Responsibilities

The Lord is grateful for your willingness to serve in His Church. Below is an overview of the responsibilities for your calling.

Purpose of Music in the Church

Sacred music increases faith in Jesus Christ. It invites the Spirit and teaches doctrine. It also creates a feeling of reverence, unifies members, and provides a way to worship Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The Lord declared, “My soul delighteth in the song of the heart” (Doctrine and Covenants 25:12). (See General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 19.1.)

Ward Music Coordinator

Ward music coordinators help ward members increase faith in and worship of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through sacred music. They serve under the direction of the bishop. Ward music coordinators are a resource for the bishop and other ward leaders on music matters. Music coordinators may attend ward council meetings as requested by the bishop. (See 19.4.2.)

Music for Church Meetings

“Inspirational music is an essential part of our church meetings” (Hymns, First Presidency Preface). Musical selections should teach the gospel with power and clarity (see 19.3.1).

Music for Sacrament Meeting

Music in sacrament meeting includes singing of hymns to open and close the meeting and before the administration of the sacrament. Sacrament meeting could also include one or more additional hymns or musical presentations. Hymns or other sacred musical selections may be used for prelude and postlude music, choir music, and solo or small group presentations. (See 19.3.2.)

Training and Resources

Ward music coordinators recommend and orient members for service in ward music callings. They offer support and instruction and supervise music training as needed. (See 19.6.) If no accompanist is available for ward meetings, see section 19.4.3.2 of the General Handbook to access recorded accompaniment.

Guidelines and Policies

For additional policies and guidelines, such as obtaining music, use of meetinghouse instruments for practice, or community choirs, see section 19.7 of the General Handbook.