Music has the uncanny ability to burrow its way into our spiritual bones. When it comes to matters of spirituality and faith, we are what we sing. There is no need to overstate the case. Music is not all-powerful. Many things shape our souls, including our parents’...
We’ve made worship self-centered instead of God-centered. We lobby for what we want: “I don’t like the songs.” “I don’t like the volume.” It’s as if we’re worshiping worship instead of worshiping God. If worship is a decision, then the greatest worship happens when...
We do in fact say things like, “Oh, that kind of music, that kind of preaching, that kind of ceremony, isn’t pleasing to God.” Now, I don’t want to sound disrespectful, but I’m not yet convinced that those of our number who argue this way have really heard a word from...
Stress excellence even more when repackaging the traditional. from Worship Evangelism
Some people might object that while the music a choir sings should, of course, be great, the congregation’s singing need not be so elevated. This profoundly disturbing attitude seems to be prevalent throughout the United States. Why do we settle for less than the best...
In the theater, the play is staged before an audience who are called theatergoers; but at the devotional address, God himself is present. In the most earnest sense, God is the critical theatergoer, who looks on to see how the lines are spoken and how they are listened...
But for this writer, the most important role of the music ministry is NOT in the preparation and presentation of special programs. Instead, it is in the week after week leadership given in our worship services. Whether the singing of a hymn, a choral anthem, the organ...
I am not much of a singer. I find it difficult to stay in tune. But when I stand next to someone with a fine voice I find it much easier. The voice I hear in my ear helps to keep my voice on line and I like to think of my voice merging with that voice so that the...
Good church musicians constantly ask whether the “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” of the church’s worship are sung “so that the Word of God may dwell in us richly” (the forgotten purpose clause of Col. 3:16). Good liturgical musicians worry about the link between...
It’s not wrong to use songs that people in our community relate to stylistically or culturally. Neither is it “more spiritual” to use styles that are inaccessible or foreign to guests. The best approach is to use a diversity of styles that reflect an appreciation and...