ETHICS FOR CHORISTERS IN THE CHURCH

ETHICS FOR CHORISTERS IN THE CHURCH

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Colossians 3:16 –
“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.”

Supporting Texts:
Psalm 96:1-2 – “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.”

Ephesians 5:19-20 – “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Psalm 33:3 – “Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.”

1 Corinthians 14:40 – “Let all things be done decently and in order.”

INTRODUCTION
Choristers hold a sacred responsibility as worship leaders in the church. By adhering to ethical guidelines, they not only enhance the worship experience but also honour God with their lives and service.
In this study we shall examine key ethical rules that will guide every chorister as they serve the Lord with their voice.

1. SPIRITUAL PREPARATION:

The chorister must first be born again and have the assurance of his or her salvation.

a) Personal Devotion:
Spend time in prayer and Bible study to ensure spiritual readiness for worship (Psalm 33:3).

b) Holiness in Lifestyle:
Live a life that reflects Christ, as your service in the choir is both musical and spiritual (Romans 12:1).

c) Dependence on the Holy Spirit:
Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit for inspiration and effectiveness in ministry (John 4:24).

d) Fasting and Prayer:
Engage in regular fasting and prayer to consecrate yourself and align with God’s purpose (Matthew 6:16-18).

e) Biblical Example:
The Levites were set apart and purified for their service to God (2 Chronicles 29:11).

2. COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION:

a) Regular Attendance:
Be punctual and consistent in rehearsals, services, and special programmes (Hebrews 10:25).

b) Discipline:
Avoid distractions during rehearsals or worship services, focusing fully on your role (1 Corinthians 14:40).

c) Preparedness:
Learn your songs and practise outside rehearsal times to minimise errors (2 Timothy 2:15).

d) Responsibility:
Take your commitments seriously, avoiding last-minute absences or excuses (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

e) Biblical Example:
The sons of Asaph were diligent in their role as worshippers in the temple (1 Chronicles 25:1).

3. TEAMWORK AND UNITY:

a) Harmony:
Work in harmony with other choristers, promoting unity and avoiding conflicts (Ephesians 4:3).

b) Respect for Leaders:
Submit to the authority of choir leaders and the pastor without complaint (Hebrews 13:17).

c) Encouragement:
Support and uplift fellow choristers, especially those struggling with their parts (Galatians 6:2).

d) Avoid Competition:
Refrain from seeking personal glory or competing for recognition (Philippians 2:3).

e) Biblical Example:
The choir of Jehoshaphat sang together in unity, leading to a miraculous victory (2 Chronicles 20:21-22).

4. PERSONAL CONDUCT AND CHARACTER:

a) Moral Integrity:
Uphold integrity in your actions and interactions, avoiding gossip or immoral behaviour (Colossians 3:5).

b) Dress Modestly:
Ensure your attire is decent and honours God, avoiding flashy or revealing clothing (1 Timothy 2:9).

c) Avoid Worldliness:
Guard against worldly influences that may corrupt your role as a minister in song (Romans 12:2).

d) Humility:
Serve with a humble heart, recognising that your gift is from God (1 Peter 5:6).

e) Biblical Example:
David was known for his heart of humility and devotion in worship (1 Samuel 16:7).

5. MUSICAL EXCELLENCE:

a) Skill Development:
Strive to improve your musical skills through practice and training (Psalm 33:3).

b) Professionalism:
Maintain a high standard of performance, blending your gift with discipline and effort (Proverbs 22:29).

c) Reverence in Worship:
Focus on glorifying God rather than showcasing personal talent (John 3:30).

d) Versatility:
Be open to learning new songs and adapting to different styles of worship (1 Corinthians 9:22).

e) Biblical Example:
The Levites trained and played skilfully during temple worship (1 Chronicles 15:22).

6.  SPIRITUAL RESPONSIBILITY:

a) Continuous Growth:
Maintain a deep and growing relationship with God through prayer, fasting, and Bible study (2 Peter 3:18).

b) Be an Example:
Serve as a role model in both spiritual and moral conduct to inspire the congregation (1 Timothy 4:12).

c) Regular Self-Examination:
Examine your heart and motives to ensure they align with God’s purpose for worship (2 Corinthians 13:5).

d) Intercessory Role:
Pray for the church, the choir, and the congregation for the manifestation of God’s power (James 5:16).

e) Biblical Example:
Anna the prophetess served God with fasting and prayer in the temple (Luke 2:37).

7. ACCOUNTABILITY:

a) Respect Leadership:
Always honour the instructions and decisions of choir directors and church leaders (Romans 13:1).

b) Honesty:
Be truthful about challenges, whether in attendance, performance, or spiritual life (Colossians 3:9).

c) Dependability:
Avoid negligence and take ownership of your assigned duties and commitments (Proverbs 25:19).

d) Responsiveness to Feedback:
Accept constructive criticism gracefully and use it to improve your service (Proverbs 12:1).

e) Biblical Example:
Moses was accountable to God and the people in his leadership (Exodus 18:13-26).

8. EMOTIONAL MATURITY:

a) Control of Emotions:
Avoid displaying anger, frustration, or resentment during rehearsals or worship services (Proverbs 16:32).

b) Forgiveness:
Be quick to forgive others to maintain unity in the choir (Ephesians 4:32).

c) Patience:
Practice patience with leaders and fellow choristers, especially during learning sessions (1 Corinthians 13:4).

d) Conflict Resolution:
Address disagreements amicably and in line with biblical principles (Matthew 18:15-17).

e) Biblical Example:
Barnabas showed emotional maturity by encouraging John Mark after a previous failure (Acts 15:36-39).

8. CONSISTENCY IN WORSHIP:

a) Worship Beyond the Stage:
Worship God in private as passionately as you do publicly (Matthew 6:6).

b) Authentic Worship:
Ensure your heart is in tune with God, avoiding mechanical or superficial singing (Isaiah 29:13).

c) Reliance on God’s Power:
Depend on God, not personal skill, to lead others into His presence (Zechariah 4:6).

d) Focus on God’s Glory:
Make God the central focus of worship, avoiding any personal spotlight (1 Corinthians 10:31).

e) Biblical Example:
Paul and Silas worshipped God authentically in prison, leading to a miraculous breakthrough (Acts 16:25-26).

10. LOYALTY AND DEDICATION:

a) Support the Vision:
Be loyal to the church’s mission and vision, promoting unity and growth (Habakkuk 2:2-3).

b) Avoid Gossip:
Do not spread rumours or negative talk about leaders, members, or fellow choristers (Proverbs 20:19).

c) Be a Peacekeeper:
Promote peace within the choir and church by avoiding strife or divisions (Matthew 5:9).

d) Prioritise Service:
Place your service to God above personal convenience or comfort (Luke 9:23).

e) Biblical Example:
Ruth displayed loyalty to Naomi, which led to divine favour and blessing (Ruth 1:16-17).

CONCLUSION:
As vessels of honour, choristers must strive to maintain high spiritual, moral, and ethical standards. These additional rules, when followed, will ensure that their service glorifies God, edifies the church, and transforms lives through worship.