A practical handbook on music and its application in local church ministry. Widely used as a textbook in Bible schools.

This readable, practical, classic work covers every aspect of church music from congregational singing to the roles of the choir and church organist, how to select a hymnal, how to plan a worship service with music, and much more. Only by knowing these things can the minister, choir director, organist, and music committee together create worship services that lead to the Christian growth of their congregation, small or large.

What is the role of music in the twenty-first century church--and what should it be? Johansson examines this and other crucial questions concerning church music and offers "redirection" for the function of music ministry in the life of the modern church.

Contemporary or traditional? Blended or seeker? Pop or "classical"? Chorus or hymn? Combo or organ? Questions concerning music in worship abound these days. Is there a practical way to deal with these issues?In "Music and Ministry: A Biblical Counterpoint," Calvin Johansson looks to God's Word for principles foundational to music ministry. Weaving together great scriptural truths, he establishes the need for a "directional balance" between pastoral contextualization and prophetic purity. In a time of facile musical accommodation of the gospel to culture, Dr. Johansson suggests that a heightened concern for musical style and quality is in order" not for the sake of music, but for the sake of the gospel.

Like its predecessor, this revised edition of The Ministry of Music explores liturgical singing in terms of how it enables the gathered assembly to enter more fully into ritual enactment of the paschal mystery. The “whats” and “how-tos” of music ministry are developed from this perspective. How does communal liturgical singing enable us to participate in and surrender to the paschal mystery? What musical and pastoral choices best enable the singing to fulfill this role? And how does the singing form us in a paschal mystery spirituality that shapes daily Christian living and makes the relationship between liturgy and life more evident? This edition incorporates new understandings of the ministry of liturgical music generated by Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship (STL). New material addresses the underlying theology shaping STL, provides schemas for using both the Proper chants and vernacular songs at the Entrance and Communion, discusses the value of singing the dialogues, and explores silence as a necessary component of music-making and liturgical prayer. The Collegeville Ministry series provides practical, effective help for those serving the parish through various ministries. Brand-new volumes complement the already popular existing volumes that have been completely updated and expanded. The Collegeville Ministry series offers inexpensive, yet comprehensive, training on the various liturgical roles. Each booklet is prepared by a specialist in the field and provides down to earth suggestions for making ministry more meaningful for the ministers and those they serve.

THE MUSIC MINISTER, THE MUSIC AND MINISTRY Discover your Music Ministry Leadership Potentials This book is a clarion calls to all workers and Music Ministers in the Kingdom of God to see their role as a divine assignment. It is a handbook for Pastors, Leaders in the Church, Worshippers, Musicians (Instrument players), Choristers (choir), Lovers of Music, Music Ministers, Ushers and all workers in the Kingdom of God who desire to plunge into a higher dimension of the glory. This Music Minister's Handbook will trigger the following questions in you and proffer solution to them How can I be a good Worker in the Kingdom of God How to be an excellent Music Minister Are you set to impact your generation by the glory of God through the gift of Music? What does it entails? What does it mean to Minister to the Lord? Is music ministry the same as the music industry? How can I compose a song? How can I maintain a good and constant relationship with my Pastor as a music minister? Who determines when I should launch an album? Should I listen to secular music? I know I am called to sing, how do I become my best? How to become effective in ministry as a leader? Discover the realities from this handbook that will propel you into becoming a worshipper and a leader in this great ministry of music. The music minister's handbook presents you with higher level of insight for living influential and enviable life as a music minister.

What church service would be complete without music? And yet, many of us believe our music directors, choir members, and musicians perform simply to entertain us and bring balance to the service. In truth, their responsibility and privilege lies on a much higher level. They are each ministers who have been called to prepare the hearts of the congregants for the planting of the Word of God. "When They Began To Sing" focuses first on the commitment of spirit, mind, and body. Before the first note is ever formed, the intent of the heart must be examined. The tools found within the pages of this book are critical for building any music minister and their ministry.

Why do the books of Chronicles regard the performance of choral music as an integral part of the sacrificial ritual at the temple, despite the lack of sanction for it in the Pentateuch? And why do they stress that it must be synchronized with the presentation of the regular public burnt offering at the temple? These and other questions are answered in this challenging new volume. After an introductory chapter defining the scope of the study as an analysis of the ritual function and theological significance of sacred song, the author examines the divine institution and royal establishment of the Levitical choir in Jerusalem. This is followed by an examination of the components of the Lord's song in terms of its contents, location, times, instruments and performers. A chapter on the function of sacred song as determined by its place within the sacrificial ritual follows, and the fifth chapter deals with its theological significance as the proclamation of the Lord's presence with his people.