Why Do We Need a Choir in Our Church?

The simplest answer to this question is, of course, to glorify God. However, God can be glorified in various ways, so the answer should be set in the context of the choir as a unique part of a church service.

But first, we must determine what is not a reason for the existence of a choir.

1. A choir is not a talent show. Every chorister is gifted by God with a singing talent to a greater or lesser degree. But a choir is not a place for self-realization. On the contrary, a choir is where I can humbly serve with my talent. Sometimes this can be challenging, but herein is the beauty of the choir—we don’t sing as individuals or as a group of soloists—we sing so that the choir is heard as a whole. One of the choir’s most important tasks is to show Christ, not ourselves as capable and beautiful. Therefore, musical skill, while very important, should never overshadow Christ. Or conversely, poor preparation should not distract from Christ.
2. The choir does not compete with the music team. The choir does not try to “show how it should be done” right after the music team leaves and does not think “finally, it’s our turn to sing.” The choir has the same goal of serving the church but from a different perspective.
3. The choir is not a fundamental element of a church. In other words, the church can exist without a choir, but when there is a choir, it’s a great blessing, which is the subject of the second part.

So, why do we need a choir in our church?

1. As a choir, we serve our brothers and sisters by singing biblical truths that can ignite their hearts to worship. God has made us such that truth often becomes more understandable when it is heard in song. Therefore, all music in the church should serve people. When we sing together as a congregation, we hear the voice of the church, but we are also actively involved in singing. When the choir sings, it provides another opportunity to hear the truth where you don’t have to actively sing yourself but can concentrate fully on listening.
2. As a choir, we are one of the examples of unity in the church. The choir is when many people of different ages, abilities, and preferences can agree to do the same thing, and the whole church sees this. It’s a picture of unity. The choir is a team where every singer is necessary. It’s no secret that some “team players” might have more abilities or experience, but the choir wouldn’t exist without each individual chorister. This is the essence of choral singing.
3. Finally, the choir has the privilege to perform complex pieces. There are many good doctrinal, sonically powerful, but complex pieces that cannot be sung by the whole church. Yet, God is glorified through these songs as well. There are various styles, complex harmonies—all this musical diversity points to our great and boundless God. This is where the blessing of the choir lies, that we can, with much invested effort and time, glorify God through such songs.

In the Old Testament, we see a special place for the choir in temple service—the choir served people by enhancing their joy in worshipping God. In 1 Chronicles 15:16-22 25:1-7, there is a detailed description of the musical ministry during David’s time when the Levites were appointed “to raise sounds of joy.” In Nehemiah 12, we read how Nehemiah placed “two large choirs” on the walls, and again, it is mentioned that God’s people “offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy.”

In the New Testament, we are called to serve each other through singing, helping each other to see Christ better and respond wholeheartedly to biblical truths (Col 3:16; Eph 5:19). The choir is a good way to serve our brothers and sisters by using our God-given talents. Therefore, if God calls you and you have vocal abilities, we warmly invite you to join us. You can learn more about this from Jacob (916 514 3123). We look forward to seeing you every Wednesday at 6:30 pm.

¹ Lord, you have been our dwelling place
    in all generations.
² Before the mountains were brought forth,
    or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

³ You return man to dust
    and say, “Return, O children of man!”
⁴ For a thousand years in your sight
    are but as yesterday when it is past,
    or as a watch in the night.

⁵ You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream,
    like grass that is renewed in the morning:
⁶ in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;
    in the evening it fades and withers.

⁷ For we are brought to an end by your anger;
    by your wrath we are dismayed.
⁸ You have set our iniquities before you,
    our secret sins in the light of your presence.

⁹ For all our days pass away under your wrath;
    we bring our years to an end like a sigh.

• Thursday (6:30 PM) – Kid’s Bible School (open to all but required for parents), followed by a prayer service at 7:30PM.
• Sunday services:
  • Worship Service in Russian at 9:00 AM
  • Worship Service in English at 11:15 AM
  • Youth Worship Night at 7:00PM