Music Ministries

Music and Worship The word “worship” means to ascribe worth, to pay homage, to reverence or venerate. Consequently, worship extends beyond the singing we do on Sunday. Worship is something that should permeate every aspect of our lives (I Cor. 6:19; Ro. 12:1; Col. 3:17). When we honor God in what we think, say, and do, we are worshipping Him.  Music is an important vehicle through which we communicate praise and thanksgiving to God. Scripture supports the multi-faceted role music plays in corporate worship. The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 5:19, indicates our worship through music extends outward, inward, and upward. It extends outward because through it we speak to one another. It extends upward because it is “to the Lord.” It extends inward because it must involve the heart. In fact, worship that does not involve the heart is abhorrent to God (Ps. 40:6-8; 51:15-17; Matt. 15:7-9). At Calvary Baptist Tabernacle, we strive to worship God with our whole heart as we sing to Him and minister to one another.

 Our Services Our two morning worship services differ in musical style. Our Early Service (8:30 AM) is a traditional worship service that draws on the great hymns of the faith. Congregational accompaniment is provided by the piano and organ. Special music is typically provided by the people who regularly attend that service. The senior choir periodically sings at this service, as well.  In our Morning Service (11:00 AM), we celebrate God through contemporary praise songs and new arrangements of hymns. The worship team, comprised of vocalists and praise band, leads us in worship during this service.  In our Sunday Evening Bible Study in the auditorium we strive for what Barry Leisch describes as Koinonia worship. Koinonia worship is informal, participatory and rooted in our desire to fellowship and edify one another. The music is led from the piano or guitar to foster worship that is intimate and personal. Members are encouraged to share scripture, prayer requests, testimonies, praises, and music. 

Worship Team The worship team exists to lead the congregation in heartfelt meaningful worship as an expression of praise and thanksgiving to God for who He is and what He has done for us. The worship team provides individuals with opportunity to serve God with the talents and abilities He has given them. The worship team also serves as an educational ministry of the church, training young people to serve God through music.  The vocalists and band members are volunteers who serve in rotation. The band consists of drum set, bass, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, keyboard, and piano. The band practices on Thursday evenings from 7:30-9:00 and the vocalists practice from 9:30-10:00 Sunday mornings. The entire worship team practices from 10:00-10:45 on Sunday in preparation for the morning service. Membership in the worship team is by audition.    

Teen Worship Team The Teen Worship Team (“One Way”) leads worship for the Youth Group, which meets Sunday evenings. “One Way” is comprised of members of the youth group, some of whom also play on the Morning Worship Team. “One Way” practices on Sunday evenings 4:30-5:30 in preparation for their weekly meeting. This team frequently performs for the Word of Life art festival “Teens Involved.”  

Senior Choir Senior Choir is open to attendees and members of Calvary Baptist Tabernacle who are 60 years and older. This ensemble practices on Tuesdays from Noon to 1:00 PM and periodically performs at the Early Service on Sunday. The ensemble sings original arrangements of hymns and songs that are selected by the group.  

Seasonal Choir The Seasonal Choir is a mixed ensemble open to individuals 13 years and older. This ensemble is periodically organized to perform cantatas and musicals for special services at Christmas and Easter, as well as patriotic holidays. Some of the Christmas cantatas that have been performed at CBT over the past few years include “2000 Decembers Ago”, “From the Realms of Glory”, and “A Christmas to Remember”. Some of the Easter cantatas that have been performed include: “Were It Not for Grace”, “Lamb of God”, “Marks of the Mission” “No More Night” and “The Wonderful Cross”. Patriotic Cantatas include “Faith of Our Fathers” and “Freedoms Dream.” Auditions are not required to participate in the Cantata Choir.  

Drama Periodically, the members of CBT have performed musicals the have included drama along with music performed by the Cantata Choir. The following musicals have been performed at CBT: “Amazing Grace” “The Richest Family in Town” “The Christmas Shoes” and “An Unexpected Christmas”.  

Soloists and Ensembles Vocal and instrumental soloists regularly perform at our Sunday services. Members have also performed in small ensembles that include piano and organ duets, men’s quartet, and flute and trumpet duets.