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General Policiesand Procedures
2011
Living WordApostolic Church
"The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul."
-Johann Sebastian Bach
Choir is far much more than a collaborative effort simply for our own amusement.
It is an essential tool used for worship (Psalm 69:30-31), for evangelism (Acts 16:25-31),
for teaching and admonishing others (Colossians 3:16), as well as for self-edification
(Ephesians 5:19).
Music in general has caused quite a stir in the spiritual realm since the beginning of
time. When King Saul was troubled with an evil spirit, it was young David's harp-playing
that drove the demon away. When a vast army invaded the land of Judah, King
Jehoshaphat set up a choir in front of his army; and as they sang, the Lord not only set
up ambushes against their opponents, but He even caused them to become confused
and fight amongst themselves. Jehoshaphat's army never had to raise a finger in battle.
As a choir, we have the potential to move God to demonstrate that same power
amongst us and our audience. It is not a matter of talent or skill that will bring this power
about, but rather it is based upon our relationship with God, as well as unity amongst us.
May every sung word from our lips be pleasing in His sight.
CHARACTER
Not only are we singers and/or musicians, but we are all leaders. Each member,
as well as the director(s), is expected to maintain a good personal relationship with Jesus
Christ, being obedient to his principles. We are to conduct ourselves in an orderly and
respectful manner, being courteous, cheerful, kind, honest, etc. We must strive to speak
only words of life one to another, for "death and life are in the power of the tongue; and
they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." (Proverbs 18:21).
We must continuously strive for God's anointing. That is to have the very favor of
God upon our lives. He looks at all aspects of our lives, beholding the good and the bad.
Our good should generously outweigh the bad, "for nothing is secret, that shall not be
made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad." (Luke
8:17). What we do in our personal lives will inevitably be reflected in our performances.
We need the anointing! This anointing breaks yokes of bondages (Isaiah 10:27).
Consider the reason for Jesus' coming: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he
hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the
brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty them that are bruised." (Luke 4:18)
For each performance, God gives us the marvellous opportunity to minister in
song, being used as vessels for His Spirit to flow through. We must strive to keep our
vessels empty, not clogged with garbage, lest His Spirit be unable to move through us.
The late matriarch of our own Pentecostal faith, Nona Freeman, was once visited by an
angel that gave her a list of 18 things that prevent the Spirit of God from flowing. These
things are what we should endeavor to abstain from:
1. Unbelief
2. Disobedience
3. Fear
4. Rebellion
5. Jealousy
6. Bitterness
7. Lust
8. Hatred
9. Stubbornness
REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP
Anyone who wishes to join the choir must be at least 16 years of age, a faithful
member of Living Word Apostolic Church, baptized by immersion in Jesus' name, and
filled with the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in other tongues. A potential member
is also expected to have at least a very basic knowledge of music in general, as well as a
desire to learn. Those who meet those requirements are welcome to join the choir at any
of the first rehearsals of the month. However, this will vary with holiday concerts.
REHEARSAL STRUCTURE
Generally, the first or second Tuesday will begin a new song. Each member will be
given a schedule for specific dates, times, and meeting locations. Most often, we meet
every Tuesday night at 7:00pm. Each session will start with a few minutes of prayer. As
10. Malice (desire to do evil)
11. Greed
12. Anxiety/Worry
13. Judging/Criticism
14. Grumbling/Complaining
15. Pride/Ambition
16. Temper
17. Selfishness/Covetousness
18. Impatience
we start a new song, the director will share with you a brief history behind it (where it
came from, why the artist wrote it, etc.) as well as a brief analysis of the lyrics. Then he
will proceed to teach the parts. Once the parts are solidified, worship in the remaining
rehearsals will be encouraged. If God moves in our rehearsals, He will move in the
performance.
ATTENDANCE
Since rehearsals are limited, a faithful attendance record is required. In the case
you are unable to make it to a practice, it is expected of you to notify the director as soon
as possible.
PLATFORM DRESS CODE
For performances, men are to wear standard church attire (i.e. - coordinating suit
and tie). Hair must be neatly cut off the ears and the collar. Men must also be clean-
shaven. Women must not cut or trim their hair nor wear make-up. They are required to
wear a dress or a skirt and blouse. In performance, skirts should be at least mid-calf or
longer. Slits should not expose the knees at any time. Everyone should dress modestly.
Nothing form-fitting or revealing. Sleeves should extend at least to the elbow. Clothing
should be nothing too attention-getting. Jewelry, with the exception of a watch or
wedding band, is not permitted.
PERFORMANCE ETIQUETTE
The platform is to be revered as a holy place. Much, much more than you are
expected to perform well, you are expected to worship. Anointing starts at the head and
flows downward. If we don't allow God to move upon us when we perform, He will not
move upon the congregation. For the moment in time we perform, it is our duty to create
an atmosphere of praise and worship that is conducive to God's Spirit.
If you feel an urgency of the Spirit to do something out of the ordinary (dance,
jump, step out and lay hands on someone), by all means, you are free, even
encouraged, to follow His leading. A lot of times, there is ice in the atmosphere. We
must strive to break it, as Jesus will move when we step outside our comfort zones.
Stagefright is a common enemy we must learn to conquer. It cripples us from
giving God our absolute best and may hinder Him from moving. We must pray God will
help us to perform boldly and with strong confidence in the Holy Ghost.
SOLOS
There will be times when songs require a soloist or duet. If you wish to be used in
this department, express your interest to the choir director. As a song requires a soloist,
the director takes all those who are willing into prayerful consideration. Decisions will be
made based on a variety of factors: gender, how one's life relates to the song, vocal
range, confidence, and God's leading. Please refrain from jealousy if you did not receive
a desired solo, as not all members can be pleased.
HELPFUL LINKS
For everyone's convenience, the director has set up a YouTube account where
members can go to learn their parts on their own time. Four videos will be dedicated per
song. One will be a full recording of the song. The other three will include individual
parts (soprano, alto, and tenor). An additional video will be made if a bass part is
needed. Members are encouraged to sing along with their coordinating parts, as well as
singing in harmony with others' parts.
http://www.youtube.com/user/LivingWordChoir
Members are strongly encouraged to listen to Sis. Melani Shock's sermon, "The
Anointing." You will not regret it. The message is about an hour long. Sis. Shock goes
into detail as far as how anointing oil is made and relates it to a Christian's life as to how
one can obtain God's anointing.
http://www.thepentecostals.org/podcast/index.php?id=38