Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

God seems to delight in using unlikely people to accomplish his work, and this is certainly evidenced by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more diverse group. A recovering drug addict sings alongside a successful lawyer, a former prostitute sways to the beat with a grade school teacher, and clapping next to the banker is a fellow who used to sleep in subway stations. All races, nationalities, and ages are represented; people from all walks of life and economic backgrounds become willing instruments of God.

This musical melting pot had its meager beginnings in 1971 when newlyweds Jim and Carol Cymbala were called to the floundering Brooklyn Tabernacle. Jim was hired to pastor the 20-member congregation, despite the fact that he had no formal pastoral training. Likewise his wife, Carol, who without benefit of vocal training and unable to read music, assembled and began directing a small choir. Since then the choir has grown from its original nine members to 250 members.

From the beginning, Carol had no lofty goal for the ensemble—aside from praising God. Because of this, there are no musical requirements of the choir members other than the ability to carry a tune. Singers do not have to read music in this unique choir, which learns all its music by rote. Singing from memory implants the song in the heart of the singers, and eliminates page turning, which often distracts from the message. Even the musicians who accompany are mostly self-taught, and, like the director, do not read music.

BTC now holds auditions twice a year. Over 100 people will turn out, hoping to fill one of the 25 open spots. But it takes more than a glorious voice to get in. Jim and Carol look for evidence of a strong, committed Christian walk, and personally interview each applicant. Only those whose lives have been changed by the living God become part of this life-changing ministry.

Each Friday-night rehearsal begins with a half-hour prayer time. Scripture may be read, a testimony may be shared, or an exhortation may be given. Many nights it’s mostly prayer and worship, and sometimes the choir never does get around to singing! The worship is essential, since the singers are not there as performers; they come to praise God and minister to others. Expanding the ministry beyond the need-infested New York area is also important to the Cymbalas. Holding true to this, the BTC donates its royalties to fund not only local projects, but also to support churches in Florida, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire.

With 17 albums, two Grammy awards, numerous Dove award nominations, two worship videos, and sold-out concerts at venues like Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, and Radio City Music Hall under their belts, it would be easy to feel a bit of pride. But such is not the case. In an interview with Virtue Magazine, Carol revealed the choir’s primary motivation: worship. "If we exalt ourselves we play a game. That’s not worship." BTC is a week-in, week-out ministry. Carol sums it up: "When we write and sing in a way that uplifts Jesus’ name, that’s where the power is. He is the one who changes lives . . . All Christians have been transformed by God’s power and presence and that’s what happens in praise. We enter God’s presence." (Jamsline Web site)