Really good advice in this thread. I especially would cosign this:First, discontinue the 'drop ins' with a simple rule: If you don't rehearse, you don't sing. As they say, it's tight but it's right. It is unfair to those dedicated few for the 'drop ins' to continue to behave in this manner.
As for song suggestions, I'd go with P&W type songs (depending on your congregation). There are plenty of suggested song threads here @ LGM.
Hope that helps.
As much as I've always known this to be true, it took me waaaay to long to put my foot down. When I did put my foot down, we wound up with three choir members singing "The Storm Is Passing Over" a cappella in 3 part harmony. And for another selection I had to play bass and sing lead. The person who was supposed to lead the song missed BOTH rehearsals leading up to this service, so he and another choir member sat in the last pew sulking.
The last two rehearsals I had FULL attendance and expect the same tomorrow.
anything from Lakewood.....
As to the 'buy-in' part - try making it obvious that -
A) - They are valued and appreciated
B) - That it's a group ministry/effort by everyone - no divas, but God can use anyone for His glory.
Pastoral support is crucial; the minister should be supportive and appreciative of their ministry.
I am trying a modified attend/sing approach...we have two rehearsals the Sunday and Wed. night before, and a warmup before service on the Sunday we sing. I tell them to show up for the warmup and at least one rehearsal, and strongly encourage them to attend both (Some cannot because they work during the week).
Unfortunately I haven't got to the "foot putting down" part yet...
The bottom line must be that
effective immediately (and you'll want to communicate this via e-mail or hand-delivered letter, AND announce it at rehearsal), if a member does not attend rehearsal, they do not sing that weekend. You must enforce that rule, no matter how inconvenient or difficult it may seem. IT WORKS, as those who chimed in have already said. If it means your "choir" becomes a chorale or even a quartet or trio, so be it. Perfect what you have, and then build on it. You can't build on a shoddy foundation, and that's exactly what you're trying to do by allowing "whosoever will" to sing. I don't even see how people can minister with that nonchalant attitude toward ministry. Do people really believe God accepts that type of "gift"?
I would also talk to the pastor (this goes back to having pastoral support) about doing a teaching series for the house on the subject of committed servanthood. Clearly, the choir needs it, but the whole house could benefit from it.
And you definitely want to be kind, but firm. Remember that nobody HAS TO serve in ministry. They don't have to volunteer to sing, usher, cook, read a scripture or anything else. Approach it from that perspective, but still communicate that there is a standard for the choir that must be upheld. Communicate your appreciation for their willingness to serve and desire to minister in song, and make it clear that the Bible mandates excellence in ministry, therefore, you must as well.