Why is there a choir in the church?
I personally got so used to the fact of its existence that I never really thought about it. But once someone bluntly asked me about it and I actually needed some time to explain why churches do that - and why I do that.
We can easily explain the necessity of an evangelist, a preacher, a worship team, and other ministries. But why do we need this "ad break" between sermons or "concerts" on holidays?
I usually look for answers to this kind of question in the Bible, and in 2 Chronicles, I found a great passage that described the essence of a choir the way I always saw it.
"and all the Levitical singers, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, their sons and kinsmen, arrayed in fine linen, with cymbals, harps, and lyres, stood east of the altar with 120 priests who were trumpeters; and it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the Lord), and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the Lord,
“For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever,”
the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God."
All of this happened during celebration in honor of the grand opening of Solomon's temple: that day a large choir (and an orchestra, by the way) of many ministers dedicated to God praised the Lord. All the people present felt such great God's presence that they couldn't stand on their feet! I see in the Scripture that God is pleased with this kind of worship and He acts in a special way through this ministry.
You can object and tell me that the general public wasn't present at this celebration so if choristers want to sing they can just gather themselves, why does the church need it?
And I'm going to answer with another peace of Scripture - this time from New Testament:
«What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.» 1 Cor. 14:26
The answer is simple: the choir ministry in the church is done for building us up. If music doesn't inspire you - listen to the lyrics, feel the atmosphere, and you will hear that through that all God is speaking to your heart.
In regards to something more personal, for me, the choir has a special atmosphere. I enjoy the ability to come every week and have fellowship with that many people whose hearts burn for God, that want to worship Him in any way they can. I love to sing and to feel the unity of faith and spirit in every word and every sound we make. But this is something I can't explain or prove to you - you would have to feel it. So if you have a chance to join a choir, you should try it!
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