RESOURCES
MEMBERSHIP JUSTIFICATION LETTER
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13mOdnfJd48zl1N_jKQzF-D35zlJqj525/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110353305131151126417&rtpof=true&sd=true
Draft of letter to adapt and send to parish leadership
Date
Dear [Pastor’s Name],
I’m always seeking ways to grow both spiritually and professionally as [Title/Role]. I have been researching opportunities to enhance my role as [Title] at [Parish Name] and discovered that joining the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) could greatly benefit both myself and our parish’s music ministry.
NPM is the leading organization supporting pastoral musicians, clergy, and liturgists across the country, offering resources, training, and a strong network for those involved in church music. Locally, the St. Louis Chapter of NPM serves our region in partnership with the Archdiocese of St. Louis and the Office of Divine Worship.
Here’s how joining NPM could directly support our music ministry:
Access to professional development: Workshops, webinars, and conferences focused on liturgical music and the skills needed to enrich our parish’s worship.
Exclusive resources: A comprehensive digital library of music, planning guides, and pastoral tools to help prepare meaningful liturgies and deepen parishioner engagement.
Networking opportunities: Connections with experienced music ministers, choir directors, and composers who share strategies for building a vibrant, dynamic music ministry.
Ongoing support: Access to NPM’s online forums, mentorship programs, and up-to-date insights into church music trends and challenges.
Scholarship access: NPM offers scholarships exclusively for members of NPM to support formation of pastoral musicians at conferences, trainings, lessons, and more.
The investment is small, but the return is significant!
Membership starts at just $49 per year for Basic Membership, with advanced levels available, making it a valuable and affordable addition to the parish budget. By including NPM membership, I can make full use of these resources, enhancing the liturgical experience for our entire community.
Thank you for your consideration in supporting this professional development opportunity. I’d be happy to provide more details on how this membership will benefit our music ministry.
Sincerely,
[signed]
Biblical Quotes for Church Musicians
“Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be.”
(John 12:26)
Why this verse?
• It echoes the call to discipleship — exactly what we’re inviting musicians into.
• It connects service and following Christ.
• It’s short enough to print on flyers, booklets, t-shirts, banners, etc.
• It feels personal and vocational, speaking straight to the heart of a church musician.
Other Musical Bible Quotes
Psalm 89:15
“Blessed are the people who know the joyful shout;
in the light of your face, Lord, they walk.”
Luke 1:46-47 (Mary’s Magnificat)
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
Psalm 40:3
“He put a new song into my mouth,
a hymn to our God.”
Psalm 95:1-2
“Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord;
cry out to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come before Him with a song of praise,
joyfully sing out our psalms.”
Psalm 33:3
“Sing to Him a new song;
skillfully play with joyful chant.”
Colossians 3:16
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom,
singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs
with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Psalm 150:3-6
“Give praise with blasts upon the horn,
praise Him with harp and lyre.
Give praise with tambourines and dance,
Praise Him with strings and pipes.
Give praise with crashing cymbals,
praise Him with sounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath
give praise to the Lord!”
Ephesians 5:19
“Speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and playing to the Lord in your hearts.”
Psalm 100:1-2
“Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before Him with joyful song.”
2 Chronicles 5:13-14
“It happened, when the trumpeters and singers were as one,
to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord,
… that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud.”=
Psalm 147:7
“Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
sing praises to our God on the lyre.”
Sirach 39:15 (Catholic Bible, deuterocanonical book)
“Proclaim the grandeur of His works
and give thanks with all praise.”
Psalm 108:1
“My heart is steadfast, God;
My heart is steadfast.
I will sing and chant praise.”
Contributed by Dr. Suzanne Chisum, Chapter Board Member
