The Purpose of Music in the Modern Church
Posted by Jim on February 21, 2007
The Purpose of Music in the Modern Church
The Scriptures present only two purposes for music in the church: a) that of worshiping and praising God, and b) that of edifying the saints.
There are over 800 references to music and its use in the Bible. Though music was used in many different settings (on the shores of the Red Sea - Exodus 15, in the courts of the king - I Samuel 16, at the dedication of the temple - II Chronicles 5, in an upper room - Mark 14, in a jail - Acts 16) its purpose remained but these two.
We have no command or example from the Scriptures for music to be used for any other purpose, including the promotion of the singers or musicians involved. Some well-known passages can serve as examples and representative of others presented in God’s Word.
- II Chronicles 5:13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord …
- Psalm 100:1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord …
- Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
- Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
In Scripture, music serves as opportunity for worshippers to turn their hearts to God and pay homage to his greatness and glory. God is always the object of musical adoration.
In the history of the Church, this, too, has always been the understanding of music’s purpose in the service of worship. Music prepares our hearts for our encounter with God and his Word. Music, in other words, is preparatory. It can set the mood for worship, or it can utterly undermine it.
In the period of the Reformation, in the 16th century, particularly in Switzerland, music had become such a problem that all musical accompaniment was forbidden. Musicians had become performers and the music they performed was aimed not at leading hearts to worship God, but to gaining them fame. Naturally, the Reformers saw this as a problem as it denied God the glory which alone was his. Singing without accompaniment became the normal means of Church music.
In the 18th century, musical accompaniment returned to most Baptist churches, although some still refuse, to this day, to make use of instruments and sing a capella.
Though Baptist churches make use of a variety of forms when it comes to music in the Church, from hymns to praise works, to anthems and the rest, all of them are aimed at turning the heart of the worshipping congregation in the direction of God’s presence. Historically, Baptists are in good company, since that was the purpose of music in both Ancient Israel and the Early Church.
Posted in News | No Comments »
