Every Chair Filled…that’s been our motto in choir for quite some time now, but how serious do you take that charge? Have you ever considered its significance, or do you dismiss it as a cute campaign slogan? Every Chair Filled…Have you ever wondered, “Filled with what?”
First every chair must be filled with a body. Participation is necessary to the choir ministry. Obviously, without choir members there can be no choir. We can boast large numbers on paper from people who come and go, but without choir members showing up in the flesh, effectively we have no choir. It’s just that simple. Participation is necessary to the choir ministry. Every chair must be filled with a body, for without bodies the choir has no presence.
But simply filling chairs with bodies isn’t enough. Every chair must be filled with a song. While there are many beautiful songs in the world, nothing surpasses the beauty of a song that springs from the lips of a heart that has been changed. As the redeemed, we have a song to sing; a song that reflects the work of God in our lives; a song that expresses our love and devotion to Christ; a song—the only song—that is worth singing. If we have NO song in our hearts, may no choir chair ever be filled again! While participation is necessary, songs are vital, for without a song the choir has no purpose.
As important as it is to have every chair filled with a body and a song, one thing more is needed. Every chair must be filled with the Spirit. To quote the old hymn, “All is vain unless the Spirit of the Holy One comes down.” God’s Word through Zechariah was, “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit.” Even our Savior reminded us, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” We can fill every chair in the choir loft with bodies every Sunday morning to gratify our eyes. Every Sunday morning we can fill every chair in the choir loft with beautiful songs to satisfy our ears. But as the Holy Spirit fills each body and anoints each song, the fragrance of Christ is lavished on every needy soul and is a pleasing aroma to our Heavenly Father. Participation is necessary, songs are vital, and the Holy Spirit is indispensable, for without the Spirit the choir has no power.
Presence, purpose, power; a body, a song, the Spirit. Do you understand that all are essential to an effective choir ministry? Now, how serious will you take the charge? Will you prayerfully consider your part in making it more than a motto, but a reality? It must become our battle cry: Every Chair Filled…with a body, a song, and the Spirit!
