Who picks the songs

[Erik Ali Norman II]

I am the musician at True Light Holiness Church in Reidsville, NC, and we have been established since 10/2007. Since we are a young church, we look to other churches for guidance on how to establish rules, regulations, and proceudres. The minister of music and the pastor has come up with this idea that any music that the choir sings must be approved by them two only and the choir has no say so in it. I personally dont think that it is a fair way to do things. The pastor and the minister of music are from the same generation, BUT the church is FULL of youth, and they want to hear songs from artist like: Tye Tribbett, or J Moss, even Israel and New Breed. The minister of music and pastor is stuck in the era with Shirly Ceasar and Tramane Hawkins. Let me know your opinion on this situation and how do you think the music should be picked.

[Bishop Derrick Day]

Minister Erik,

The minister of music should have the responsibility -- led by the Holy Spirit -- for selecting music for praise and worship and the Senior Pastor should review and approve the selection. However, the leadership must be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and must understand that ministry meets people where they are. One of the great problems in the Body of Christ is this religious spirit in churches that deem if something is outside their cherished traditions, it must be anti-Christ. Pray (and I will agree with you) that the Pastor and minister of music open their hearts and minds to some of the more contemporary music that is effectively winning souls for the Kingdom of God. Stay Blessed!