The Bible first mentions a choir ministry in 1 Chronicles 16. According to the record, when the people placed the Ark of the Covenant in the tent that David had set up, they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings to God. After David had finished the offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord. On that day, David, through Asaph and his brothers, began the practice of praising and thanking the Lord with songs, marking the beginning of the choir ministry. They declared, “Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day, his marvelous deeds among all people. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise” (1 Chron. 16:23-25a). 1 Chronicles 25 further states that David and the leaders appointed the descendants of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to play the harp, lyre, and cymbals and to sing. The term “sing” in the original text is translated as "prophesy," which in the New Testament can be translated as “preaching” (1 Corinthians 14:1). This implies that the choir also has the responsibility of teaching the congregation.
In the Old Testament, those who served in the tabernacle and temple included priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and Nethinim (temple servants), all roles inherited by family lineage. However, in the New Testament era, the church established by the Lord Jesus Christ operates on faith-based gatherings. While the roles of pastors, elders, deacons, and fellow workers have similarities to Old Testament positions, they are not entirely the same. Believers, being a royal priesthood and a people belonging to God (1 Peter 2:9), are now freely involved in worship and service without the restriction of family lineage.
The Apostle Paul instructed believers to “speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19), and also to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16).
In today’s church, the music ministry typically includes worship teams leading songs and the choir offering anthems. Choirs usually have conductors, accompanists, and members singing in four-part harmony, all of whom require constant practice. Songs of praise with beautiful melodies can move the congregation, strengthen faith, and lead worship, much like a fragrant offering ascending to heaven.
Through the music ministry, choir members form a fellowship, working together and sharing in the joy of the Lord’s grace. Psalm 146:2 says, “I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” May this inspire and encourage all readers.