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