Worship Ministries

Purpose and Mission

We believe that worship is one of the most important things we do at First Baptist Church. Through the choirs, worship teams, concert series, MUSICAMP and special events, we seek to honor God by giving our best through His marvelous gift of music. Worship, discipleship and evangelism are the focus of our ministry as we strive to praise the Lord and make connection with all who worship with us. Everyone is invited to participate in the Music Ministry and we are always open to new opportunities.

Be involved in our worship Ministries


  • sanctuary choir

    The Sanctuary Choir sings weekly from September through June. The choir sings a variety of musical styles, various composers and contributes significantly to our services. Adults and capable high school students are invited to participate. There are special services and musical events throughout the choir year.

  • carillon bell choir

    CBC plays regularly during morning worship and at other times in the Decatur community. We have five octaves of Schulmerich handbells and three octaves of Malmark handchimes. An original composition has been written and dedicated to the bell choir for their ministry "inside the walls of the church and outside in the community."  

  • worship team

    Our Worship Team leads the congregation in many of our contemporary songs. Vocalists and instrumentalists meet weekly throughout the year in preparation for Sunday worship. and include the music of varied contemporary Christian artists.  Additional worship teams are planned for the future.

  • Children Sing!

    H2O Sings! are the children and youth who sing  in worship regularly as part of their Sunday School experience. We sing a variety of music, and often use Orff and percussion instruments with our anthems   Our goal is to develop proper musical training  and a love for worship and praise that will be with them throughout their lifetime.

  • special music

    Youth and Adults work with the Minister of Music as they prepare solos and small ensembles for Sunday worship.  We are blessed throughout the year with guest musicians who  share their ministry in worship services on Sunday mornings.  Soloists and instrumentalists from our congregation and the community regularly enhance our worship experience with their gifts.

Join us at Music ministry events

  • FBC Concerts

    First Baptist Church hosts two annual concerts series: Music For a Season of JOY and Music For Meditation. Programs occur during Advent and Lent and feature a variety of local and regional artists. Complementary luncheons are provided at the noontime programs.    Other concerts help sponsor special needs  and organizations within our community.  Our choir has joined in several community events including those that sponsor Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

  • Music for A Season of Joy

    2020 Advent Concert Series Virtual

    Concerts start 12:00  noon

    No complimentary luncheons served in 2020 at 11:15 am and 12:45 pm

    December 9, 2020  Aubrey Hawkinson, Mezzo-Soprano

    December 16, 2020 Mark Gifford & Damien Kaplan, Dual Piano


  • Music for Meditation

    2019 Lenten Concert Series

    Concerts start 12:00 noon

    No Luncheons in 2020 Complimentary luncheons served at 11:15 am and 12:45 pm

    April 3     The Cross Country Classic Band

    April 10  Julia Jamieson, Harpist


  • Since the summer of 1991, MUSICAMP has offered a free music and related arts experience for children grades K - 6  for the Decatur community.  Each year is built upon a selected Scripture verse and contains all manner of music and arts activities within a Christian environment. The majority of our campers come from the Decatur community and surrounding areas. Each year features a theme, memory verses , special guests and activities that stimulate discovery and creativity. We are grateful to the Decatur Area Arts Council and the Illinois Arts Council for their support of our program.


    MUSICAMP 2019  June 10 - 14, 2019, 9:00 - 11:30 am.  

    Please Call the office for registration.

  • all saints day

    In October each year, we reflect upon those we have loved and lost and remember them in a special celebration of All Saints Day during morning worship.

  • Community Concerts

    Throughout the year, First Baptist Church hosts special musical events.   These included  soprano Rachel West Kramer, the Decatur Park Singers and Dual Piano ensemble.  Announcements for these events are always on our website,  on radio station WBGL and in the Decatur Herald and Review newspaper.

  • We Come To Say Thank You

    Commissioned Song Hits Number One 2015

    We Come to Say 'Thank You'" is a new choral anthem written by Pepper Choplin, commissioned by First Baptist Church in celebration of Pastor Mike's 25 years of ministry as our Minister of Music. The anthem incorporates the use of a djimbe hand drum as well as the melody and texts of the hymn "For the Beauty of the Earth." Lorenz Publishing of Cincinnati, OH will release the anthem for public distribution in May. It is a composition that will be very useful to most church choirs and worship leaders. Pepper is a full-time church musician and composer living near Raleigh, NC. We have sung many of his anthems and cantatas over the years, and he was one of the clinicians two years ago at the FABM church music conference at Green Lake. Our choir premiered the anthem with Joan Moreau on the drum on March 15, 2015 .

    Click the icon link to hear the song.