Music and Worship Arts

Our Mission

We exist to bring glory to God through lives changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ and to do all things - playing instruments, singing, and discipling others - to the glory of God.

Our priority is authentic worship in spirit and truth. Each week, the Music and Worship Arts team strives to equip the worshipper to enter into the presence of the Lord. Artistic excellence is important but secondary to bringing the congregation into a genuine encounter with a holy God. In each service, you will hear fresh new songs of praise, while still proclaiming the strong doctrine of the great hymns of faith.

What We Believe About Worship

Worship is our personal and corporate response to God, in spirit and in truth, for Who He is and what He has done. It is expressed by what we say, sing and the way we live. Our Worship Ministry includes singing and playing instruments. We do not believe that singing praise to God in a church service is, in and of itself, worship. However, we do believe that singing praise to God is a command to all (Psalm 66:1-2) and is a powerful way to respond to our God and King.

The message that our music and songs communicate is of utmost importance to us. Whether our music is loud or soft, fast or slow, new or old, with a full band or without, matters little in comparison to the message of the song. It is important to us that the songs accurately reflect the Scriptures. In particular, we hope to express the triune nature of our God as we respond to the gospel of the Son. Though we believe our enjoyment of God brings Him glory, praise is not ultimately about what we want, need, desire or prefer. Worship is an end in itself. We don't worship to raise money, attract crowds or improve church morale. Should we worship for these reasons, then it ceases to be worship. He is our satisfaction.

Our Belief About the Ministry of Music

God considers music a very high priority in the celebration of Himself (I Chron 15:16-16:36; Eph 5:19-20). We value "making melody to the Lord" with all of our heart. We understand that musicians are ministers appointed by God to invoke, praise, make melody and give thanks to our great God and King. This appointment and calling is for His glory, not for our entertainment (I Chron 16:4-6).

We believe that singing praise to God is not optional; it is commanded to all (1 Chronicles 16:23-35; Psalm 66:1-2). Scripture also says that we can "give thanks," "make a joyful sound," "make melody" and give "praise" to the Lord with musical instruments (Psalm 33:1-3, Psalm 81:1-4, Psalm 98:4-6, Psalm 147:7, Psalm 150). We are compelled by our love for God's Word to ensure that all words, both spoken and sung, are consistent with scripture and are doctrinally sound (Colossians 3:16).

Current Areas of Investment in Worship

Worship Choir

The Worship Choir of First Baptist Church Holly Springs is first and foremost a worshipping group. God has called us to worship Him. It is for an audience of One that we sing. We are also a worship-leading group. We lead God's people each Sunday as we gather for corporate worship. We use the music that God gives us to proclaim His glory, declare our affection, and celebrate His presence. The Worship Choir is for anyone who wants to worship God. It is a place for people who love to sing and want to learn. It is a wonderful group of loving people who are enjoying the presence of God together. Our goal is to be prepared, to be prayerful, and to be dependent on the Holy Spirit to lead us in worship. The Worship Choir meets for rehearsal each Wednesday evening from 7:00 p.m. until 7:50 p.m. This includes a time of joint rehearsal with the Worship Band in preparation for Sunday worship. The Worship Choir is open to everyone, ages 18 & up. Childcare is provided.

Praise Band and Praise Singers

We have a group of gifted and committed musicians who lead in corporate praise each Sunday. This group comes from varied backgrounds and abilities with a common goal to play as surrendered sons and daughters of God. The present group has come together mostly in the past year to two years and continues to grow numerically and spiritually as the church grows.

We are always looking for gifted musicians who are willing and ready to give their gifts back to the Lord in worship music. While we are primarily a rhythm-driven praise band, we are interested in adding other instruments to the mix. We are actively praying for God to send people who play guitar, drums, and violin. We meet for rehearsal each week and then lead in both Sunday morning worship times.

Media

Media at FBCHS presently consists of sound support for worship services, recording the teaching during worship and managing everything we see on the screens as well as setting the lighting for worship services. We are looking to add to our online presence and resources in the near future with video podcasts of our worship services.

We need people with a sense of technical savvy to assist in engineering sound, lighting, and video to make this the best it can be.

Student Worship Arts Training

There is a great need for training in music and worship for our students. Our students meet in the student building each Sunday @ 5:00 p.m. to learn about all the worship arts: music, drama, writing, media, dance and many other expressions of praise.

Music/Worship Training for Children

Worship KidStyle is the core to Holly Springs Kidz and is designed to train children in grades 1 thru 5 Biblical truths using music and creative and performing arts, including drama, dance, and visual art. Each child is offered large and small group time, hands-on experience with musical instruments, and opportunities to perform in church services. Holly Springs Kidz meets each Wednesday (following the Cherokee County School calendar) from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Children's Rally Room.

Dramatic Arts

Are you gifted as an actor, comedienne, set builder, creative writer or otherwise creative genius? We need you to help us express timeless truth in a very timely fashion.

For more information on any of these ministries, please contact Kevin Bragg, Worship Pastor.