Everlasting Covenant Ministries



THE CHURCH of Jacksonville Music Ministry

Policies and Protocols

Ministry Website:

cjaxmusic.

Ministry Leaders:

Minister Tim Williams

Director of Music

Phone: 904-739-6900 Ext. 1038

Email: twilliams@

Band Director :

Bob Barrett-Smith

Phone : 904-608-5975

Email : rbsmith@

Ministry Vision:

The vision of the Music Ministry of The Church of Jacksonville (CJAX) is to lead people of all ages, races, nationalities and cultures into the presence of God through anointed praise and worship, special music presentations and instrumental pieces. All of which are intended to communicate love and adoration to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as well as, aid in teaching Kingdom of God principles and bringing further understanding of the Word of God to those that hear and participate.

Scripture References:

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.”

- Proverbs 3:13

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

– Colossians 3:16

Ministry Objectives:

1. To usher in the presence of God (Psalm 100:1-5 & Psalm 22:3)

2. To lead people in corporate worship (2 Chronicles 20:21 & Psalm 68:24-26)

3. To support the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit in operation (2 Kings 3:10-15)

4. To affect the atmosphere through spiritual warfare (1 Samuel 16:14-23)

5. To equip believers for life in the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18-20)

The Areas of Service in the Music Ministry:

1. Director of Music/Minister of Music (Director)

2. Band Director/Chief Musician (Coordinator)

3. Choir Director (Team Captain)

4. Member Care Liaison (Team Captain)

5. Music Librarian (Team Member)

6. Section Leader (Team Captain)

7. Praise & Worship Leader (Team Captain)

8. Praise & Worship Team Member (Team Member)

9. Choir Member (Team Member)

10. Instrumentalist (Team Member)

Vocal/Instrumental Auditions:

The Music Ministry auditions will take place at the end of a departmental orientation, which is held quarterly throughout the year. The orientation, and subsequent audition, is open to any CJAX member who has met the following criteria.

The Vocal Criteria:

- Must be able to sing on pitch (match the sounds being played on the piano).

- Must be confident in their ability to sing.

- Must be able to sing individual part along with other singers.

- Must have a good ear for music. Sight-reading is not mandatory.

The Instrumental Criteria:

- Must be able to play various styles/genres of music.

- Must be confident in their ability to play their instrument.

- Must be able to tune their instrument.

- Must have an instrument to practice with off-site and outside of services and rehearsals.

- Must have a good ear for music. Sight-reading is encouraged, but not mandatory.

Requirements for Ministry Participation:

1. Must be saved.

2. Must be an active member (and in good standing) of The Church of Jacksonville.

3. Must have completed the CJAX New Member’s Class.

4. Must have completed Spiritual Foundations Class (if you are in a director, coordinator or team captain role)

5. Must have completed a Music Ministry Application.

6. Must have completed the Music Ministry Audition Process.

Expectations for Ministry participation:

1. Must attend Sunday morning worship services and Wednesday night Bible Studies on a consistent basis (either on church property or by I-Church if you are unable to attend on property).

2. Must be on time and prepared for rehearsals and sound checks.

3. Must bring songbook, audio recorder, Bible and pen/pencil to all rehearsals.

4. Must know designated parts.

5. Must promote teamwork.

***All singers and instrumentalists should be ready to minister at any time during the service as the Spirit of God prompts the man and/or woman of God.***

General Ministry Overview:

The vision, purpose, mission, and ultimate goal of the CJAX Music Ministry is to lead people to live lives of worship. There are many strategies to achieve that purpose, but as a team, we purpose to move beyond being a band and singers that just plays and sings worship music. Instead we are striving to be a ministry team that follows the leading of the Holy Spirit in order to create an atmosphere that encourages believers to fellowship with a real, living, and loving God.

As a ministry team, we believe this happens when we are engaged in an authentic demonstration of devotion and we help facilitate the practice of unbroken communion with God. We lead by example. The emotional release of “soulful” or “inspirational” music cannot compare to a life-transforming encounter with the Holy Spirit. This is key to our purpose. An encounter with a real God leads to a lifestyle of worship and transformation, while good, emotional music only provides temporary feelings and entertainment.

All individuals who are a part of the CJAX Music Ministry must consider themselves as praise and worship leaders; remembering that this is a ministry of helps and not a showcase of talents. We must come prepared to minister to the spirit and soul of man. As leaders, we must live a lifestyle that is in line with God’s Word and therefore pleasing to God. As a united body, we will develop and assist Pastors Michael and Connie Smith in fulfilling the vision of The Church Group Worldwide through effective and evangelistic music ministry.

Again, as a ministry team our purpose is to lead people to live lives of worship. To guide us in achieving our purpose as a team, there are some foundational disciplines or expectations that we need to embrace. The following guidelines are not an exhaustive list and will continue to be refined as the team continues to grow.

Commitment to Excellence:

Be on time. This means if it takes you 20 minutes to set up, warm up or just to get focused, you should probably arrive 25 minutes before rehearsal starts to set up, warm up, and tune up with some additional time added for any diversions that may arise. Bring your “let’s get to work” positive attitude and give God your best. Please make sure to bring everything you need for a successful rehearsal. This includes your instrument and any accessories you may need such as your Bible, picks, cables, capo, drum sticks, pen/pencil, water bottle, rehearsal CD’s, hand outs, etc.

Be a perpetual student of your instrument (voice or musical instrument). Know your instrument. Learn how to better read and understand music by subscribing to trade magazines, reading compatible internet articles and blogs, etc and, of course, practice, practice, practice.

Listen to the recordings that are given to you (and provided on the ministry website). Do your homework. Learn your parts. Keep in mind that what you don’t play (or sing) is just as important as what you do play (or sing).

Commitment to the Team:

Since our purpose is to work together as a ministry team, it is vital that we know each other and know where we’re going. Your commitment to the team and your capacity to participate with the team will be expressed by a determination to be at every team gathering, ie rehearsal and sound check. The expectation of everyone is to participate in the team’s rehearsals.

Obviously there are exceptions to this expectation that will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Your absence though may necessitate a substitute team member.

If you are not able to attend a team gathering, please give as much advance notice as possible. We all have seasons in our lives that sometimes makes it impossible to be involved and that’s okay. Seasons will change.

Rehearsal Sensitivity:

Rehearsals are generally split between a time of working out arrangements and parts and a time of worship for the team. The difficulty is that the line between the two is not always clearly defined. This is where your awareness and discernment are vital.

Be sensitive to the flow of the rehearsal and the task at hand. If the team is working out parts, there will be plenty of starting and stopping, which will provide appropriate times to clarify, comment, and ask questions. On the other hand, there are times when the team should be focused on worshiping and following the leading of the Spirit. The songs that are being rehearsed can be a springboard into songs of the Spirit and intercession and can be spontaneous. Many times the Spirit will reveal His agenda during this time of worship and this is the time to confirm and follow His leading. This focus on seeking together is what teamwork is all about.

As mentioned above, bring your “let’s get to work” mentality, but also your “let’s discern where the Spirit is leading today” ears! This involves everyone on the team; vocalists, musicians, tech team members, and those in authority.

Talking:

The rehearsal is generally not the time to get involved to an ongoing discussion with the person next to you (or worse yet, across the room from you). If you have questions or need to work out a part, please address those questions to the director. Individual conversations are very distracting when the leader is trying to give direction to the whole team. Work out the parts as a team.

Also, don’t continue playing your instrument (or singing) while the director is giving direction in rehearsal/sound check. If you need to work out a part, work it out together as a team.

Monitors:

Listening to each other is crucial. Hearing everyone, not just your instrument or voice is very important. The goal is to play (and sing) together as a team, not just to play (and sing) at the same time as individuals. There is a big difference. Make sure you can hear what everyone is doing. Make sure you get what you need in the monitor mix, but do so with love and grace realizing that unless the sound technician leaves the sound board and comes up on stage or to where you are he can't really hear what you are hearing.

The preferred method of operation is that you communicate your monitor needs with the director and the director will communicate with the sound technician. Again, work this out as a team and not individually. Sometimes what you hope to accomplish individually is actually counterproductive to the team. Please be encouraging with your comments. Most sound techs want to help you and support you, but cannot if you aren’t able to tell them what you are hearing from the monitors.

Eye contact:

Some songs will be played the same way every single time. Other songs lend themselves to much more freedom. Good communication is imperative. Eye contact and pre-determined hand signals are the best ways to communicate during a song. Please watch and listen to the director/worship leader especially toward the ends of sections where a change can be made with little notice.

Section Responsibilities:

Vocalists:

1. Work on harmonies for all songs

2. Work together outside of practice, if necessary

3. Learn songs well enough to not have to rely on reading the lyrics

4. Consider vocal lessons or training, if necessary (or to build your vocal ability and/or confidence

Drums/Percussion:

1. Follow band director and/or worship leader’s lead during songs (continue, speedup, etc.)

2. Arrive early to set up equipment and be ready to start on time

3. Be sensitive to each song’s message and drum requirements

4. Be willing to not play if a song requires it, or if asked by the director

5. Be able to set and keep tempo, so as to not distract from the worship

6. Put away your own equipment

Keyboards/Guitars:

1. Practice songs/chords ahead of time

2. Work on playing alternate voicings of chords

3. Work together outside of practice, if necessary

4. Follow director and/or worship leader’s directions during songs (continue, speedup, etc.)

5. Arrive early to set up equipment and be ready to start on time

6. Be sensitive to each song’s message and guitar/keyboard requirements

7. Be willing to not play if a song requires it, or if asked by the director

8. Be willing to be lead musician on a song if asked/needed

9. Put away your own equipment

Accompanying Instruments (flute, sax, trumpet, etc.):

1. Learn the melody and harmony parts of songs

2. Practice songs/chords ahead of time

3. Follow director and/or worship leader’s directions during songs (continue, speedup, etc.)

4. Arrive early to set up equipment and be ready to start on time

5. Be sensitive to each song’s message and musical requirements

Rehearsals and Attendance:

1. Rehearsals and Sound checks:

a. The Music Ministry Leadership will set all dates and times.

b. All sessions begin on time and are called to order by a leader.

c. All sessions will begin and end with prayer.

d. Attendance of rehearsals and sound checks take precedence over all other scheduled meetings unless informed by leadership.

2. Attendances and Tardies:

a. Any member running late or unable to attend rehearsal/sound check must contact (phone call, text or email) their section leader PRIOR to the start of rehearsal/sound check.

Do NOT wait until rehearsal/sound check starts to contact!

i. If you are not present when sound check starts, you will not be allowed to minister unless permitted by Music Ministry Leadership.

b. A member may not exceed four (2) unexcused occurrences during one season (90 Day Period or 3 months)

c. An unexcused occurrence is defined as a tardy or absence with no pre-session contact with section leader and/or Music Ministry Leadership.

i. Absences and tardies due to emergencies will be handled on a case by case basis.

ii. Excused absences include work conflict, healing/medical reasons, planned vacation, death in the family/grieving time, etc.

d. Any member that is scheduled to minister, but is absent from both of that week’s rehearsals will not be permitted to minister (unless otherwise approved by Music Ministry Leadership).

Attire and Appearance Guidelines:

The Music Ministry will adhere to the standard of excellence in relation to attire and appearance. Members are required to purchase and wear the designated colors that are approved and scheduled by the Music Ministry Leadership.

1. Attire Variations

a. Sunday Dress

Tips for Men

It is important to dress neatly. The following guidelines will help determine what is appropriate attire for serving.

• Wear a suit: It is advisable to wear a suit and tie. An open collar shirt with a jacket is also fine. Wearing solid colors is preferred. Avoid “loud” patterns. Pinstripes are acceptable. Also wear a leather belt that blends with the choice of shoes.

• Shirts: Button up, collared shirts are ideal. Long sleeve is preferred. Solid color shirts often work best. Patterned shirts can become distracting so choose wisely.

• Tie: Choose a tie that accommodates the suit and shirt color. A traditional silk tie without loud color tones and patterns is acceptable.

• Socks: Make sure that the color of the socks coordinate with the attire. For example, dark brown, dark gray, black or dark blue socks can be worn with dark-colored pants. Also make sure that socks are long enough to not expose skin when sitting.

• Shoes: Make sure that the shoes are cleaned and well polished. Wear shoes that coordinate with the outfit. Avoid wearing boots.

Tips for Women

Church attire for women should be conservative, well fitted and feminine. For the purpose of serving, women should consider the following guidelines:

• Pants and Suits: Pants are acceptable attire for women. Tailored pants with a crease are preferred. Try to stay away from tight pants and make sure that the pants are ironed and wrinkle free.

• Skirts and Dresses: Skirt-suits are often preferred as the best outfit for serving over traditional dresses. The right color and material of the skirt is important. Also the right length is critical. Your skirt should come at least to your knees while you are standing. While you are seated, your thighs should be covered. If your skirt comes to just below the knee, a slit to just above the knee might be acceptable. A very long skirt should not be slit to above the knee. Generally slits in the center back of a skirt — to facilitate walking a stair climbing — are acceptable. Slits to facilitate a view of your legs are not appropriate. Slips should not be visible.

• Shirts and Sweaters: The rule for choosing a blouse is: ‘it should cover up’ and shouldn’t be too tight or too baggy. Also cleavage should not be visible. Blouses should be well tailored and should coordinate with the rest of the outfit. A cotton or a silk blouse with a simple collar is fine. Dress slacks and button-down jackets with button-up shirts underneath are also great combinations.

• Shoes: Choose a color that compliments the outfit. Don’t wear stilettos. Heels should not be higher than an inch and a half. Make sure that the shoes are well polished and that the heels are intact. Shoes should be leather or fabric/microfiber. Appropriate colors are black, navy and brown (to coordinate with your other attire and accessories); white and pastels are not commonly appropriate. For the most conservative look, toes should be covered. Thin straps and high heels are not appropriate. Chunky heels and platforms are not appropriate. Make certain you can walk comfortably in your shoes; hobbling around in shoes that are pinching your feet does not convey a professional image.

• Stockings: When wearing stockings, do not wear contrasting colors and avoid opaque or printed stockings.

• Jewelry and perfume: Jewelry should be very simple with limited visible body piercing. Avoid large hoop and dangling earrings. Be simple; do not wear more than two finger rings, one watch and a bracelet. Perfumes should have very light fragrance and should not be offensive.

b. Business Casual

Specifics for men's business casual:

Ties:

Ties are generally not necessary for business casual.

Shirts:

Long-sleeved shirts are considered dressier than short-sleeved and are appropriate even in summer. Choosing solid colors or conservative stripes is your safest bet. Polo shirts are acceptable in more casual situations.

Socks:

Wear dark socks, mid-calf length so no skin is visible when you sit down.

Shoes:

Leather shoes should be worn. No sandals, athletic shoes or hiking boots.

Jewelry:

Wear a conservative watch. If you choose to wear other jewelry, be conservative. Remove earrings.

Specifics for women's business casual

Don't confuse casual or “party” attire with business attire. Also, most attire worn on television is not appropriate for business or church environments. Don't be deceieved.

Pants/skirts:

Women can wear casual pants or skirts. Neither should be tight. Fabrics should be crisp; colors should generally be solid; navy, black, gray, brown and khaki are always safe bets. For the most business-like appearance, pants should be creased and tailored; neither extreme of tight or flowing.

Skirt length and slits:

Your skirt should come at least to your knees while you are standing. While you are seated, your thighs should be covered. If your skirt comes to just below the knee, a slit to just above the knee might be acceptable. A very long skirt should not be slit to above the knee. Generally slits in the center back of a skirt — to facilitate walking a stair climbing — are acceptable. Slits to facilitate a view of your legs are not appropriate. Slips should not be visible.

Shirt/sweaters:

In addition to tailored shirts or blouses, tailored knit sweaters and sweater sets are appropriate business casual choices for women. Cotton, silk, and blends are appropriate. Velvets and shimmery fabrics suitable for parties are not appropriate. Fit should not be tight. Cleavage is not appropriate.

Jewelry/accessories:

Wear a conservative watch. Jewelry and scarf styles come and go. Keep your choices simple and lean toward conservative. Avoid extremes of style and color.

Shoes:

Should be leather or fabric/microfiber. Appropriate colors are black, navy and brown (to coordinate with your other attire and accessories); white and pastels are not commonly appropriate. For the most conservative look, toes should be covered. Thin straps and high heels are not appropriate. Chunky heels and platforms are not appropriate. Make certain you can walk comfortably in your shoes; hobbling around in shoes that are pinching your feet does not convey a professional image.

Hosery:

Not essential for business casual, but are recommended if your skirt is knee length (rather than calf length) and in more formal environments.

c. Jeans Casual/”Casual Friday” (or Wednesdays in our case)

All “Casual” clothing should be clean, unwrinkled, and conservative in nature.

Men may wear slacks, khaki pants, or high quality blue jeans. Men's shirts must have a collar, but may be short or long-sleeved. Men may wear loafers or conservative sneakers, but should avoid wearing sandals. As with the other dress codes, men may not wear earrings.

Women may wear slacks, khaki pants, high quality jeans, skirts (high quality denim skirts are acceptable), or dresses. Women may not wear spaghetti straps, halter tops, or strapless tops. Women may wear open-toed shoes, but may not wear flip-flops or sandals. Conservative sneakers are appropriate with jeans.

No members, male or female, may wear the following items: shorts, athletic clothing (e.g., track pants, sweat pants, sweatshirts), t-shirts, hats, flip-flops, sandals, or athletic shoes.

Even on Wednesdays, clothing should still be ministry appropriate. It should not be dirty, stained, have tears or holes, or be threadbare. Additionally, clothes should not have unprofessional prints (e.g., animal prints, “busy” patterns) or advertisements on them. Finally, clothing should not be too revealing. Women's skirts must not be too short, and no member's clothing should be too tightly fitted to their body.

2. Clothing:

a. Clothing must be cleaned and pressed (dry cleaned, if applicable) when ministering.

b. Clothing must not be stained, torn or tattered.

c. Denim is allowed on Wednesday night Bible Study, but not for Sunday morning.

d. Attire for special events will be determined as needed.

3. Special Guidelines for Women:

a. Clothing should be selected that is not revealing of body form or skin.

b. Blouses exposing cleavage must be avoided.

c. Sleeveless blouses should not be worn unless arms are covered by jacket or other outer garment.

d. Skirts must not be any higher than just above the knee in length.

e. Slacks must be fit loosely and modestly.

f. Open toed shoes should not be worn. (Open heeled shoes and “peep-toe” shoes are acceptable)

g. Make up and jewelry should be worn modestly. No nose rings, lip rings or tongue rings are to be worn when ministering.

h. Fingernails should be well groomed but not styled as to clash with attire or causing member to stand out.

4. Special Guidelines for Men:

a. Men should be clean-shaven.

b. Any and all facial hair should be trimmed and neat.

c. No nose rings, lip rings or tongue rings are to be worn when ministering.

5. Personal Grooming:

a. Members should be bathed and clean as not to offend fellow team members and/or the congregation.

b. Hair should be clean and combed/styled.

c. Teeth should be brushed.

d. Deodorant should be used.

e. Use breath mints to ensure fresh breath.

f. Fingernails should be well groomed and clean.

6. Appearance and Stage Presence:

a. Members should be mindful that they are always being seen while they are ministering.

b. Members should not allow their actions, or lack thereof, to make them stand out to the congregation.

c. Smile and look pleasant. Your attitude always shows on your face and through your body language.

***Remember that the Music Ministry functions as a team or group. Members should not attempt to “stand out” from the group by their attire or actions while ministering.***

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