Fresh Ideas for Preaching, Worship & Evangelism

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles E-mail this page

A Decatur, Georgia, church has stopped taking chances that the schools and private teachers will automatically train the skilled musicians it needs.

Chapel Hill Harvester Church offers free string, brass, woodwind, and percussion lessons to its children, taught by members of the congregation.

"Our people really have a desire to serve the Lord," says Clariece Paulk, minister of arts and music, "and so we have six different people who give of their time every Wednesday night to teach. That's their ministry to the body." One is a high school band director; another teaches music at a Christian academy.

From 25 to 30 young students are currently enrolled, some as young as seven. Beginners are often clustered for group instruction, but more advanced students get individual attention. The lessons are offered as an option to the church's graded choir program, which runs on Wednesday night as well. Other parts of the evening include Bible classes and recreation.

"Since we began giving lessons," Paulk adds, "people in the church have been moved to donate idle instruments, so we're often able to meet that need as well. Sometimes the timing has been amazing. A person handed me a flute one morning, and that very evening a mother mentioned her daughter's interest in the flute. 'Guess what someone brought me just today!' I said."

Thanks to the lessons, the children's Alpha Orchestra is able to play in children's church once a month, in the main worship service six or seven times a year, and will soon add nursing homes and other outreaches as well.

Like the preview? To read this complete article and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW! Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history. Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
It's easy and quick to join: 2-for-1 Deal. Two powerful resources for 1 great price! A 1-Year Membership to CTLibrary & a 1-year print subscription to the magazine of your choice! Enjoy your first 7days online FREE! Only $49.95 1-Year Membership Plus your first 7 days are FREE! You won't be charged until after your free trial. Only $49.95 1-Month Membership Includes automatic renewal each month. Only $9.95 1-Year for Print Subscribers Special offer if you are currently a print subscriber to Christianity Today, Leadership journal, Books & Culture or Christian History & Biography. Only $29.95 first year Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l		FREE e-Newsletter! Even if you're not a member you can take advantage of the free "Christian News & Research" twice monthly e-newsletter! Sign up today for the FREE e-newsletter!   Note: Members also automatically receive this free e-newsletter.