Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala
Week 10: Chapter 9 — The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
Read Chapter 9 of Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire. Key passages: Psalm 40:1–3; Colossians 3:16.
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One of the most beloved chapters in the book — Cymbala tells the improbable story of a choir born out of nothing, and what it reveals about how God transforms broken voices into instruments of praise.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Cymbala tells the story of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, which grew from an embarrassingly small and unpolished group into a Grammy Award-winning ensemble. What is so striking about the origin of the choir, and what does it say about how God builds things?
2.His wife Carol, with no formal music training, became the director of the choir and led it for decades. Why do you think God so often uses people who are unqualified by human standards? What is the advantage of not having all the answers?
3.Cymbala argues that genuine praise and worship are not merely musical performances — they are spiritual weapons and acts of faith. Psalm 40 describes God putting a "new song" in the psalmist's mouth. Has God ever given you a "new song" — a fresh reason to praise him in a difficult season? What was it?
a.What is the relationship between going through hardship and developing a depth of praise?
b.Is it possible to lead others in genuine worship when you yourself are spiritually dry? What do you do in that situation?
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