"Everything that happens musically in our churches should prepare
people for the preaching of the Word," says Paul Ferrin, director
of the Assemblies of God Music Department. "Worship sets the scene
so that people’s hearts are prepared for the Word."
Every church desires the presence of the Lord to permeate everything
they do, whether it is worship music, choir and orchestra music, special
music or productions. Those involved in music ministry pray and prepare
so their hearts and the music will be right. The goal is that everything
the church presents is full of the truth of God, not just popular tunes.
The national Music Department’s fourfold purpose is to help local
churches nurture worshippers, encourage musicians, train leaders and
provide resources.
The department focuses on strengthening music leaders. A network for
music ministries is available through their office and Web site. The
network features resources and training materials for worship leaders
and music ministers whether volunteer or paid, serving in small or large
churches.
Recently, CDs featuring original live praise and worship from A/G churches
have been featured in the network publication, providing new and exciting
worship songs that cannot be found in local bookstores. Downloadable
clips and ordering information can be found on the department Web site.
Ferrin hopes that through the ministry of music, people will experience
God. "We want people to feel God’s presence," he says,
"and know through the words that they sing that God can meet their
needs, and that an experience with Christ is what they need."
In A/G churches, people will encounter anointed, spirited music that
will draw them into the presence of God. Ministers draw from a range
of musical styles, striving for balance between traditional worship
styles and contemporary trends, resulting in greater congregational
unity.
I
came to know the Lord in November 1999 during an emotionally difficult
time in my life. I started attending Suncoast Cathedral (Assemblies
of God) a month later when I moved to St. Petersburg, Fla.