06/05/2026
WORSHIP CHOIRS … A STRATEGIC MISSING LINK
One of the benefits of leading worship since the early 1970’s is observing and implementing an array of worship styles, methodologies, technologies, and philosophies. Some being trendy and simply not lasting; some lasting for a short while, only to roll out again as if it were something new, and some having lasting value.
A strategic missing link is beginning to develop in worship leadership in our churches. To my disappointment, a long-developing agenda has managed to diminish and nearly destroy the use of Choirs and Orchestras in our worship.
Most recently, larger churches have begun to replace Choirs and Orchestras with monster LED video walls.
I must respond to this decision by saying, how disappointing it is to see Spirit-led singers and musicians replaced by very cool, but trendy technologies that the Holy Spirit of God cannot even speak into, or touch the heart of. The only thing we must magnify in worship is our great God. Magnification in our worship should never be reserved for a chosen few.
However, God IS worthy of the use of today's (and tomorrow's) advancing technologies to aid in creating an atmosphere by which the Holy Spirit of God makes His presence known in our worship.
God-called, God-gifted, and Spirit-led singers and musicians are no longer needed or called upon to lead worship in many churches in America. High-level executive decisions have been made to discontinue what was once considered thriving and irreplaceable ministries, for smaller, more contained, and more affordable bands and artists.
The promoting agenda for this shift has been … “We’re wanting a better product on stage”.
Further explanations include, “Choirs & Orchestras have become too costly on our budget”, “They consume too much space on our church calendar”, “They take up a lot of square footage in our church facilities”, and “They are simply not very well prepared” (might actually be true in some cases).
Fact is, the agenda and explanations to discontinue the use of Choirs and Orchestras in worship lean more toward logistical and budgetary decisions than Biblical or spiritual.
Fact is, the use of Choirs and Orchestras in worship was never man’s idea; it was God’s idea (Easy to research in Scripture).
In the Old Testament model of worship, Choirs and Orchestras were highly engaged and dedicated in leading temple worship and praise. King David literally transformed temple worship by engaging 4,000 of the 36,000 Levites to organize massive Choirs and Orchestras in high expressions of praise.
Nehemiah 12 records it this way in The Message Bible, “The singers, directed by Jezrahiah, made the rafters ring. They offered great sacrifices, and exuberant celebration because God had filled them with great joy. Jerusalem’s jubilation was heard far and wide. That’s the way it was done in the olden days, the days of David and Asaph, when they had Choir directors for singing songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.”
Seems to me, if it was good enough for King David, the Man after God’s own heart, and the Temple in Jerusalem, that level of jubilation and praise should be good enough for us.
Much like King David and the Levites, we need to do all we can to provide quality education and relevant training for today's God-called worship pastors regarding worship choir leadership and methods.
God has provided everything we need to create amazing moments in worship. Whether congregational or presentational, He is certainly worthy to hear the songs of the redeemed sung by those whom He has redeemed. In addition, He is certainly worthy to have orchestral instruments of praise accompany Choirs and Congregations’ majestic moments of worship.
Churches in America are not a one-size-fits-all. Many churches do not have the ability to produce or develop Choirs and Orchestras. In addition, many churches were birthed with a worship leadership model that only works for their intended context.
However, for churches and leaders who make unilateral decisions to eliminate what was once a vital part of worship are removing the very gift, calling, and voice of praise God intended the church to utilize and disciple.
Regardless of the hard work, the investment, the preparation, and the sacrifices it takes to develop large group worship teams like Choirs and Orchestras, nothing can take the place of gifted, spirit-filled singers and musicians. Nothing can match the sonic energy, the visual expressions, and atmospheric praise these large group worship teams offer in worship.
I’ve heard it said, it takes a crowd to MAKE HIS PRAISE GLORIOUS! It is in our best interest to use the very hearts and souls Jesus died to redeem. He is a great God, who deserves great praise, in a great way!
For the glory of God and the edifying of the church … “LET THE CHOIRS SING!"
Terry Williams
