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What a Fellowship;
What a Joy Divine
The Value and Strategy of Gospel Choirs

Alex Anderson,
Director, InterVarsity's Black Campus Ministries

 
On any given weeknight, there are hundreds of college gospel choirs in rehearsal on colleges and universities across the country. They are singing the latest hits from Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, John P, Kee, Karen Clark and Mississippi Mass. These predominately Black college gospel choirs bring inspiration, spiritual nurture, cultural renewal and dynamic fellowship to many African-American college students who are weary in spirit. The normal challenges of isolation, loneliness, values confusion, academic pressure and spiritual challenges are relieved during that two- or three-hour gospel choir rehearsal.

Yes, the gospel choir is preparing to perform like other college choirs, but most gospel choirs also have a focus on ministering at their performances. Whether it is the Black Diamonds at the University of Louisville, Inspirational Voices of Faith at Clark Atlanta University, Baptist Student Union Gospel Choir at Fort Valley State University or the gospel choirs at the University of California at Irving or Linfield College in Oregon, all these groups have a similar ministry focus.

There is something unique and redemptive about a gospel choir. A while ago, I was sitting in a Thursday night rehearsal of the Black Diamonds at the University of Louisville. The music was inspiring, uplifting and heart-warming. Each section (tenor, alto and soprano) affirmed the others as they sang their parts. The words of the songs, the comments and exhortation of the director all brought inspiration. During the rehearsal, there was reading of Scripture and a good season of testimonies about God’s goodness. Prayer requests were taken for family members, human weaknesses, academic problems, etc. In many ways, the rehearsal was like a Wednesday night Bible study or prayer meeting. Somehow, the students were being nurtured and spiritually enriched by the singing, prayers, exhortations, testimonies and reading of Scripture.

The opportunity for cultural enrichment and creativity was also present. A choir member wrote one of the songs they were rehearsing. Other songs were of a contemporary genre, and there were also makeovers of old hymns. The energy generated by the almost 40 African-American students was exciting. There were handshakes, hugs, high fives and tears that demonstrated care and fellowship. Gospel choirs are places of life and havens of grace. Though they are not perfect, college gospel choirs make a contribution that goes way beyond their music.

See also I Joined a Gospel Choir.

[SLJ would like to collect and publish stories that show the effectiveness of gospel choirs and the partnerships forming on some campuses between groups like InterVarsity^® and gospel choirs. Please tell us what’s happening on your campus! Send your story or just clue us in with an e-mail to:
slj@ivcf.org]