MUSIC IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE in the daily lives of God's people, particularly in worship. An entire book of the Bible, Psalms,
is dedicated to it and promotes singing and playing of instruments
with songs dealing with everything from joy, celebration,
and praise, to sorrow, impatience, and lamentation.
MUSIC MINISTRY
MUSIC HAS BEEN USED by His people since early times, going back to the book of Exodus, where, in chapter 15, the people of Israel sang a song to the Lord after crossing the Red Sea.
The singers and instrumentalists are wonderful aids to His worship, but the primary music makers are the congregation. Congregational music-making is essential to the healthy life of the church and its members. Music and its text are uplifting, inspiring, reverent, and instructive. Through the text, we learn of God’s character, His creation, and our own Christian lives. These words can teach us Scripture, biblical stories, theology, and even Christian vocabulary.
THE MUSIC MINISTRY IS VITAL to worship. Music allows us to praise God and share in the celebration of our relationship with Him. It is a special gift and part of God's creation. Job 38:7 (NRSV) says, “The morning stars sang together, and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy.” Singing and making music to God means we are willing participants in His creation. Music is for every Christian, not just the choir member. Psalm 96:1 (NRSV) says, “O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.” This tells us that singing is the responsibility of every believer, whether it be in a choir or in the congregation. Music is therefore essential to the life of the Christian church and the believer.
IT CAN BE EASY to become caught up in the beauty of harmony or a nicely flowing melody, but the focus of music in our worship is the Lord Jesus Christ. John Calvin said, “We should be very careful that our ears be not more attentive to the melody than our minds to the spiritual meaning of the words. ...Songs as have been composed only for the sweetness and delight of the ear are unbecoming to the majesty of the church and cannot but displease God in the highest degree.” That having been said, music indeed has the power to evoke emotion. For this reason, it is imperative that music reflect the sense and meaning of the text. Emotions evoked by the music should be honest and not manufactured and allow for the full range of emotions.
FIRST BAPTIST HAS A VIBRANT MUSIC MINISTRY under the direction of Karen Prosser, Interim Music Director; Anita Poland, Director of Early Worship Music; and Carol Gray, organist and pianist. You are encouraged to join our Early Worship Team or any of our vocal and bell choirs.
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EARLY WORSHIP TEAM: This is a contemporary worship band with singers and instruments. Meets Thursday evenings at 6:00 PM rehearsal.
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SANCTUARY CHOIR: This is our primary adult choir that weekly sings in worship. Rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00 PM and on Sunday mornings at 10:30.
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SANCTUARY BELLS: This is our primary handbell ensemble that regularly plays in worship services using a five-octave set of Malmark bells and Choirchimes. Rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 - 5:45 PM.
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CHAPEL BELLS: A smaller bell ensemble the plays during the summer.
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