Lately, I have been thinking about the many ministries in the church that are taken on by lay people. Without them, the church couldn’t function. These ministries support worship, music, operations, governance, outreach, education, pastoral care, etc. Indeed, all of these are important, but there is one aspect of ministry that one might not think about. That is, how our ministries fulfill, or minister, to us.
I have been leading the choir at St George, West Kelowna for about a year and a half. It is comprised of 12 singers. All members are seniors ranging in age from mid 60s to upper 80s. About half of them don’t read music and some have mobility issues, but that has not stopped them from creating beautiful music. They are extremely dedicated and I have come to realize that singing in the choir is very important to them. Because of this, I wanted to know more so I asked them to participate in a survey. Their answers were very enlightening.
Question 1: Why do you like to sing? – Top answer: “It’s fun and makes me happy.” Other answers: “It feels good physically, mentally and spiritually”; it has been an important part of my life since childhood; it makes others happy.”
Question 2: Why do you sing in a church choir? – Top answers: “Singing is like praying. It is spiritual, holy, emotional, and meaningful.” Other answers: “because I was invited; the social aspect and friendship; I am part of something bigger than myself; it’s a team effort, a shared mission; to support the worship; the love of singing in harmony; being able to contribute in a meaningful way without needing to have the skill of a soloist.
Question 3: Why St George’s Choir? – Top answers related to the social aspect and the fact that they had been invited to join. Other answers cited the proximity of the church to their residence; the choir being a caring group of people; the variety of musical styles; and finally, “Where else would I go?”
Question 4: Is there anything else you want to say? — These answers were the most insightful and surprising. Choristers opened up about how choir has had a positive effect with regard to their anxiety and mental health; how choir has contributed to their growth in musical skills and singing; how choir has made them braver or challenged them in ways that has led to personal growth.
One answer that really stood out for me was, “because I was invited.” People have often told me that they think a church choir is only for experienced singers that can read music. Granted, in some larger city churches that might be the case, but generally that is not so in the average parish. This is why an invitation is so important. For the last few years, I have publicly and personally invited members of the congregation to try out the choir for a short term commitment during the Advent/Christmas season. As a result, the choir has almost doubled in size. One of my newest members is 87 years old. It is her first time singing in a choir. She said it is something she always wanted to do but the opportunity never presented itself.
I am very grateful to my choir for participating in this survey because it has made me appreciate them even more and I have learned two very important things:
1) No matter what kind of ministry a person dedicates themselves to, they will likely discover that by engaging in that ministry it will end up ministering to them.
2) The act of inviting another person to share in a ministry can be more meaningful to that person than you will ever know. In my ministry as a choral director, I can sincerely say that I have been truly humbled and blessed by these wonderful people with whom I share this ministry
