CFC MUSIC MINISTRY MANUAL

GOAL: To improve worship and prayer gatherings with the effective ministry of Music. To help the
Couples for Christ Chapters to form and build up their own Music Ministry.
MUSIC IN WORSHIP

A. WORSHIP:
Two Greek words that are often translated "worship" in the new testament: (1) Latreuo, which means
"to serve" (Acts 24:14; Phil. 3:3; Rev. 7:15); and (2) Proskuneo, means "to bow in respect or submission"
(Matt. 2:11; 4:9-10; John 4:20-24; Rev. 7:11). These words are used to describe the proper expressions of
honor and respect shown to a human king in ceremonial of royal courts/palaces.
1. Two Very Important Aspects of Worship:
a. Relational - right worship is founded upon a right relationship with God and not on techniques
focused on producing a certain type of experience. Our worship to God is based on who he is, his
holiness, his greatness, his glory, his steadfast love and compassion and what he has done for us.
God is our father and we are his sons and daughters. He loves us, saves us, forgives us, provides
for us. God is our king and we owe him honor and respect and our full loyalty and obedience.
b. Expressive - worship is something expressed, given, shown. Worship displays awe, honor and
devotion, respect and submission. Worship is meant to express our relationship with God. It is to
express a heart, the mind and will that is yielded to God, seeking to serve, honor, and obey him.
Romans 12:1 "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual
worship." The outward must flow from the inside, an inner conviction of a love of God. We
desire for everyone to give a full musical expression to the Lord according to what is in their
heart.
B. MUSIC:
1. Biblical Origin of Music:
a. When God founded the earth, while he was working, there was background music (Job 38:4-7
"While the morning stars sang in chorus and all the sons of God shouted for joy.") Music started
with God through eternity. God loves music. He loves us to sing to Him.
b. As early as Genesis 4: 21 there was Jubal whose name means "sound". He is eighth in line from
Adam and is said to be "the ancestor of all who play the lyre and the pipe."
c. In King David's time we see organized singers and musicians (Levites) ministered day and night
in the tabernacle and later in the temple.(1Chr 9:33, 15:16,27, 16:4-6, 23:2-5,30-31, 2Chr5:12-14,
20:20-30)

Some insights:
1

~
~
~

Levites are the priest as well as musicians - household heads are encourage to buy a good
sounding guitar, study and learn how to play. Playing the guitar is not an inborn talent but a
skill that any one can learn. When you go on mission it is an advantage.
During King David's time there were no song books. Israelites have to memorize the songs.
We are blessed, for today we have our own "Glory" songbook, so let's buy a copy.
King Jehoshaphat placed the singers and musicians at the head of the army when they went
down against the attacking Ammonites, Moabites and inhabitants of Mount Seir, and they
were victorious. Music ministry should see their important role in spiritual warfare. They are
not just providing music during CLP's specially during Baptism, but they are intercessors and
prayerwarriors.

2. The Ministry (Service) of Music:

a. Ministry of Music is a SERVICE to God (Psalm 100:1-2). It is not something that we do for
ourselves. We worship him whether we feel like it or not, whether we feel blessed or not. Music
is something that we do for God. We worship God in music because God is most worthy to be
praised. Singing praise and worship songs is a direct service to God, it's actually singing to God.
~ Ministry of Music is not just an opportunity to develop one's talents and skills.
~ It is not playing music for the sake of pleasure and personal fulfillment. (It requires sacrifice
and commitment.)
~ It is not a spiritual opportunity for glamour, prestige and popularity. (We are servants not
masters.)
~ It is not something "I have to do" because of my gifts and talents.
~ It is not talent oriented, not ability oriented, not even music oriented. Ministry of Music is
GOD CENTERED. If it is to be true worship, then it must be acceptable, pleasing and
glorifying to God.
b.

Ministry of Music is a SERVICE to the community.

~ It is to support the community in praise and worship. The songs to be sung and the styles to
be used should be those that the whole community should be able to participate in the
worship of God. It means setting aside your preferences in beat, style, volume or
arrangement for the sake of the common good.
~ It is not to call attention to itself.
~ It is to keep the community Musically alive. Learn and teach new songs regularly.
Prayerfully discern the songs that are most helpful to the spiritual life of the
community. The music ministry should be able to choose the right song at the right time.

3. Music as an expression of Worship:

a. Music to express praise, gratitude and thanksgiving. Moses and the Israelites sang to the Lord
after crossing the red sea and seeing the great power of the Lord against the Egyptians (Ex 15).
Other examples of praise and thanksgiving: Psalm 92, 95, 98, 150.
b. Music to express repentance, sorrow and transformation. David's repentance when Nathan the
prophet came to him after his sin with Bathsheba (Psalm 51).
c. Music to express spiritual warfare. King Jehoshaphat of Juda appointed the singers at the head of
the army on their way to battle. Their enemies were defeated (2Chr. 20:21). The Israelites went
around the city of Jericho seven times in procession with the Ark of the Covenant, singing and
praising the Lord for seven days and the walls of Jericho collapsed (Joshua 6:15-20). In praising
the Lord, we declare to the devil that we belong to God. And praise is the throne of God, for He
inhabits the praises of His people.
2

d. Refer to and explain recommended classification of songs in Glory songbook after Table of
Contents. Praise and worship songs have appropriate use for a particular message, occasion,
season or as a response to what the Lord has done or is doing to you or to the community.
4. Choosing the Right Song at the Right Time:
a.

Christian Life Program

- Choose songs that are simple and easy to learn. Remember, CLP participants are new and
adjusting to a new culture of expressive worship through vibrant songs of praise. Simple
songs usually have one refrain repeated after each verse that have the same tune.
- Choose songs that somehow are related to the topic of the talk.
- Choose songs that have evangelistic messages. Songs that tell about what God has done to
us. How he loved us, that He gave His only begotten son Jesus Christ, so that whosoever
believes in Him should not perish but have life everlasting.

b.

Prayer Meeting
- Gathering songs are familiar songs like "Great and Wonderful", "I Will Call Upon the Lord"
that tell everybody to set aside what they are doing, stop their conversation and sit down. The
Lord is waiting on us to begin our worship.
- Take 10 to 15 minutes to teach a new song. Sing the whole song first. Then teach the song
line by line and let them echo the line. Be sensitive in identifying difficult tune so you can
repeat teaching the difficult parts only.
- Praise and Worship: (Coordinate with the prayer meeting leader)
Two (2) Lively Songs of Praise and one (1) slow worship song as usual pattern. But be
flexible as to start with a slow majestic song then build up, or add another fast song after the
worship song, singing in tongues and after a prophetic exhortation.
- Response Song after a sharing or after a prayer. Always be watchful and attuned to what the
Lord is doing in the prayer meeting and be ready to respond with an appropriate song.
- Closing Song denotes the central message of the Lord through the Leader's exhortation,
readings, prophecies, prayers and sharing.

FORMING AND BUILDING UP THE MUSIC MINISTRY

A. FORMING THE MUSIC MINISTRY

1. Prayer - Pray for discernment. Pray that God may lead you to the right people and
available resources.
2. Service Structure of the CFC Music Ministry:
Who?

Discerns/Appoints:

Chapter Head

Chapter Music
Ministry Head

Cluster Head

Sector Head
Chapter
Cluster

Qualities, Roles & Responsibilities:

Level of Maturity - A brother - Household Head

and up. Not necessarily very good at music but
able to organize; arrange for proper training;
teach the right orientation; lead people to work
as a team; handle conflicts; be a good model
Cluster Music
One chosen from among the Chapter Music
Ministry CoorMinistry Heads - more experienced in forming
dinator
and building-up the Music Ministry.
Oversees and coordinates the formation of each
Chapter Music Ministry in the cluster and
responsible together with the chapter head and
with the approval of the cluster head, for the
smooth transition and equal distribution of the
Music Ministry talents and resources especially
during breaking up of chapters in the cluster
Harness the musical talents and resources in
forming a cluster music ministry in cluster
special activities.
Sector Music
Level of Maturity - Chapter Head and up
Ministry CoorOversees and acts as a liaison for all the
dinator
Music Ministry in the Sector. Helps the
MM Coordinator in handling problems in the
Music Ministry.

Provincial Set-Up
In addition to the set-up shown above:
Who?
Discerns/Appoints:
Area Council

Qualities, Roles & Responsibilities:

Provincial Music
Ministry Coordinator

Level of Maturity - Chapter Head and up

Oversees the formation and life of the Various
Music Ministry in the particular Province. The
Provincial Head of Ministries has the direct
pastoral and service responsibility over the
Provincial
Music
Ministry
Coordinator
(PMMC). The PMMC helps in setting up the
Music Ministry of CFC and all the Family
Ministries. Also, he helps in the other creative
endeavor of the community. This includes

praise fest, club praise, praise party and other

creative endeavors that involves music. This
creative evangelization activities are new and
evolving. The role of the PMMC is to grow and
learn and not to control and direct these
activities because the initiative may not
necessarily come from him specially in the
family ministry. His observations, suggestions
and recommendations may be taken up with the
Provincial Head of Ministries. The PMMC is a
resource when it comes to all activities in the
community that involves music. He helps in
establishing, monitoring, and training of Music
Ministry resources in the area.
The service of the Music Ministry Coordinators and Heads are not exclusive to the Music Ministry. They
could be at present serving in their other capacities.
3.

Make a survey - Music ministry leader should pass around survey/info forms where members of
the chapter can indicate their desire to serve in the music ministry as singers (soprano, alto, tenor,
baritone or bass) or as musicians (instruments played and level of skill, say 1 to 10).
4. Audition - husband and wife don't necessarily have to be both members of the music ministry, if
one is not musically capable.
5. Size of the Music Team - depends on the size of the Chapter and available resources.
a. Musical Director/Directress - teaches and practices the music ministry.
b. Singers: 4 to 5 Male and 4 to 5 Female
c. Guitarist: 2 to 3 acoustic guitarist (one lead guitarist to set the tempo and strumming)
d. Bass guitarist - electric but controlled volume.
e. Key-board players for: one (1) piano, one (1) synthesizer (strings / horn / organ)
f. Percussionist: tambourine, triangle, chime, etc.
g. Drummer for bigger chapters or joint gathering.
h. Other instrumentalist; flutist, violinist, etc.
Note:
1. Acoustic guitar, bass guitar and piano are the main instruments (backbone).
All other instruments must be used only when and where they may fit in to provide harmony
and add beauty to the songs. For example, tambourine doesn't have to be played all the time.
Flute, synthesizer (string / horn) may be used to play the lead intro and in some parts of the
song as counterpoint with the proper arrangement.
2. Volume of the instruments should be coordinated with the sound mixer or adjusted
individually so as not to drown the singing voices of the prayer meeting participants. Volume
of singing should always be above the instrument volume level.
6. Qualities of a Music Ministry Member:
a. Right talents, skills and abilities. Willingness to learn, practice and be skillfull. Psalm 33:3
Sing to him a new song, pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness.
b. Right reasons, motivation and focus. (Please refer to The Ministry of Music - service to
God and service to the community)
c. Right Character (potential, can be formed)
- Somebody who loves the Lord - has taken the CLP, regularly attending household
meetings, prayer meetings and teachings. And has an ongoing relationship with the Lord.
- Loves to worship - free in expressing their love for the Lord in worship.
- Faithful, committed - someone you can count on.
5

Teachable, humble - can adapt to the style that can be best support the singing of the
community. Can accept corrections.
Submissive, obedient - someone who is able to follow the leaders direction.
Zealous - initiates constructive suggestions.
Self-sacrificing (agape) - willing to sacrifice to serve others.
Loving and supportive - above everything else is our love for one another as brother and
sisters.
Detached - willing to leave the team if called to serve elsewhere.
Promotes unity - able to work as a team. Psalm 133 Behold how good and pleasant it is
for brethren to dwell as one,... For there the Lord has pronounced his blessings.
While striving for musical excellence, never substitute talent or skill for a right heart
before the Lord.

B. BUILDING - UP THE MUSIC MINISTRY

1. Prayer
- Its very important to pray together. Pray for one another and pray for those you serve.
- Before each practice, have some 30 minute of worship where the team can discern and tryout
new combination of songs and be able to consecrate the music ministry to the Lord.
- The team can have regular retreats, teachings, bible studies and rehearsal camps.
2. Practice
- Regular practices are essential, i.e. 2 x month @ 4 hours per practice.
- Practice regularly and frequently your part on you own.
- Review old songs and learn new songs.
- Clarify and practice introductions and endings.
- Teach proper music ministry orientation and qualities of a music ministry member.
3. Playing
- Be punctual
- Be attentive - avoid pocket discussion.
- Worship the Lord with your music.
- Be alert and always ready to start a selected song.
4. Practical Suggestions
- Learn from other chapter music ministries.
- Ask the help of other music ministry leaders.
- Develop your own music composition and join in the annual song writing songfest.
- Spend time together socially, i.e. birthdays, Christmas etc.
- Evaluate your music ministry needs, status of members regularly.
- Be open with one another for correction and encouragement.
- Don't let resentments stay among the group.
- Let God form your character and your talents and gifts for the music ministry.
- Identifying the gift of singing
Speaker sound system - Human Speaker system
2. Warm-up your voice - vocalization
Woofer
Chest
- Ma me mi mo mu
Mid-range Mouth
3. Right breathing habits
Tweeter
Nose
- Stomach / diaphragm out - inhale
Basic Tips on Good Singing:
- Stomach / diaphragm in - exhale
1. Good posture / good support
4. Focusing
- Feet as foundation
- Mask / face
6

- Rib case slightly higher

- Chin a little higher

MUSIC MINISTRY WORKSHOP - SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES:

1:00 pm

Worship & Opening Prayer

1:30

Talk No. 1 "Music in Worship"

2:15

Identifying Gift of Singing / Vocalization

2:30

Discussion: What are the things that we need to put in focus?

3:15

Stretch Break

3:30

Talk No. 2 "Forming and Building-up the Music Ministry"

4:30

Teaching of Songs / Strumming the Guitar / Open Forum

6:30

Closing Prayer & Song

MUSIC MINISTRY SCHEDULE OF PRACTICE

MARCH

Saturday

2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

APRIL

-do-

-do-

MAY

-do-

-do-

JUNE

-do-

-do-

JULY

-do-

-do-

AUGUST

-do-

-do-

SEPTEMBER

-do-

-do-

OCTOBER

21

-do-

-do-

NOVEMBER

-do-

-do-

DECEMBER

-do-

-do-

Note :
Scheduled practices are priorities of the members of the music ministry. You are
advised not to accept any talks or other engagement to avoid conflicts.

THE MINISTRY OF MUSIC

I. WHAT IS THE MINISTRY OF MUSIC ?
It's easier to begin by identifying what the ministry of music is not. It is not just an
opportunity to develop one's talents and skills. It is not playing music for the sake of pleasure
and personal fulfillment. It is not a spiritual opportunity for glamour, prestige or popularity. It is
not something "I have to do" because of my gifts and talents.
The ministry of music is not self or personal need centered. It is not gift or talent
centered. It is not even music centered. IT IS GOD CENTERED. If it is to be true worship,
then it must be acceptable, pleasing and glorifying to God.
The ministry of music is a SERVICE, to God, to the community and to others. We
acknowledge God is worthy to be praised, worshipped and adored. "Make a joyful noise to the
Lord, all the lands! Serve the Lord with gladness ! Come into his presence with singing !" (Ps.
100 : 1 - 2) We worship God in music because God is most worthy to be praised. (Ps. 92 : 1 - 4;
95 : 1 - 2; 149 : 1 - 3; 150). We worship Him whether we feel like it or not, whether we feel
blessed or not. We worship God because that's the right response to someone as holy, as great
and as good as He. In fact, the word, "worship", comes from the Anglo term, "worth-ship."
As a service to the community, the ministry involves sacrifice and dying to one's self.
There are many hours of practice and as needed, repetitions to be done. There are new songs to
be learned and personal styles to be changed. It means setting aside your preferences in beat,
volume or arrangement for the sake of the common good. The ministry is not to call attention to
itself. In fact, it is to support the community. The songs to be sung and the styles to be used
shoul

INFORMATION SHEET - CFC MUSIC MINISTRY

CFC Chapter No. _______________ Chapter Head ____________________________________

Area Covered __________________________________________________________________
(Parish)
(Barangay)
(Town/City)
(Province)

Check Position:

r Chapter Music Ministry Head

r Sector Music Ministry Coordinator

r Cluster Music Ministry Coordinator

r Provincial Music Ministry Coordinator

____________________________________________________________________________
(Family Name)
(First Name)
(Middle Name)
(Nickname)

Other Service Position: _____________________________ Mo./Yr. Joined CFC ____________

Music Background / Experience: ___________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Musical Instrument/s Played: ______________________________________________________
ADDRESS : ___________________________________________________________________
Res. Tel. No.__________________ Date of Birth _____________ Place ___________________
Education Attainment ____________________________ Occupation _____________________
Employer _______________________________ Office Tel. No. _________________________
Address _________________________________ Line of Business _______________________
Hobbies & Interest ______________________________________________________________
Language Spoken ________________________ Language Written _______________________
Name of Wife: _________________________________________________________________
(Maiden Name)
(First Name)
(Middle Name)
(Nickname)
Other Service Position: __________________________________________________________
Music Background / Experience: ___________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Musical Instrument/s Played: ______________________________________________________
Employer ________________________________ Office Tel. No. ________________________
Language Spoken ________________________ Language Written _______________________

10