GUIDELINES & REQUIREMENTS

Overview
It is our belief at Mt. Zion that MWA is a vital part of the ministry as a whole. Consequently, members should view their function as Ministers of the Gospel through music and song - actually as a part of the Levitical priesthood of Christ's church. Therefore, members should be responding to a call from God, our Father, to render this service as unto Him in a manner worthy of His calling.

Membership on the worship team is a privilege, not a right. The purpose of worship team members is not to showcase their talents or to draw attention to themselves in any way; rather, it is to selflessly and inconspicuously direct the hearts of those they are leading toward God in worship. Therefore, an attitude of humility is essential. This attitude will reflect itself in a spirit of reverence toward God, a spirit of submission toward the worship team leader, and a spirit of teamwork toward fellow members of the worship team.  It is very important that those who participate as part of the worship team feel that they are called to the ministry. Membership in MWA (in any way) is a position of Christian leadership. The primary function then, is to lead, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the congregation in true worship. "God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24).  We emphasize that our purpose and calling is that of leading others into the very presence of the Living God. There is no calling issued for "performances" and "showmanship" - - only true praise and worship. Therefore, members must strive continually through prayer and example to be pure of heart before God and others.

Members should be committed members of the church first and committed members of MWA (more specifically the choir) who are dedicated to the leadership and pastor. This commitment includes their prayers, regular attendance, and tithes/offerings. It is asked that the commitment on the worship team be considered a major commitment, and that it not be frequently disregarded for other events.

Audition/Invitation
Although auditions are not generally required, potential worship team participants may be required to undergo an auditioning process which may include a personal interview, a musical audition, and an extended period during which the individual attends rehearsals but does not sing with the team during services. The purpose of this process is to determine the individual’s musical proficiency, spiritual maturity, and personal compatibility with our approach to worship. At the end of this process, an invitation may (or may not) be extended to join the worship team.

Attendance
Worship team members will be expected to be punctual and faithful in their attendance to all weekly rehearsals and worship services. If they need to be absent, they should give the Director of P&W sufficient notice so that necessary adjustments can be made. If you cannot make the mid-week rehearsal you will not be able to participate on the following Sunday with us. Because we are always introducing new music it is important that you are at the rehearsal prior to that weekend. Members should arrive at rehearsal ready to work on the designated material. Poor attendance and punctuality reflect a lack of discipline and respect for the Lord's ministry.

The team will also be expected to lead worship for seminars and other special retreats and meetings if needed.

Commitment to growing spiritually
Our spiritual preparation has a direct effect on our effectiveness as a worship and music ministry team. We need to come ready not only to sing but to worship the King and minister to His people. This is just as important on an individual basis. As a leadership ministry, we need to be committed to maturing in Christ. Therefore, team members are expected hence forth to attend Bible Study. Mt. Zion offers three (3) weekly Bible study services, all on Wednesday; noon (Jefferson St.), 5pm (Antioch), and 7pm (OHB). Members are not restricted to certain locations. Bible study attendance is now mandatory because it is impossible to truly be connected and grow with the ministry if members are under nourished. Likewise, members are asked to complete at least sixteen (16) weeks of Sunday school (class of your choosing) per year.

Commitment to a Christian lifestyle
We should strive to be a witness inside and outside of the church walls. The worship team is one of the most visible ministries of the church. Therefore, it is important that members of the worship team see themselves as representatives of Jesus Christ and of this church at all times. In their personal lives, worship team members will be expected to live by the highest standards of moral purity, ethical integrity, corporate unity, and personal charity. Should at any time during your involvement in the music ministry and / or worship team you feel that your personal life is not reflecting what we are about or what Christ would have, we ask that you voluntarily step down so that His name and work would not be publicly mocked.

Dress and Attire
As leaders, members must dress properly. Realizing that outward appearance is not judged by God, we affirm that others may be offended by improper attire. ". . . if eating meat offends my brother, I will eat no meat. . ." (I Corinthians 8:13). Consequently, members are encouraged to be neat, clean, and appropriately dressed for all services. Let's go into the Lord's presence with respect. "All the Levites who were musicians . . . stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linens . . . " (2 Chronicles 5:12).  We will minister in choir robes unless directed otherwise.

Conclusion & Review
The vision for Mt. Zion Baptist Church’s Music & Worship Arts Department is to maintain a musical program of excellence. It is important to state that these guidelines are open to interpretation due to unusual circumstances, events, etc. These instances will be determined by the leadership of Mt. Zion’s MWA Dept. It is also important to state that these guidelines apply to those who participate in the music ministry on a regular basis, not those who participate in special programs, special music, etc.