MUSIC IN THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST

Music in the Church of CHRIST                                      Psalm 100 

 "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.  Serve the Lord
with gladness; come before his presence with singing.  Know ye 
that  the Lord he  is God;  it is he that hath made us, and  not  we
ourselves;  we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 
Enter into his gates with  thanksgiving,  and  into his courts  with 
praise;  be  thankful to him,  and bless his name.  For  the Lord is 
good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all gene-
rations."
                                                                   
    There are few things in life that give joy to our souls and lift to 
our spirits like a fine Spiritual song that is well done,  being  part 
of  a group of  people  singing an anthem, hymn  or gospel  song,
blending their voices in harmony. There is a rich and long history 
of music in the church as well as the Jewish tradition.  This is an
essential  ingredient  in  the  worship of our  heavenly Father.  In 
addition to  this use of music,  it is also  used to  convict  sinners, 
prepare the hearts of the believer to worship and promote fellow-
ship in the church. One more thing music does, is break down the 
facade many  bring to worship.  Spiritual  songs lift up the Savior 
and are essential to worship.  As people and times have changed, 
so  has the  music.  Forms  that  pass  for contemporary Christian 
music today,  would have not  been allowed in most local  assem-
blies 20-25 years ago. It has changed more in the past 10-15 years 
than  in any comparable  period in the history of  the church.  The 
music that has  been introduced to the church during these  years
conforms more and more to “hard rock”  music aired on  commer-
cial radio stations than to traditional church hymns, gospel songs
or  anthems.  The  artists  in  large part  seem  little  different  from 
those of  worldly fame and contemporary Christian musicians are 
larger than  life.  They are almost  like cult figures with  their sold-
out concerts, CD’s and videos rivaling secular artists in the ability 
to  make  money.  This  is  not  a  condemnation of  contemporary 
Christian  music,  but a  raising of the issue.  No one seems to be 
noticing the degeneration of  the church  this has fostered.  While 
the  issue may be  raised in isolated spots,  it is quickly attributed 
to hard-line fundamentalists, traditionalists and old people. There 
is, however; a responsibility to look into this  phenomenon to see 
if there might be validity to the objections raised about this music
or the way it is presented.

   Having said that, my primary concern for the church today is the 
use of music unsuitable for the worship of our God. Here are three
factors to consider when planning music for  worship or for events
honoring our Lord, and entreats the Holy Spirit to work with us:  
 First, “Are the words consistent with Scripture.”  Many times over 
the years  there have  been "gospel" songs with glaring theological 
flaws used in churches, but were popular because of the tune, beat 
or artist.  Secondly; “Does the accompaniment overpower the mes- 
sage?”  Is it so loud it detracts from  worship?  At times this is true 
of  “contemporary  Christian  music,” with a  sound  track covering 
lyrics  and vocal sound.  Are  the  lyrics  consistent with Scripture?   
Finally;  “The lifestyle of  the artist  must  be above  reproach.  It is
difficult to separate  a gospel song from the artist who promotes it, 
sings it and  makes it popular.  If the composer and/or singer is not 
a Spiritually mature child of God or if there is some question about
this  persons  character,  we  must  not use the music in the church. 
Every time we purchase music,  that artist receives part of  the sale 
price and  we cannot promote careless lifestyles among our leader-  
leadership;  Musicians, being de facto heroes.  Since much contem-
porary music is well done and Scriptural, there can be no objection 
at all.  Many of the artists are well-meaning, Spiritually minded stu- 
dents of the Word of  God from  which  their  music  springs. These
musicians and  song writers are to  be commended for their innova-
tive,  even scholarly approach they bring to music and song writing.
Granted, there has always  been  poorly written  music promoted to
make money rather  than written to inspire the  Church and  convict
sinners. 

     We are not dealing with a new issue,  but a more subtle issue.
Many think  if words sound like Scripture or have a like connota-
tion, the music style is irrelevant.  Others, are more likely to look 
at this matter over all  and see  the actual degeneration of  music,
becoming  more “worldly.”  (of  the  flesh  rather  than  the Spirit)  
This may be an indication of a tendency of the church at large.  It
may be  the symptom rather than  the  disease.  There are others
who believe if the music is somewhat offensive to them or not of
their  style or taste,  it is not acceptable to  God.  When we look at  
music from other countries or peoples, the music may not suit the 
taste of church members in our area. Since it is from the local cul- 
ture, it is quite suitable there.  We must ask for wisdom from God,
and discernment in order to strike a balance in this important part
of ministry.  

   Privileged to work with  many  pastors over the past 55 years, it 
seems  to me  the church  has fallen victim to Bible teaching com-
promising essential beliefs  and a lowering of standards in all the
areas of church life.  Since worship music is the one of the area in 
which you can "rate" the performance of a group of people or lea-
der, it is used at times as a barometer of the Spiritual condition of 
a  congregation.  There is also the  preaching of the gospel where 
one is held to account for "performance," but that is only one man
and an evaluation of a sermon is a highly  subjective endeavor,  at 
best.  It is obvious when the music is poor, and the subjective part
is  whether it is Spiritual or done in an appropriate manner. Music
may always be controversial, and important part of worship, but it
need not be divisive.  If a leader chooses music, acceptable in  the 
setting,   Scriptural and well  written, many issues fade.  It is diffi-
cult to take issue with well presented music that glorifies God.  In 
order to make comprehensive analysis of  music in the church, the 
information must  be gathered over a long period of time, in many
places.  Having  lived my life in the Southeastern US, and involved  
in bible based churches, the remarks apply in that setting. There is   
evidence  through contact  with church goers from across America 
that the situation is similar nationwide.  

Many of my fondest memories are centered around worship related
music activities.  May the Lord grant  to us wisdom in the  selection 
of music, the singers and leadership to develop these to the best of 
their  God  given ability.  We  must use  the same  standard in  Bible
teaching ministries of the church,  the training  programs and  prea- 
ching  of  the  gospel,  if  the  Church,  is to complete our God-given 
mandate to reach every people group in this world with the truth of
Jesus Christ  in this generation and  make disciples of  them accor- 
ding to God’s Word.        

                                                                donporter,sr. edited 8.06.16