Hope’s Young Musicians reach outside the church to attendees at the Hart Plaza Ribs and Soul Festival held in July 2004.

The Music Department of Hope United Methodist Church has a manifold mission:

1) to establish the highest order of musical excellence in honor and glorification of God,

2) to edify His children and lead others to a saving knowledge of Christ,

3) to enhance the overall ministry of the church by providing choirs, directors, accompanists and soloists to help lead the congregation in a meaningful experience,

4) to act as a vehicle of evangelism and a beacon light in this community and beyond,

5) to offer diverse cultural and educational experiences through concerts, workshops, training sessions and other activities for the purpose of teaching people how to praise God zealously, but according to knowledge and understanding.

The Music Department sponsors an annual Christmas and Easter Cantata, choir anniversaries, concerts for special occasions such as Black History Month and Spiritual Weekend. In addition to these activities, the newly formed Hope Institute of Music is the educational outlet for the Music Department, in keeping with an aspect of the mission statement.

Choirs at Hope

THE GOSPEL CHOIR (meets Thursdays at 7:30 pm)

THE VOICES OF HOPE (meets Thursdays at 7:30 pm)

MUSICA SACRAE (meets Tuesdays at 7:30 pm)

THE MALE CHORUS (meets Thursdays at 6:30 pm)

THE NEW MILLENIUM CHOIR

THE CARLYLE F. STEWART CHILDREN’S CHOIR (meets Saturdays at noon)

Components
The Music Ministry is comprised of a staff of seven musicians, five choirs, and two smaller vocal ensembles who provide music for regular Sunday services (on a rotating schedule), as well as special programs at the church. Many of the choirs also take part in musical programs at other churches, (musicals, revivals, etc.) in addition to accompanying members of the ministerial staff when they have outside speaking engagements. During an average year the Music Ministry presents four to six special concerts at the church.

Our Contribution To Church Growth
The Music Ministry has often been cited as the most important component in the worship service other than the preached word. It is certainly one of the most visible entities and as such plays a vital role in drawing people to the church. The primary function of any ministry should be to lead others to Christ. To that end the Music Ministry has infused the worship service with uplifting and spiritual music in an effort to prepare the hearts of those in the congregation for the spoken word of God. The choirs themselves increased membership by nearly 60% over the past three years. It is not unusual for people to join a choir_ before officially joining the church itself.