Music Ministry Guidelines
This document outlines the guidelines the music ministry will operate within, and also outlines
expectations and ways of working that support the worship of God at St. Peter’s.
1. There is a structure of leadership within the Anglican Church where the Rector has overall
responsibility for worship and music in our church (under the direction of the Bishop). With
ongoing dialogue these responsibilities are delegated to leaders who regularly are involved in
the music ministry with the understanding that music be appropriate for the services and can
accommodate the Rector’s specific requests.
2. Music at St. Peter’s is an important part of our worship. It is both traditional and contemporary. The leadership desires to encourage, enable and equip people to live out their God-given musical gifts in the life of the church.
3. The Music Ministry Lead will be the voice on council for those involved in music. This person will coordinate opportunities for prayer, idea sharing, learning and growth in this ministry through periodic fellowship and practice meetings open to all those involved in music.
4. There are some specific guidelines within this ministry to be aware of:
a. There are times and seasons in the Anglican Church calendar where the liturgical
requirement for music changes. Please see forthcoming appendix for details.
b. Each leader involved in selecting songs for any services will let the Rector know in
advance the choice of songs. The Rector will communicate any specific changes that will
need to be made.
c. Introductions to music should be part of the flow of worship and should only be done
with the leading of the Spirit, as a brief and heartfelt introduction to the singing. This is
not a requirement, as sometimes just beginning to sing is the best approach. Personal,
Biblical or theological reflections can interfere with this natural flow and are to be
avoided.
d. It is important to be mindful that we are not performing as music teams, but are being
sensitive to the Spirit. We understand that 'worship' means 'congregational worship', not
'music team worship'.
e. Technical details such as renewing the CCLI license, filling out reports, upgrading sound equipment and technology are the responsibility of the Music Ministry lead or to those
that are delegated to do so. The Music Ministry lead must ensure responsibilities are
carried out.
f. Special services will be coordinated through the Rector and the Music Ministry Lead.
5. In the spirit of learning and improvement both the Rector and the Music Ministry Lead encourage positive communication on how to improve the music ministry at St. Peter’s.
Appendix A: Liturgical Seasons Guide
We follow the Anglican Church lectionary with its special days and seasons. These special days and seasons influence the music ministry. There are a few things to be aware of.
1. Changes and alternatives
The Anglican Church of Canada lectionary gives the readings of the day, and whether a feast day or special event may be observed. Sometimes more than one option is available (for example, Good Shepherd Sunday and Vocations Sunday may be on the same day). Check with the Rector if you are not sure which occasion will be observed.
If there are alternative readings, St Peter's church calendar shows which ones we will be using.
When a series is being preached which doesn't follow the lectionary readings, the music ministry team will be informed.
(Song choices do not have to rigidly adhere to the theme of the day, as the leading of the Spirit is paramount.)
2. Seasonal singing
The seasons of the church year have different emphases. Some are joyous, some solemn, some penitential. The songs chosen should not be at odds with the feel of the season.
Lent and Advent in particular have musical restrictions in the Anglican church; alleluiahs are neither said nor sung, so no songs including that word ought to be used. There is no Gloria, whether sung or said. These seasons lend themselves well to simpler forms of music, so chants are particularly welcome.
3. Avoiding anachronistic song selections
While the majority of songs are for general use, some are written for a purpose, e.g. for gathering, for communion, for sending out, for a morning or an evening service. Such songs work best in their intended setting.
4. Sung liturgy vs Congregational songs
Whilst the hymns or songs for congregational singing are chosen by the music teams, other sung parts of the service are liturgical and as such are usually chosen by the Rector. This includes the Gloria, the Sanctus and any Canticles that are appointed. Suggestions and input from the music ministry team are most welcome, but there should be no changes (or surprises) in the liturgical singing without close consultation with the Rector.