What’s Wrong with a Church Choir?

Introduction

When I first began the series on the Worship service, I discussed “singing” as the first subject. I also made mention that no mechanical instruments were being used nor choirs. Since then, comments have been made to me (on social media) in regards to both subjects. I will handle both of these today in separate articles. This is the second article that was sparked from discussion on social media.

A Comment from Social Media

As part of the discussion about the use of mechanical instruments, on social media, I made mention that choirs were also not a part of the worship service. This comment came to me about that subject…

If it is sing only, why are choirs, etc. eliminated? Is there somewhere in the Bible that says you can’t sing together? Even if you eliminate the instruments, why eliminate the groups?

My simple response to this was: Everyone means everyone as far a singing goes. I’ll go into more detail in this article. First, let’s return to the Old Testament.

Choirs in the Old Testament

First of all, let me say that I do not find the idea of choirs to be sinful. I have listened to and enjoyed the music of a variety of choirs over the years. They are a great way to celebrate Christ and praise God. The concept of choirs goes back to days of the Jews and the Temple. The word ‘choirs’ itself is only mentioned twice in scripture (Neh. 12:31, 40), and is used after the Jews had returned from Babylonian captivity (See my article on Thanksgiving Choirs for more about this event).

This is not to say that choirs didn’t exist beforehand. Like the use of instruments, choirs derived from the Tribe of Levi. Asaph was one of three chief musicians of King David and a series of psalms are penned by him (Ps. 50 and Psalms 73-83). The other two, Heman and Ethan; and their sons, were all in charge of the music. Both musicians and singers were all a part of the Levites (1 Chr. 15:16-19).

So Why not Choirs Today?

Going back to the comment from social media, the purpose of choirs today is indeed to praise God. However, when they are used in the worship assembly; they are the only ones singing and that makes the congregation an audience. As I stated in the other article, I find it unfair that this one group is praising God and I’m not.

Everyone, and that means EVERYONE, in the worship assembly should sing. Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:19, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. And again, in Colossians 3:16, 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. God wants to hear every voice sing; whether you are an accomplished professional or tone deaf, He wants to hear YOUR VOICE. If a choir is singing, then you are not.

Conclusion

Matthew 28:18, And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” If we believe this statement, then we can simply abide by what he has taught us in his scriptures. To add instruments or choirs in the assembly is going beyond what is written (1 Cor. 4:6; 2 Jn. 9).