PRAISE

FA I T H G O S P E L TA B E R N A C L E

MINISTRY HANDBOOK
Character. Discipline. Spiritual Walk.
(2013 Edition)

&

WORSHIP

Faith Gospel Tabernacle, 70 Mill Road, Irvington, NJ 07111 Elder Naomi Francis, Pastor | Min. Heather Francis, Asst. Pastor

The role of the worship leader is not primarily musical. It is, first and foremost, spiritual. You will not be able to lead worship effectively over the long term if you do not maintain a personal, worshipful relationship with God. This means consistent Bible study and prayer. You can not take people where you have not been. Kraeuter, Tom (2011-10-20). The Worship Leaders Handbook: Practical Answers to Tough Questions (Kindle Locations 144-147). Emerald Books. Kindle Edition.

INTRODUCTION
This handbook is a guideline for your role in the Faith Gospel Tabernacle Worship & Praise Ministry. It expresses our vision, purpose, and provides you with the procedures we follow as we strive for order and excellence in serving and worshiping the Lord. It also lays out the expectations and scriptural foundations of your role in the Worship Ministry.

The FGT Worship & Praise ministry encompasses a collaborative team of vocalists, musicians, and technicians who are commissioned with leading the congregation in an aesthetically pleasing, effectual, corporate worship.
VISION

OVERVIEW

Our vision is to have a congregation that seeks after the heart and presence of God through corporate worship, glorifying God, regardless of background, nationality or age.
PURPOSE To prepare through rehearsal, prayer & devotion, and musical refinement; To promote spiritual growth through development of Godly character, discipline, and Biblical understanding; To proclaim the love and gospel of Jesus Christ through praise and worship; To promote a lifestyle of integrity within as well as beyond the walls of the sanctuary. PHILOSOPHY Music is an essential part of worship. Psalm 81:1-4 says, Sing praises to God, our strength. Sing to the God of Jacob. Sing! Beat the tambourine. Play the sweet lyre and the harp. Blow the rams horn at new moon, and again at full moon to call a festival! For this is required by the decrees of Israel; it is a regulation of the God of Jacob (NLT). Music is something that is not only encouraged for worship in the Bible, but it is commanded. It is a very valuable tool for leading people into worship.

But worship music should never be thought of as the entirety of worship itself. Worship is to be an expression of love and praise toward God that comes out from our entire lives, not just our songs. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of Gods mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God this is your spiritual act of worship (Romans 12:1 NIV).
[Source Worship Ministry Handbook, http://tinyurl.com/dy3gelb]

JOINING THE WORSHIP & PRAISE MINISTRY

Members of FGT who are interested in being a part of the worship ministry (vocalist, musician, or technician) should contact the Pastor, Asst. Pastor, or Worship Leader to set up an informal interview. During the interview we will explore your calling, background, and perspective role as part of the Worship Ministry. We will highlight the requirements and other considerations defined in this handbook as well as the purpose and vision of the worship ministry. The interview is also important in exploring your spiritual gifts as well as your musical/technical experience and skills. YOUR AUDITION Your scheduled audition will involve a demonstration of vocal, instrumental, artistic, or technical ability as well as suitability. Musicians should expect to bring their instrument and play. Vocalist should prepare one song to sing with and without accompaniment. Along with Gods leading, the information gathered from the interview will allow the Worship Leader and the appropriate ministry leaders to determine how you might fit into the ministry you are interested in.

W O R S H I P & P R A I S E M I N I S T R Y E X P E C TAT I O N S Character Development Pursuing a Christ-like character means training your thoughts, actions, integrity, and relationships to align with the will of God (1 Timothy 4:7-16). We can develop character by controlling our thoughts (Philippians 4:8), practicing Christian virtues (2 Peter 1:5-6), guarding our hearts (Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 15:18-20), and keeping good company (1 Corinthians 15:33). As a member of the worship ministry, you are especially called on to set a good example for others to follow. Your Godly reputation will be evident to all (Titus 2:7-8). As you develop your Christ-like character, youll be able to lead worship from the foundation of a life that, both privately and publicly, resounds with love, obedience and honor toward Jesus. Your strongest leadership instrument will become the sound of your life, and your worship leadership will manifest the favor and strength that only God can give. Social Media & the Internet

Please be aware of your postings on social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. Even private pages can be accessed by the public. Anyone can read them and might draw different conclusions. Stay above reproach.

DISCIPLINE Discipline refers to those activities or experiences that provide mental, physical, or spiritual training. Rather than thinking of discipline as a set of strict rules, think of it as a prescribed way of life that will support the development of your Godly character. Some ways to demonstrate discipline within the worship ministry include: Arriving on time for services and rehearsals. If you are running late, or due to unforeseen circumstances, cannot attend rehearsal, please contact the worship leader and/or another member of the worship team. Honoring commitments. Each vocalist, musician, and technician has key role in the service. If you have made a commitment to attend the service or event, please be there. Remaining focused and contributing to the rehearsal. Reverence for the sanctuary is expected at all times during rehearsal. Refrain from over-socializing and horseplay. Vocalists and instrumentalists are expected to be ready for each practice. That means they have listened to any music sent to them, and are familiar with each song. If a critique or suggestion needs to be made, do so with respect. Leave attitudes and egos at the door. Observing liturgical protocol during services. The worship team is highly visible during services. Every effort must be made to participate and minimize distractions. This includes, but is not limited to: Standing for prayer & Scripture reading Refraining from excessive talking, moving, and gum-chewing No walking on/off rostrum (please use the restroom before service begins) No tuning playing of instruments Leaving your area clean and free of debris Respectfully acknowledge visiting musicians and rostrum clergy

Worship is first and foremost for His benefit, not ours, though it is marvelous to discover that in giving Him pleasure, we ourselves enter into what can become our richest and most wholesome experience in life.
Graham Kendrick (p.58 A Heart For Worship by Lamar Boschman)

MUSICAL & TECHNICAL APTITUDE As a Worship Team musician, vocalist, or technician, you need to be skilled and talented enough to follow along at the level of the other participants. In addition, you must be a good fit in style, blend, personality, and skills as determined by the worship leader. Here are some general guidelines:

Musicians need to be able to: Perform well with others Learn new material quickly Demonstrate suitable ability and style on an instrument Learn lead sheets and chord charts Attend rehearsals on time. Demonstrate a cooperative attitude Diligently practice outside of rehearsal time Vocalists need to be able to: Perform well with others Learn new material quickly Demonstrate suitable style, range, blend, and accurate pitch Learn from lyric sheets and memorize words Attend rehearsals on time. Demonstrate a cooperative attitude Diligently practice outside of rehearsal time Have a basic familiarity with traditional & contemporary worship music (Israel Houghton, Hillsong, etc.) Sound/Video Technicians need to be able to: Cooperate well with others on a team Learn new information quickly Demonstrate suitable ability to run appropriate equipment Understand the integrated audio components, microphone system & sound board Troubleshoot effectively

C L O T H I N G AT T I R E G U I D E L I N E S Modesty and style are important so we give focus on the worshipping, not us, and still come across as relevant to our culture and the people we are leading. If you are ever unsure about an item, bring it, and the worship leader can tell you if it can work for next time. Before you finalize an outfit for service, be sure to do a final worship check: Raise your arms as high as you can and swing them in all directions. Look in the mirror and check yourself from all angles. Make sure that you are not revealing anything inappropriate. Ladies Attire Kneel down, check to see if the back of your skirt comes too low, or becomes uncovered. Also, if you lean forward, see if your shirt reveals anything. Jump up and down. If there is any movement in the chest area, cover yourself with a jacket that will hide the movement or change your shirt. Neckline - Show no cleavage. Please be very conscientious about this. The more you have, the more modest the neckline should be. That doesnt mean everyone needs to wear a turtle neck, its just the first place that can be a distraction in worship. (Test - your neckline should be no more than the span of a 4-finger width from your collar bone) Under garments should be inconspicuous and serve you well. Make sure that it cannot be seen under any circumstances. Skirts/dresses should be no higher than mid-knee. If your skirt shows your knees when you sit, you must use a lap scarf. Please see your worship leader regarding obtaining one. Remember the rostrum is higher than the congregation. Skirts/dresses must not be see-through. Wear a slip or supportive undergarments if theres a chance it can show light through. Gentlemens Attire No sagging pants. A belt must be worn. Kneel down, check to see if the back of your pants come too low, or becomes uncovered. Also, if you lean forward, see if your shirt reveals anything. For casual events, no graphic t-shirts with inappropriate imagery or text.

Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. - Matthew 5:23-24
C O N F L I C T R E S O L U T I O N & G R I E VA N C E S Member Disagreements. Disagreements are a normal part of human interaction. However, unresolved matters within the worship ministry can have a profound impact on the effectiveness of our worship. Disagreements between two team members on matters relating to the Worship & Praise Ministry should be promptly and privately resolved. If no resolution can be achieved, then the matter should be brought to the attention of the worship leader. If the matter is beyond the capacity of the worship leader to resolve, then it will be necessary to involve the Pastor or Assistant Pastor. Disciplinary matters should be resolved in a loving, constructive manner that encourages reconciliation, restoration and healing.

Team members who initially violate the standards of conduct within this handbook will:
be reminded of what this handbook says regarding the specific matter receive a verbal warning

Matters that warrant the involvement of the Pastor or Assistant Pastor include, but are not limited to:
a pattern of missed rehearsals and commitments repeated violation of the attire guidelines egregious character conduct in or out of the church Disciplinary Actions include, but are not limited to: verbal warning meeting with Asst. Pastor/Pastor/Bishop a determined length of suspension from ministering (but still allowed to attend rehearsal) a determined length of suspension from the Worship & Praise Ministry (not allowed to attend rehearsals)

dismissal from the Worship & Praise Ministry

Voluntary LOA (Leave of Absence) If a personal matter (or otherwise) results in a team member taking a Leave of Absence, it must be made known to the Asst. Pastor (or Pastor) in writing. If the member wishes to rejoin the Worship & Praise Ministry, they will have to meet with the Asst. Pastor (or Pastor). A probationary period will be determined to allow the member to attend rehearsals before ministering for services. RESOURCES Websites www.worshipmatters.com Resources for Music, Worship, & More from Bob Kauflin www.worshiptogether.com A comprehensive resource on the web for worship leaders, worship bands and worship teams. www.musicademy.com Outstanding practical worship training Apps iSingWorship (iPhone, iPad) & OnSong (iPhone, iPad0 Books Exploring Worship: A Practical Guide to Praise & Worship by Bob Sorge and Judson Cornwall The Worshiping Artist: Equipping You and Your Ministry Team to Lead Others in Worship by Rory Noland

As a Worshipper, Do You Mean What You Say? 7% of meaning is in the words that are spoken. 38% of meaning is paralinguistic (the way that the words are said). 55% of meaning is in facial expression.
Source: Professor Albert Mehrabians Communications Model

Outward Expression, Inward Reality Paul writes in 1 Timothy 2:8, I desire then that in every place [people] should pray, lifting holy hands. He is referring back to many passages in the Old Testament where people were encouraged to pray and worship using specific postures---in this instance, the raising of hands. King David, the innovator of music in corporate worship, wrote hundreds of songs for the purpose of engaging the mind, heart, and body in worship. He understood that posture outwardly expresses an inward reality. Our body naturally acts the way our hearts feel. So we see encouragements throughout Scripture to bow humbly, raise hands joyfully, shout and sing loudly, clap hands, and even dance before the Lord. This must have felt awkward to the people of the day, who had never before seen anything like this. Similarly, we have been shaped by our experiences and may be tempted to forego these postures to avoid feeling awkward or uncomfortable. In doing so, we do not realize how our posture is shaped by our heart. Outward expressiveness in corporate worship is not the only indicator of our delight in the Lord, but it can be a telling one.
Source: Stephen Miller at the Gospel Coalition blog: http://is.gd/L6h5KL

BEING AN EXPRESSIVE WORSHIPPER As a member of the FGT Worship Ministry, you are called upon to help usher the congregation into worship with a visible, outward expression of your heart-felt worship. These visible expressions may include: Lifting of hands Shouting out Bowing down Dancing, clapping & weeping SCRIPTURAL REFERENCE FOR EXPRESSIVE WORSHIP Lifting Hands Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to you for help, when I lift up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary. Psalm 28:2 So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. Psalm 63:4

Every day I call upon you, O LORD; I spread out my hands to you. Psalm 88:9 I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes. Psalm 119:48 Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the LORD! Psalm 134:2 Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice! Psalm 141:2 I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Psalm 143:6 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling 1 Timothy 2:8 See Also: 2 Chronicles 6:12-13, Ezra 9:5, Nehemiah 8:6, and Lamentations 3:41

Shouting Out Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! Psalm 32:11 Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. Psalm 33:1 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts. - Psalm 33:3 Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, Great is the LORD, who delights in the welfare of his servant! Psalm 35:27 My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed. - Psalm 71:23 O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. Psalm 47:1 Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Psalm 66:1 Sing, O ye heavens; for the Lord hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel. Isaiah 44:23 See also Psalm 81:1, Psalm 89:15, Psalm 132:9, and Isaiah 12:6 Bowing Down Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Psalm 95:6-7 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your

steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. Psalm 138:2 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. - Philippians 2:10-11

Dancing, Clapping & Weeping Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre! For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation. Psalm 149:3-4 Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Psalm 150:4 Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth. Psalm 47:1-2 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:6 And in that day did the Lord God of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth Isaiah 22:12 VOCAL CARE Drink water. Water thins your mucus and lubricates your vocal cords like oil lubricates a car engine. Thick mucous causes friction and trauma to vocal cords. Warm up your voice regularly. Take vocal naps. Your voice needs a rest, just like you do. So, find quiet time everyday. Get adequate sleep. Sounds like common sense -- and it is. The more sleep you get, the more you will be awake and have more energy for a service. Use your microphone. There is no need to sing to the back of the room. Let the microphone be loud for you. Using the microphone prevents straining your voice. Have good monitors. You need to hear yourself for vocal feedback. Use a floor monitor or ear monitor to be aware of what you sound like, what the musicians sounds like. You may be singing louder than you need and straining your voice. Develop good singing technique. Vocal training will not change your style. It will strengthen your voice and allow you to sing longer, louder, more often and without fatigue. Vocal training will help make you a vocal athlete. Develop a speaking voice to go with your singing voice. A poor speaking voice often

leads to vocal strain that will carry into your singing voice. Most importantly, listen to your voice. Like any athlete, you will be the first to know when trouble is starting. If you voice hurts, back off. Change your set. Chose songs you can sing without straining your voice.
Source: Michael J. Pitman, MD, New Director, Center for Voice and Swallowing, http://www.nyee.edu

Ultimately, the worship leader must strike a balance between leading the people and worshiping God himself.
Kraeuter, Tom (2011-10-20). The Worship Leaders Handbook: Practical Answers to Tough Questions (Kindle Location 313). Emerald Books. Kindle Edition.

Worship is participatory; it is not something done to me by a worship band. In fact, worship is not about me at all; worship is all about God. And, if we allow it, worship can transform us.
Noland, Rory (2009-08-30). The Worshiping Artist: Equipping You and Your Ministry Team to Lead Others in Worship (p. 19). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:23-24