Rehearsal Time: Thursday evening from 7:30 to 9:30 pm
Rehearsal Place: Main Auditorium
Leader: Marlys Miller

The primary mission of the Praise Band ministry is to create musical foundations for worship in support of the vocalists and worship leaders. We look for musicians with hearts of worship whose first desire is to praise the Lord and are gifted to express it through their musical instruments. Some practical musicianship and the ability to orient oneself in the basic rhythm charts and chords are necessary. A positive attitude and team camaraderie is the mark of our work together.

In addition to the practical side of using our musical gifts to serve God and His people, our goal is maturing in our relationship with the Lord and strengthening one another. An extended prayer time or a devotional Bible teaching is a vital part of every Thursday rehearsal. At the beginning of each rehearsal members of the Praise Band, the Worship Ensemble and the Audio-Visual Ministries first seek the Lord together before practicing the music. In emphasizing the atmosphere of a "small church" we desire to create the environment of a warm and caring discipleship group.

On Sunday mornings, the Praise Band gathers at 7:45 am for a run-through of the worship service in the main sanctuary. Our two main Sunday morning services are identical in content therefore participation in both services is required. Additionally, there are other opportunities to help lead worship services running simultaneously during the morning time such as the Quest worship of Small Churches. Many times the congregational worship transpires before the preaching of the Word and the group can be dismissed from the front area before the message. Other times, however, such as communion services, the Praise band is needed to stay through the entire worship service.

It is our desire to extend the opportunity to many musicians in the Sunday morning band rotation, therefore a monthly schedule is prepared and sent out to coordinate and balance our efforts. Each player is responsible for keeping up with the schedule maintaining good communication especially concerning absences. In addition to regular Sunday mornings the Praise Band members often get to minister around First Free through other venues organized by various ministry departments. We also engage in worship evangelism in the city through our partnership with Sunshine Ministries, Pregnancy Resource Centers and other Christian organizations and churches.

David told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers to sing joyful songs, accompanied by musical instruments (1 Chronicles 15:16)