A music ministry handbook typically outlines church-specific guidelines that govern such things as attendance, performance and discipline in a worship group. Guidelines offer general expectations to members and those considering joining a music ministry, whether as a leader or volunteer.
A music ministry handbook generally includes certain criteria for becoming a member of a worship group. Such criteria may include being a registered member of the associated church or worshiping body, attending services regularly and possessing specific leadership qualities.
Scheduling is an important part of most music ministry handbooks. The schedule usually includes rehearsal times as well as the order of services.
The music ministry handbook almost always contains a detailed outline of member responsibilities. For musicians, these may include playing for church services, accompanying the choir and assisting the music minister in planning.
No two music ministry handbooks are exactly alike, but reflect the church. High Protestant churches, for instance, may have handbooks geared to traditional choir performers, while non-congregational churches may focus their handbooks on members of modern praise teams.