The Ministry of Music
The Ministry of Music
And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (Col 3:14-17)
The Music Ministry of The Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church is an integral part of the church ministry and body of Christ (Romans 12:4-5). By spreading the gospel message through song, each member of the choir becomes, in fact, a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Every time the choir sings, it “preaches” a sermon through song. The songs that we sing do not save men, but they prepare man’s heart for the gift of salvation. When the choir enters the sanctuary, it opens the gates of praise and prepares the congregation for worship.
With the joy and pleasure of spreading the wonderful message of Christ’s life, death, burial and resurrection also comes responsibility. Singing Gospel music is a blessing, privileged gift and responsibility that must be taken seriously because the very souls of men are affected – not only by the songs that one sings, but the life that one leads.
Several scriptures, particularly the Psalms, extol us to “make a joyful noise,” unto the Lord (Psalms 100:1; 95:1) and to “sing unto the Lord a new song (Psalms 96:1; 95:1). The scriptures, however, also extol us to couple singing with other functions or goals of gospel music.
Functions of gospel music:
Praise & Worship (Psalms 95:2; 96:4)
Evangelism (Psalms 96:3; 98:2)
Discipleship (Psalms 96:7-8)
Those desiring to be a part of the Music Ministry must first be committed to Christ; and to Mount Olive through membership (Senior Choir) and participation in at least one aspect of Christian Education.
O come, let us sing
unto the LORD: let us make
a joyful noise to the rock
of our salvation. Let us come
before his presence with
thanksgiving, and make a
joyful noise unto him with
psalms. – Psalms 95:1-2
In Spirit & In Truth Praise & Worship Team
IS IT Praise & Worship is the first ministry used in Sunday’s corporate worship to help attendees prepare their hearts to bless and receive the Lord. Although a team effort is used in presentation of the music and lyrics, this ministry has its best impact when team members use forms of personal expression to emphasize the lyrics being sang unto to the Lord. Members of "IS IT Praise and Worship" must be members of the ministry of Mount Olive.
Persons desiring to participate in this ministry must show evidence of Christianity in their lives and possess the talent to sing. IS IT Praise Members should not be timid or reserved about individual public display of praising, worshiping, singing and expression of his/her beliefs in Christ.
Membership Required: Yes
Rehearsals: Mondays, 6:00 p.m.
The Senior Choir
The Senior Choir is used in the same manner as the Praise & Worship team; however, this ministry focuses less on individual ministry and more on collective ministry through blending of music, parts and harmony to generate one joyful sound unto the Lord. Where the Praise & Worship team focus is to prepare the heart of man to worship; the Senior Choir’s primary objective is to prepare the heart of man to receive the Word of God (Jeremiah 4:3; Hosea 10:12).
Membership Required: Yes
Rehearsals: Mondays, 7:00 p.m.
Youth Choir
This ministry, which somewhat combines the aspects of both the Praise and Worship team and the Senior Choir, is geared toward youth of the church who have an interest in, and the talent to sing. The Youth Choir ministers on each Second Sunday of the month, as well as on fifth Sundays with the Senior Choir. This ministry allows youth to participate in the Music Ministry singing songs, of course, that express the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but more so on a level (often more contemporary) that is more appealing to younger age groups.
Age Requirements: 12-17
Membership Required: No
Rehearsals: TBD
Cherub Choir
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 19:14
Realizing that Christ challenges us not to forget to minister to the children, we realize that given children generally love music, the Mount Olive Music Ministry certainly has a place for the children.
Singing age-appropriate song, this ministry not only allows children opportunity to worship with the presentation of music, but also provides training ground for their voices to be prepared for other aspects of music ministry as they grow both physically and Spiritually.
Age Requirements: 3-11
Membership Required: No
Rehearsals: Saturdays, 10:00