 2010 at 2:48 pm
It is very important for us to find time to pray and reflect upon our relationships with God and others. During this time of Advent and preparation for Christmas, I agree with Brooke, we must realize that God is the source of everything. There has to be time to bring His message to a world so desperate of the message through evangelism. Evangelism is a means to form new relationships and strengthen current ones through our sharing in the communal love of God and His commands.
Posted by rj595 on May 12, 2011 at 3:37 am
The Use of Wiki for Choral Reflections
With the increasing number of social media and network sites, the use of blogs and wikis are effective means for the dissemination of information to large volumes of people since the worldwide web is available to nearly everyone. The setup of blogs and wikis is generally minimal. Several online companies offer free setup or give incentives for a reduced set up fee.
The wiki is generally viewed as being more effective than the blog. The information contributed is offered by people of different experiences and backgrounds. There is more opportunity to update topics, articles, and discussions due to the wiki audience. The wiki has more of an opportunity for profound intellectual discussion since it is accessible twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
For the choral conductor, the wiki site is an invaluable resource. First, it provides an opportunity for building repertoire lists. Second, the wiki initiates discussions among directors regarding the pros and cons of performing a certain piece of music and rehearsal strategies to achieve successful performances with the choir. The wiki may also be a great source of support for young conductors and for more seasoned ones who experience burnout and lethargy for the profession. The wiki is also an effective way for the conductor to present prospective research topics for continuing education or to make readily available research that has been presented at conferences, workshops, or lectures, or meetings.
The sophistication of the wiki allows the conductor to post streaming audio and video recordings of concerts, rehearsals, and lectures for immediate feedback. Considering the uncertainty and inconsistency of the USPS system, individuals have easier access to live recordings without the hassle of mailing DVDs or CDs for sales and auditions. A wiki site for the professional choral circle helps to keep scholarly writing in tact since it is an expectation for collegiate choral directors to research and write to gain tenure within the department or college.
For the Christian choral director, it provides the opportunity to live and share beliefs in the triune God. Prayers, special church services, spiritual reflections, retreat opportunities, and revival announcements may be posted in the wiki area. The wiki can be a haven for personal reflection and spiritual growth as God often speak through the words of others. If the conductor allows God to speak to his/her heart, a wiki space may be the opportunity to hear God’s voice. If God speaks, will the conductor’s heart be hardened or be overshadowed by the score study of the Mozart Requiem; the various department meetings; evaluating master’s theses; and preparing for conducting class?
In Samuel 3:10, he says, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” In this twenty-first century technologically advanced time of wiki sites, would it be more appropriate for Samuel to say, “Speak Lord, your servant has read the posts on wiki and on my way to rehearsal; therefore, I responded to you on my I-pad with openness to your Word?” Welcome to the twenty-first century!
Posted by Donnie Jones on September 10, 2011 at 10:37 pm
A test. My last post didnt work. I lost everything.
Posted by Donnie Jones on September 10, 2011 at 10:45 pm
I agree with the person above when they share that need not assume that everyone is saved, even though they say that they are. I believe worship leaders, choir leaders, etc. should ask if their members are saved but you never know if ones are just saying that they are or just believe that they are because of their personal belief of Salvation.
We need to preach the gospel at every chance in our lives. We need to preach Jesus and His power to will and to work in our lives. You never know who will connect with this message. There are pastors, deacons, Sunday School teachers, etc who discover that they are not saved after believing that they are for many years.
I believe we do too much assuming. I believe this is the case because of the water-down-perspective some of the church has of the gospel and perspective of salvation. We got to preach Jesus. Preach Sin, Law and Judgement! There are so many who needs to repent, and it will surprise us!
Posted by Christopher Fuselier on September 22, 2011 at 5:44 pm
Absolutely! The reason why is because we may have a new musician or a guest musician. What a great time to incorporate evangelism.
The Lord could really use this time to work in people’s lives and make sure that they belong to Him. I hope that everyone will be evangelistic in their worship rehearsal’s!