1.   INTEGRITY:    Integrity involves speaking the truth in love to other people, dealing honestly in all our endeavors, and living uprightly before the Lord  (Ephesians 4:15/chapter).   A person serving in the ministry of worship must have the kinds of personal qualities that inspire respect among followers.     The Bible focuses more upon who we are than what we do.    Who we are precedes what we do.     While integrity alone will not make a leader, a lack of integrity will automatically disqualify a person from leadership.

2.  LOYALTY:   Those involved in the worship ministry of the Raleigh Vineyard must display a loyal relationship with the pastor(s) and other leaders of the church.   The sins of slander and gossip are extremely damaging to a church body and its morale.   Any concerns or appropriate criticism must go through appropriate channels and be handled in a godly, Biblical way (Matthew 18:15-17/chapter).   Commitment to the vision and values of the Raleigh Vineyard is also expected of worship leaders.    They must exhibit a strong desire to pursue and promote the values, priorities, and practices established by the pastor(s) and other leaders.

3.  CALLING:   People will not be selected for worship ministry simply because they are the most talented, nor because the church needs a person to fill a ministry slot.   Character (Galatians 5:22/chapter), gifting from the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:11/chapter, Corinthians 12), and the ability to compliment the rest of the worship team are all important factors in determining a ministry position.   It is expected that God will issue a secret internal call to a person through a desire to serve in that area.  That call will be then be confirmed by a corporate affirmation by the members and leaders of the church, as the individual's gifting and effectiveness are recognized by the larger body.

4.  TRUSTWORTHINESS:   Trustworthiness is the result of a proven track record in the things of the Spirit and in church ministry.   Those involved in worship ministry need to be known for their consistent faithfulness and servantlike attitude.   As Jesus taught, men and women should be proven faithful in a few things before they are set over more important matters of the church (Matthew 25:21/chapter).   

5.  PURITY OF HEART:   The making and breaking of many otherwise qualified people involved in worship ministry comes at the point of one single character quality: personal ambition.   A person who is ambitious for position, personal recognition, or who exhibits a heart to rule rather than a heart to serve will cannot be promoted in our church.   Appropriate ambition for Christ, within the framework of loyalty to leaders and values, should, of course, be distinguished from selfish ambition  (Philippians 2:2-3/chapter).

6.  TEACHABLENESS:   Those involved in worship ministry must be teachable.   The true test of character is a person's ability to receive loving instruction and objective feedback.   We all have blind spots!   Real change and emotional, spiritual growth come by facing our weaknesses and personality defects as others see us.   For that reason, leaders must develop the wisdom to discern what criticism is valid and what criticism is being leveled unfairly.

7.  STAMINA:   Leaders must be willing to go well beyond the minimum requirement needed in ministry and must possess stamina.   Ministry often requires sacrifice and hard work.    However, a wise leader must find a balance between work, rest, and leisure.    The race we run is not a sprint but a lifelong marathon.   We want to finish well!   For that reason, it is important to learn how to set appropriate boundaries and to observe a day of rest each week (Sabbath).   As always, Jesus provides us with the model of maintaining a healthy balance between ministry and personal devotion with God   (Mark 1:21-39/chapter).

Worship Ministry: Is It For Me?

a.  How long have you known Jesus as Lord and Savior?   Have you been a committed 
     Christian for a year or longer?

b. Would others say I demonstrate a true dependence on God?    Am I regular in prayer?     
    Consistent in Bible study?

c.  Do I have a servant's heart?   Am I willing to commit the time necessary to minister
     effectively?

d.  Do I demonstrate Christian maturity?   Is my lifestyle consistent even when no one is
     around to watch me?   Is my family well-ordered and doing well?   (1 Timothy 1:1-13)

QUESTIONS REGARDING LEADERSHIP IN THE AREA OF WORSHIP:

          a.  Are you a worshipper in private as well as public?     (See our document: "Worship:
               Our Highest Priority").     Do you desire to worship God in your heart as well as in the
               church?

          b.  Are you committed to unity and to Raleigh Vineyard's values, priorities, beliefs, practices
               and mission?

          c.  Will you be loyal to the pastor(s) and to the members/leadership of the Vineyard?

          d.  Are you active in a homegroup now exhibiting a commitment to relationship with others in
               God's family?

          e.  Have you been consistent in attendance on Sunday mornings exhibiting a commitment to
               community and corporate worship?

          f.  Are you a member of the Raleigh Vineyard and are you committed to tithing?

QUESTIONS CONCERNING GOD'S CALL: