Church A is located in a development zone in a northern Chinese city. It started as a small group led by a pastor and his wife and has grown over the past decade into a church of nearly 300 members. The church has developed diverse ministries, particularly in sacred music. In the past, the church did not have a dedicated music ministry worker. However, since hiring Xiao Nan, a graduate in sacred music, four years ago, the church choir has seen significant improvement in both their attitude towards singing and their professional skills.
These changes did not happen overnight. Xiao Nan and the choir experienced many conflicts. But she said, "Fortunately, each member did not give up on their spiritual growth."
Initial challenges in the church
Xiao Nan graduated from a seminary in 2020 and joined the church in July of that year. Reflecting on her early days om the ministry, she recalled facing difficulties leading choir members who were older and had been attending the church for many years. Sometimes, when she shared on stage, some members would talk among themselves, which frustrated her. However, this situation did not last long. Xiao Nan shared that several women members noticed the talking and intervened. She testified, "Although everyone has their small faults, they show obedience to the truth and cherish having a professional to teach them."
"Don't hold us to standards for full-time workers"
The choir’s professional learning was not easy. Xiao Nan initially taught them to read sheet music and practice vocal exercises. However, learning sheet music was not inherently interesting, and many members were resistant. Some even told Xiao Nan, "Our level is just like this, don't hold us to full-time standards." Facing this clash, Xiao Nan shared that, as a leader, she knew the sacred music presented to God should not be mediocre. She often shared her frustrations with the pastor and experienced God's illumination, "These people are here to serve the Lord."
Considering that choir members had their own families and jobs but still came to the church for practice, Xiao Nan began to empathize with them. However, she did not lower the choir’s standards but instead focused more on leading them to God, "rather than hold to my demands and pay close attention to the choir’s flashy performance."
After experiencing a change in mindset, Xiao Nan began to patiently teach the choir. Through repeated teaching and encouragement, they learned to read sheet music and recognize pitch accurately after three years.
Growing in faith together
Reflecting on the choir's growth, Xiao Nan said that all these changes were due to each person not giving up on their spiritual growth. Besides the weekly Thursday night practice, the choir also held small group sessions for sacred music study and spiritual devotion. Currently, they collectively participate in a 52-week choir devotion. On a fifth Sunday, the choir would have fellowship together, sharing their recent experiences and discussing the choir's development during meals.
Xiao Nan concluded, "The choir is not a musical performance group but aims to bring Christians to faith through their singing. If there is an expression of life and emotion, that is a good offering. Therefore, everyone’s daily faith growth is crucial."
Choir practice sessions
In the early days, Xiao Nan would spend half an hour teaching choir members to read sheet music and practice vocal exercises. Familiar with sheet music, they prepare songs for church services and festivals after practicing vocal exercises. Xiao Nan explained, "During church festivals, especially Christmas, the choir needs to present many hymns. We prepare in advance and practice these hymns with corresponding sheet music."
Reflecting on the choir's growth, Xiao Nan said she found pride in choir members who said, "We understand everything you say now." Previously, when they performed on stage, their movements were scattered. Now, their walking and sitting postures have improved. "We need to value this ministry, as we are offering worship to God with each believer watching us," she summarized.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
