Date

2-13-2026

Department

School of Music

Degree

Doctor of Worship Studies (DWS)

Chair

James Siddons

Keywords

Children's Choirs, Church, Youth Choirs, Presbyterian Church in America, Helen Kemp, Choral Biblical History, praise team, handbells, modern worship services, ministry

Disciplines

Music

Abstract

Graded children’s choir ministries have been a part of churches for the last century. In recent years, there has been a growing trend away from offering music ministry opportunities to children and youth in contemporary churches. There are several reasons for this decline; the major reason is that many churches have moved away from traditional music offerings to a praise band format. It has rendered the musical training of children in church unnecessary. The limited quantity of recent scholarly literature, the decline in commercially produced music, and the discontinuation of teaching materials for children’s choir ministries also attest to this decline. This study is for the leadership within the Presbyterian Church in America [PCA] and focuses on churches that currently have a successful children’s choir ministry. This study aims to understand each church’s vision for, implementation of, and benefits derived from the inclusion of children’s choir ministry through an investigation of six churches within the PCA. It employs a qualitative design research method to explore each church’s children’s choir ministries to find the benefits these successful and vibrant ministries have provided to the children of these congregations. Historical and current practices were examined to determine how the children’s choir ministry serves as an integral part of the church’s overall ministry. An examination was conducted through a preliminary review of website information, an online questionnaire, and follow-up email correspondence of the current children’s choir ministry leaders to figure out how and why these ministries exist and the impact they have had on their respective church communities. This study was critical to help direct and strengthen existing children’s choir ministries with the goal of creating a template for future children’s choir ministries. Future implications of this study include a template for the vision-setting and creation of a children’s choir ministry, and the development of a curriculum, both within the PCA and other denominations.

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