IGMA Membership Requirements
Religious Beliefs
The IGMA is a voluntary association for those who share common religious beliefs and purpose. It is Christian, evangelical, and biblical in belief and practice. Because we support and present music that proclaims the Gospel, edifies believers, and testifies of our faith, we hold that only Christian believers can legitimately engage in such a ministry. Members must agree with certain basic beliefs, the most essential one is to be a professing believer in Jesus Christ for salvation. Because IGMA projects its public reputation through its membership, all members are expected to abide by standards of public testimony and lifestyle that reflect biblical Christian beliefs and practice. As a condition of membership or participation in our events, applicants, and participants must agree with the following paragraphs.
Statement of Faith
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; [he descended to the dead.] On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
I believe the Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God, and that it instructs and guides us in all matters of life, including marriage, gender, and sexuality, and specifically, that God created mankind in only two genders, male and female, that gender is not fluid, that marriage is between only one man and one woman, and that sexual relations outside of marriage is a sin. (Gen. 2:24; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1:26-29; 1 Cor. 6:9; 1 Thes. 4:1-8)
NOTE: The IGMA Board has granted an exception to those worshipping in "Oneness" denominations, (e.g., United Pentecostal Church), regarding non-trinitarian theology.
I believe the Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God, and that it instructs and guides us in all matters of life, including marriage, gender, and sexuality, and specifically, that God created mankind in only two genders, male and female, that gender is not fluid, that marriage is between only one man and one woman, and that sexual relations outside of marriage is a sin. (Gen. 2:24; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1:26-29; 1 Cor. 6:9; 1 Thes. 4:1-8)
NOTE: The IGMA Board has granted an exception to those worshipping in "Oneness" denominations, (e.g., United Pentecostal Church), regarding non-trinitarian theology.
Personal Salvation
It is my confession that through hearing or reading the Gospel of Jesus Christ, by the conviction of the Holy Spirt, through personal confession and repentance of sin, and by faith alone and not by works of the flesh, I have received Christ as my personal Savior. I publicly affirm that Jesus Christ is the son of God, who by His grace saved my soul; and by His crucifixion, death, and resurrection, paid the penalty for my sins and gave me eternal life. (Ephesians 2:8–9; Ephesians 1:7; John 1:12). I commit to being continually nourished by God through regular attendance at church worship services and instruction, and the regular reading of God's Word in His Holy Bible. (Hebrews 10:25; 2 Tim. 3:16, Rom.15:4).
Intent to Support Southern Gospel Music
As an applicant, it is my desire to support and/or perform Southern Gospel music, broadly defined as follows: Lyrics generally express a personal or corporate faith per biblical teachings and Christian living and which are not in conflict with IGMA’s Statement of Faith. Quartets, trios, duos, soloists and family groups of various sizes are permitted, and may include traditional four-part quartet arrangements, country, bluegrass, a cappella, and traditional hymns arranged in variety of styles. Instrumental accompaniment is permitted and may include a variety of instrumentation or pre-recorded soundtracks. Most Southern Gospel songs would not be classified either as "praise and worship" music” or Christian Contemporary Music, but would be more along the lines of "spiritual songs" as noted in Ephesians 5:19 -- songs of testimony, personal experience, and joys the Christian life.
“Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men.” (Col. 3:23, HCSB)
