Why Do We Have Youth Choirs?
Written by Ryan Foglesong | Pastor of Corporate Worship
We believe that every church has a deeply rooted responsibility to the next generation. It's our mission, then, to raise up the next generation of worshippers and worship leaders. One means of accomplishing that goal is to have children’s and young adult choirs. Here at Grace Baptist, we have three represented by grade (K-2nd, 3rd-6th, 7th-12th); they meet weekly and join us on select Sunday services throughout the year.
There are many benefits of having these types of musical programs. Here are a few: Youth Choirs...
Provide an environment and repertoire to catechize our kids. We want to teach them that sound theology (doctrine) should elicit heartfelt doxology (praise).
Can instruct them to use their musical gifts to serve others, especially when most children's ministries, like Summer Adventure, Sunday School, and Basecamp, are designed to serve them.
Can teach them music theory and harmony, which may enable them to serve the church more effectively as they grow older.
Provide opportunities to build Christian character. A choir is a team with a common goal; the qualities of promptness, cooperation, self-control, and commitment must be developed if the group is to accomplish its purpose of praising the Lord with undistracting excellence.
Youth choirs are a living, breathing portrait of the Christian life. God did not save us to be soloists but purchased us to express and enjoy living “in harmony with one another.” (Rom. 12:16)
Our age is increasingly more of a “listening” culture than a “singing” one. Involving kids in a choir at an early age counteracts that tendency.
Not every kid finds involvement in a choir exciting or enjoyable. But, even if they're not enrolled in one of our choirs, we hope that you hear the stanzas and praise choruses they’ve learned in Basecamp resounding from the Sunday School classroom to the car, in the home, and follow them throughout their life.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14 ESV)