MUSIC MINISTRY - DOES THE CHURCH NEED A CHOIR? (PT 1)

In many church groups, the choir is one of the most important departments. They are often given a place of honour on the podium, seated right after the Pastor or elders.

But what does the Bible say about choirs? What is their role in the church, and does every church group need one?

Let’s think through this together.

Singing the Word: God’s Way

What God’s Word actually says and see what He intended.

The Bible says, “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.” Colossians 3:16 (KJV)

This passage isn’t just about singing for singing’s sake. It’s the God way—His wisdom. It’s how we allow the Word of Christ to dwell in us richly: with grace (favour) in our hearts, through music.

All the Psalms in the Bible are songs. They were not just read as robotic prayers. David, Asaph, and others composed these psalms and wrapped them in melody. These were not just words—they were lyrics meant to be sung.

They told of the mighty deeds of God: how He brought Israel out of Egypt, how He led them through the wilderness, how no enemy could touch them.

“Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.” Psalm 119:54 NKJV

Choirs: Not for Performance, but for Ministry

What is a choir for? When choirs gather today, what do they often do?

In most church settings, they sing to impress people. But imagine if they spent time putting Scripture into song and teaching the people those songs. People would be walking around singing the Word of God. And when situations arise in their lives, those songs would play in their minds and they would know what to do.

This was what the music ministers in the Bible did.

Worship is not reserved for a select group—it’s a collective responsibility. However, there is also a place for committed individuals who are gifted in music to help lead others. Not to perform, but to generate songs that carry life.

Imagine the impact if instead of trying to impress, most music ministers began composing Scripture into melody. People would walk around singing whole chapters of the Bible. And when ‘life’ required the Word in any way, in joyous or troublesome times, the Spirit would bring those songs to mind.

Lessons From the Book of Psalms

The Book of Psalms is not just a book of prayers—it is a book of songs with lyrics to be sung during worship to God in the temple.

“Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.” Psalm 105:2

David, Asaph, and others received songs from God and wrote them as music. These songs were used to worship, instruct, and remember what God had done.

“Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals…” 1 Chronicles 25:1Music was not a side activity in the temple—it was a continuous ministry of prophecy and worship. But, more on that later!