Grace and Style
August 15th, 2008
What is Grace Church’s view on musical style in the church?
The Bible does not prescribe a particular style of music as being solely acceptable to God, nor does it condemn any particular styles. But it does contain principles that we can apply to any situation and ascertain what course of action will please God.
When it comes to choices about what style to use in the church, we should apply the principle of appropriateness. At Grace Church, our Sunday worship services contain musical styles that are appropriate for all ages ‑‑ we try to be careful not to distract anyone present by using music that could be considered controversial in any way. But in our youth meetings and events at The Master’s College, more contemporary styles are often played or sung. We require the lyrics in the latter to be doctrinally sound and clearly understandable.
Some churches and Christian schools teach that any music with a drumbeat or electric guitar is worldly and sinful. We do not do so at Grace Church because the Bible tells us “not to exceed what is written” (1 Corinthians 4:6). We cannot add to the Scripture without subtracting from its effectiveness in our lives. If we elevate personal preference and man-made tradition to the level of God’s Word (Mark 7:6-15), we risk entangling people in the bondage of legalism and diverting them from the true issues of sanctification (Romans 14:17).
Here are five questions you can ask when evaluating music:
1. What is the lyrical content of the song? Are the words true? Are they biblically accurate?
2. Does the way in which the lyrics are presented cheapen the message?
3. Does the song make you conscious of the Lord, and draw you to Him, or does it distract from true worship?
4. Do the musical style and performance promote and facilitate a worshipful atmosphere? Or do they somehow undermine the truth and purity of the lyrical content?
5. Is the life‑style of the musician honoring to God?
“If we elevate personal preference and man-made tradition to the level of God’s Word (Mark 7:6-15)”
You talk of “personal preference” as being wrong, yet the questions that you list that we should ask are very subjective and full of personal preference. I truly am disappointed when it comes to music that there is very little sound doctrinal principles used to decide what is spiritual, expedient and edifying. I am amazed how Grace and other organizations are willing to take such strong stands on controversial, somewhat subjective issues (such as yesterdays post), yet when it comes to music that is so influential in the lives of Christians they seem to become “wishy-washy”.
As I read what I have written is sounds harsh and critical, but I assure you that is not my desire. Disappointed and somewhat frustrated would better describle how I feel. I do truly appreciate your holding to the truth of the Word of God and keeping it as the foundation in dealing with so many issues. I enjoy reading Pulpit Magazine and the responses to the posts. I am often challenged to re-examine my stance many times. Thank you for this ministry you offer.
“We cannot add to the Scripture without subtracting from its effectiveness in our lives.” That’s a true statement, but it seems dangerous to apply that to decisions related to personal standards. It makes it sound like it’s wrong to have any personal standard not explicitly laid out in Scripture. I know that’s not what you mean, but that’s how it sounds.
I was at the ‘08 Shepherd’s Conference, and I was surprised that the pastors in attendance were challenged to be careful and cautious in nearly every area except music. They were also challenged to completely ignore what the culture thinks (remember Pastor John’s strong words about contextualization?) in just about every area except music. I’m not suggesting that the Shepherd’s Conference theme for ‘09 needs to be “Why Electric Guitars and Drums Are Sinful,” but there does seem to be a disconnect here.
I thing the point that this post is trying to make is that there is nothing wrong with personal preference as long as we don’t fall into the error of imposing it on others as if it were an absolute Biblical truth. The Bible never says that electric guitars are sinful or that we are prohibited from worshiping God with them, so we cannot say that it is sinful.
Lilly,
You are correct in stating that the Bible never says that electric guitars are sinful, however, the Bible has much to say about worshiping God (or attempting to do so) with the world’s methods.
It is amazing to me that the world recognizes the effects of rock music (whether combined with Christian lyrics or not) yet Christians deny that it has any negative effects. The world recognizes the sensual nature of rock music, they just don’t see anything wrong with it. However, we as Christians should.
Neil Postman, in his book “Amusing Ourselves to Death” makes a very interesting quote, which I will cite in a little bit. I think, though, that before I do, we should take a look at who this man is, and what authority he has on the subject. First of all, he is not a Christian. He is a respected critic, educator, sociologist, and communication theorist who has written more than fifteen books. He is the professor of communication arts and sciences at New York University. He says, “To maintain that technology (music) is neutral…is stupidity plain and simple.”
Christians are the only ones saying that rock music is neutral.
Bill, Tim, and Daniel,
You all have expressed my thoughts exactly. I remember the opening sentence of John MacArthur’s message at the 2007 Shepherd’s Conference. It lamented the fact that so many pastors who love the Word of God and who take great pains in getting their hermeneutics right, treat the passages in the Bible on the end times with playful indifference. I feel the same way about the great body of Scripture that addresses music (not lyrics) and worship. I believe God wants us to know the end of the story as John MacArthur stated in 2007, and I believe He wants us to know exactly how to honor him in worship.
Satan prior to the fall led the host of heaven in worship. He was the essence of music. It is no wonder he uses it so subtly in the church today.
Jeff
Hi Everyone,
I don’t have time today to engage with all of the comments … except to say that today’s article is a greatly condensed excerpt of Grace Church’s full perspective on the issue.
If you would like to read a fuller treatment of our views on music in the church, please see chapter 7 of the book Fool’s Gold?. The entire chapter can be read online at Crossway’s website. Click here to read it.
I think you will find that our church has put a lot more thought into the question of music style than some of the above comments seem to imply.
Thanks and have a great weekend.
In Christ,
NB
To all my brethren and sisters in the grace of our Almighty LORD,
I have had the displeasure of attending a Conference this very year at the London Metroploitan Tabernacle where Grace Community Church was villified based upon this very issue of what seems to be a clear issue Scripturally and Critically in our thinking as evaluating Christians under the grace of our Almighty. It was sad for me as it seemed such a waste of true values to critique a brother (Or an Eldership of many men) who obviously feel strong and committed to Doctrinal Purity in Worship, as much as in Teaching. I fear that we have many who are NOT so strong and that they seem to be easily offended.(We may well be the stronger brethren in accord with Romans 14-15?)
In any case; we are born again unto Liberty, when we do NOT use liberty as a cloak for vice… Is that not right?
OK? Well do not misunderstand what I am implying…
I am a God FEARER (Not as in Reverenance; BUT A FEARER!) I believe that worship should be in the fear of the LORD as much as doctrine ought to be; WHY? I am a sinner by nature, whose salvation is by grace alone of the LORD (Isaiah 12:2). In of myself I was for many years a blasphemer by my actions and lifestyle, while cliaming to be a Believer (Semi-Palagian). Since I have been born of the Spirit of Truth, I have had many challenges including the question over Musical tastes; both outside and inside the corporate Worship of the Body. I used to be heavy into Hardcore Gangster Rap, Heavy Metal, Industrial and Alternative music and I LOVED it, it gave me expression of my feelings…
Gradually however in a Church where we where previously I found that CCM music at times became void of Bible Teachinga nd was more Self centred. This did not register as a problem; because many other in that Church where content with that style. But I was never Fully certain about that being good; UNTILL. We where forced by conscience under the fear of the LORD to leave that Fellowship due to Ecumenical compromise in association with works based social issues. Then we travelled for the first time to two other Fellowships, one being a Strict Baptist Chapel in the coutryside here in england and the other being a Reformed Baptist Church and my wife and I where both astounded at the Revereance, Love and Fear of the LORD displayed at both these very different Fellowships. It was great! Even the LORD’s Table was set apart (Holy) after the main service to give room for people who are unbelievers or under conscience to leave and not be under that “peer pressure” of sitting whilst the Bread and Wine(Juice) passed in front of them, so that they may perhaps be tempted to sin… We both believe this is great and so very loving.
This has been a great example for us of loving the LORD, our brethren and honoring the lost. I would even say that I would love to do away with all instruments or to have the type of Hebrew Messianic assembly type of worship that culturally would reflect the worship of Israel into our life as Spiritual Israel. I believe that the instruments used in Jewish and Messianic Fellowships would be controversial in our Churches and that there would be NO need for a debate or speculationas to the Biblical authenticity of using these instruments in TRUE WORSHIP. Pershaps that is where we ought to start wrt WORSHIP in the Church Services.
As for my “personal music” outside of Public Worship:
I am still being refined by the Sanctifying Work of the Spirit. (If you told me that I would like to listen to Hymns and Classical music by the age I am now, when I ws 18, I would have thought you a lunatic!) But the truth is even some CCM I find horribly offensive and totally against the Spirit; and then I find a few musicians who exercise their gift in a worthy manner. But perhaps my tastes are still being “brought into conformity with Christ”; I hope so. I enjoy some Steve Green, Michael Card and others who write doctrinally and Biblically TRUE spiritual songs and hymns, as for the instruments, I just love it when the instruments strengthen the words and doctrine (Equally I cringe when the instruments ruin the words and doctrinal content).
If my entry seems a bit “wishy washy” please forgive me and pray for me: I am not having a good day with my mind or body due to me medical symptoms.
Let us NOT unnecessarily seeek to divide the Body of Christ, let us NOT give reason to OFFEND the weaker brethren, let us speak the TRUTH in LOVE. Let us seek the SANCTIFYING Grace of the Spirit of Truth which is in Messiah Jesus our LORD the Truine God, with all longsuffering, mercy, hope and love.
I hope that people on both sides of the same coin can appreciate their differences and seek the Unity of the Truth in all things. I certainly find that both viewpoints are equally valid and yet that neither is absolutely conformed to perfection. Let us walk humbly and seek not to destroy that which Christ has joined together. If your brothers offend you; please plead with them for conscience sake and pray to the LORD.
In the unmerited grace, mercy & compassionate care of our One True LORD God: The Father, Messiah Jesus & the Holy Spirit of truth; our Redeemer.
I am curious… for those who think electric guitars are inappropriate for worship, which instruments are?
An instrument has nothing to do with music style. Violins, pianos, organs, cellos, flutes, bass, drums, acoustic and electric guitars, etc. have all been used in the production of rock music as well as classical music.
Many times at the evening service at Grace there is an electric guitar, bass, and drums, but the style is anything but rock.
So, just to clarify, are there instruments that are inappropriate for worship, or are you referring more to style?
Thanks!
I read chapter 7 of Fool’s Gold and appreciated the historical and biblical perspective on church music. Nate, I appreciate you pointing us to it. I agree with much if not all the principles that were laid out and the sentiments of Dr. MacArthur concerning hymns, gospel songs and the praise chorus. I have many more questions I would like to ask, but this venue does not lend itself to in depth discussion. I do believe my generation and the ones following are accepting a shallow, feeling, fleshly oriented style of music as a main stay and will be spiritually week because of it. You can survive on sweets for awhile, but you will never grow truly strong on them. May God give us wisdom and the courage to do that which is not only lawful, but that which is best.
One thing that needs to be kept in mind is that [usually] weak “worship” and music is the outcome of weak teaching. Let us not treat the weak singing time as if that can be fixed on its own. The reason some don’t like hymns or deeper lyrics is because they are not accustomed to theology.
Some people enjoy the emotional 7/11 (seven words sung eleven times) songs because they can’t get “excited” over lyrics they don’t understand.
That, I think, is the sad fact. Of course, introducing good teaching doesn’t necessarily mean everything will work out, but it should be the starting point.
Nate B.
You are right, there is a lot more in the book. Thank you for linking to it for us. I really believe we are not far apart, yet, if this Trojan Horse of music is not exposed and addressed by church leadership across the country it will destroy our testimony and lead us to a point we never thought we would go. Small compromises are that way.
The description on page 120 of “Fool’s Gold?” of the typical modern worship service is one which I have personally experienced. The description of the rise in the emotions all the way to the end is more than typical, it is necessary in their view. I have a different take on it, though, than what was presented in the book. John M. believes that the cause of the rise in emotions is due to the lyrics themselves. The worship experience I had that was like this one described was at a church that used all of the old hymns from the puritan period and one from Luther himself (A Mighty Fortress Is Our God). One of the hymns came from the 12th century. They sang (on that day) no songs from the 20th century yet they had created their own arrangements of the music to “modernize” them. Thus the lyrics were the same but the music was “contemporary”. The effect on the emotions was the same as described in the book and God was not exalted.
John says on page 123 of the same book, “Again, my major concerns have to do with the content than with the style of church music.” I too believe that there can be multiple styles of music and yet be honoring to God. Also, I believe that you don’t have to take out the cultural aspects of the music to make it honoring to God. This does not say that within styles of music and within cultural music there are no standards to follow that make it honoring to God. Put another way, in each style of music you can have music that honors God and music that dishonors God. So I am not speaking to styles per say.
The 10 questions at the end of the chapter by Nathan B. are excellent!! I would like to comment on all of them but will only address the two that I have a difference with John and Nathan. This would be numbers 2 and 3.
Number 2 states “Does your church music promote a high view of God?” I love this quote contained in the second paragraph, “Music that is worthy of our Savior must promote an accurate and exalted view of who He is (cf. Isa. 40:12-26).” This is precisely why I believe God is concerned about the music as well as the lyrics. The music itself is a language. For example, it is possible for a Christian young lady to profess Christ while defrauding young (and old) men by the way she dresses. She is saying one thing with her lips but another message is being given by her immodesty. In the same way, I believe it is possible for the lyrics of a song to be God honoring giving a godly message while giving a conflicting message by the unbalanced, physical oriented, fleshly music it is put with.
I believe that the very music we use to convey God’s character and to worship Him should not violate that same God’s physical design.
This brings me to number 3 which states: “Is your church music orderly?” Your point here is excellent, but says nothing about the music itself needing to be orderly. You come very close when you say “Church music, then, should never encourage participants to exchange the control of the spirit for the control of some other force – be it emotional, psychological, or other.” These are descriptions of the effects of unbalanced music. It effects the emotions and the body way before it affects the mind and the spirit. Music, like mathematics has order, it has rules that when ignored bring about negative consequences. We’re talking physics here, not preferences.
Why is it that the world acknowledges this and uses it to their advantage while the church is the only group that denies its existence and pays the consequences?
Your final statement is a great statement of balance, “In the end, pastors must be careful not to exalt personal preference to the same level as biblical principle, or to ignore biblical principles under the assumption that everything about church music is preferential.” I believe that I can keep this balance with the standards of music plus the standards of lyrics that I hold to.
By the way, the “Majesty” hymnbook, which is associated with Job Jones University, has “songs”, “hymns”, and “spiritual songs” new and old in it.
Thank you for boldly addressing this issue in a day when most would have ignored it.
Jeff
Gabriel,
See if you can discover how many different instruments King David invented?
To answer your question, it is not the instrument OR the style that creates a problem in music. If you can play a base or a trap drum set along with other instruments and not violate the God established laws of physics and maintain orderliness and balance then by all means do it. Personally, I think that it would 1.) be so rare that you can do this, and 2.) be such a constant temptation to always push the limits that it is not worth it to try. Who said that you must have these particular instruments in order to worship properly anyway? (I know you didn’t). Why do we have to live on the edge of freedom? Doesn’t the desire to push the edge on any biblical standard say something about us? Why do people (not you, or anyone on this thread) get so offended when we address standards of music?
Hope this is helpful.
Jeff
Gabriel,
I am not necessarily speaking of the instruments used (though a case could be made for the appearance of evil), and I am not necessarily speaking of the style used (depending on your definition of “style”). As Jeff said, there is good and bad music in any style. I am talking about the music reflecting the character of God. Rock music simply does not reflect that character. And here is a Biblical reason why (I say “a” reason because this is not the only one).
God desires our whole beings to be completely under His control in this order. 1st God want our bodies. Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your BODIES a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. God then wants our minds. Phi 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, THINK on these things. Finally, God wants our spirit. 1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your BODY, and in your SPIRIT, which are God’s. We need to bring ourselves into subjection by brining our bodies under the subjection of our minds, and our minds under the subjection of our spirits. We cannot say to God, “I will give you my mind and spirit, but I will do with my body what I want to.”
So the 3 aspects of our being is our body, mind and spirit. Music also has 3 aspects…rhythm, harmony and melody. It is no coincidence that the effects of these 3 aspects of music correspond to the 3 aspects of our being. The rhythm effects our body, the harmony effects our mind, and the melody effects our spirit. This is a proven fact. It is also proven, and accepted by all rock musicians, that the rhythm is the predominate area in rock music. It should come as no surprise, then, that the typical atmosphere in a rock concert is not at all calm. The rhythm should be underneath the harmony, which should in turn be underneath the melody. In a typical rock band, there are four instruments…the rhythm guitar (definitely rhythm), the bass guitar (definitely rhythm), the drums (definitely rhythm), and the lead guitar (mostly rhythm). This gives us about 75% rhythm. This has been equated to eating food that is 75% salt.
The music must be in balance to be God-honoring.
Hi,
I have observed that many pastors (especially the younger ones) have an odd approach to worship. They have a genuine/Scriptural concern for souls, but a misguided approach to worship. In fact, if it were possible, I would say they were “over zealous” in some ways.
They seem to view music as an evangelistic “tool” instead of a “medium” (for lack of a better word) through which we worship God.
For a church to change its music for the purpose of “reaching the younger generation (or any other)” makes that church more concerned with pleasing men, than pleasing God.
Does that make sense to anyone or am I on my own here? I am an independent, fundamental, Baptist. (On top of all that, I’m saved too). But you might be surprised that I believe the Lord has given His children tons of liberty, especially when it comes to music.
So, could it be a matter of preference? Sure it could. But it’s also about motivation; “why” do you do/sing a particular song, style, etc? Is it “to the Lord;” (Eph 5:19) or to man?
When Jesus said “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth…” I can’t help but picture a multitude singing.
He said “(they) honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” (Matt 15:8) Do lyrics matter? Sure they do. And whether these people were singing or not, they got all the “words” correct. Unfortunately, the matter went much deeper than what they “said.” Someone has said, that “Being far away from God is more about likeness than distance.”
Anyway, I was just surfing the web and came across this site. I found many interesting resources here and I will be back.
God bless,
Jason W. Elder
Jaysun1980@hotmail.com
Hi Daniel,
In your first comment, you quoted Niel Postman as saying: “To maintain that technology (music) is neutral…is stupidity plain and simple.”
Postman didn’t write that, plain and simple. The actual quote from p. 157 of his book (have you read it? It’s really good) is: “To be unaware that a technology comes equipped with a program for social change, to maintain that technology is neutral, to make the assumption that technology is always a friend to culture is, at this late hour, stupidity plain and simple.”
The quote you gave, whether you knew it or not, was a deliberate, fraudulant misquote sourced (as far as I can tell) from www.av1611.org/neutral.html.
av1611.org isn’t exactly a bastion of academic integrity. In this case, they wanted to make a point, so they spliced up a quote from an authoritiative-sounding person, actually going so far as to add a word, in order to make it sound like he was saying the same thing they are.
That’s the funny part. The round parenthesis give the impression that “music” could have been part of the original quote. But music is not technology. As a communications theorist, Postman would be the first to tell you that. He wasn’t saying anything about music at all, rock music no less. Read his book. It’s about TV, not rock music.
On another note (pun intended), in a later comment you wrote that “The 3 aspects of our being is our body, mind and spirit. Music also has 3 aspects…rhythm, harmony and melody. It is no coincidence that the effects of these 3 aspects of music correspond to the 3 aspects of our being. The rhythm effects our body, the harmony effects our mind, and the melody effects our spirit. This is a proven fact.”
Proven fact? Could you list at one PhD in the field who would stand behind this assertion as a “proven fact”?
Grace,
Chris
Gentlemen, I want to be careful because I do not want to come across as looking down on traditional style and hymns. I would defend the use of hymns with traditional style and instruments any day.
Am I correct in understanding that a physical response is the major concern? If that is correct, it is true that there can be (and are) excesses, but it is also true that we are to love and worship with our entire being and that includes clapping, lifting hands, bowing down, etc.
It is unfortunate that many traditional churches do well in the lyrical area, but look down upon any physical response whatsoever. It is also unfortunate that many more churches emphasize the physical response and have shallow music.
Are emotions and physical response carnal? If so, that appears to be a Christianized form of Platonism–spirit good, physical bad–which is a distinctly non-Christian idea.
Jeff, you mentioned, “If you can play a base or a trap drum set along with other instruments and not violate the God established laws of physics and maintain orderliness and balance then by all means do it.”
Would you mind clarifying? How do the use of guitars and drums lead so quickly to going beyond the laws of physics and orderliness? Which laws of physics and what definition of orderliness?
“…we try to be careful not to distract anyone present by using music that could be considered controversial in any way.”
I’m not sure that avoiding controversy in any way is attainable, but I understand the point. Church music is always in a cultural context, so the musical culture of the congregation should be taken into consideration.
However, there is always the potential of avoiding offense to an extreme. “Deflecting glory to God” is sometimes taken as “don’t play with any talent”. This combined with the zeal of not offending can result in music - like “elevator music” - that is so bland and unoffensive to anybody at all that it is offensive to everybody.
“Do the musical style and performance promote and facilitate a worshipful atmosphere?”
If you could define ‘worshipful atmosphere’, it would solve everyone’s problem, and the music debate would end. But the problem is, you can’t. Because the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, not the other way around. In other words, your affections shape your reason. A man’s loves shape his understanding of what is appropriate in worship
Every man is right in his own eyes in today’s church. Your ‘worshipful atmosphere’ isn’t like mine? OK, no prob - it’s just a ’stylistic preference’, so we’ll ignore the elephant in the room and paint Romans 14 over him.
I would say the fact that Christians cannot agree on what constitutes this ‘worshipful atmosphere’ is possibly the greatest problem we have.
In the introduction of chapter 7 of Fool’s Gold, the subject of the chapter is presented as a question — “Should the church only sing hymns, should it only sing praise choruses or should it land somewhere in the middle?” While I really appreciate and agree with most of the teaching that follows, perhaps this is the wrong question.
This question makes a basic assumption that I cannot find supported specifically in the Bible. The question I would ask as is much more basic. “Should the entire church sing?”
Perhaps I am misunderstanding scripture but every reference I find to singing in relation to worship seems to refer to what I do individually, not corporately. For instance, in Col. 3:16 teaching and admonishing are things that one person does toward another, it isn’t something done together in harmony. In 1 Cor. 14:26 Paul describes “one having a Psalm” in the same way as one who has a doctrine, tongue, revelation and interpretation. Why should only one of these be considered a group activity instead of a gift by an individual to the church?
Wasn’t it the great Psalmist and advocate of rich and diverse individual worship himself who made the distinction between how corporate and private worship should be conducted? It appears to me that David commanded that singing and music in the temple was to be provided by a specific group of highly capable Levites (1 Chr. 15:16; 2 Chr. 5:13, 20:21, 35:15). The congregation, it seems, still worshipped (i.e. prostrated themselves) while those Levites did the singing (2 Chr. 29:28).
The only biblical reference to congregational singing I can find (other than at a family gathering like during the Seder at the Last Supper) is when the Israelites were worshiping before the golden calf.
I’m not saying that it is wrong for a congregation to sing together. It certainly has been part of the church for a long time. We just need to remember that it is a preferential and traditional activity — not a biblically mandated one. While quality, appropriate, doctrinally correct, God-exalting music seems to be an important element of the church service, perhaps an over-emphasis on the activity of congregational singing may prove to be counterproductive to encouraging true worship from their hearts.
Great post. I don’t know if Grace Church has a position on the regulative principle, but if I were to try and piece it together from this post the principle would be don’t make personal opinion the judge of what the Bible does or does not allow. If music is filled with lyrics that are biblically sound and the style of music draws people into worship rather than entertainment and the one leading worship is Christ exalting in his life then the music could be considered acceptable.
Personal preference is not listed as being wrong, but personal preference cannot be placed on the level of Scripture. If one’s personal preference is against hymns or against rock-and-roll style of music, that preference alone cannot be used to say such music is wrong. Scripture itself does not invalidate any style of music.
The first two and the last of the criteria do not draw from personal preference. The standard of those is the word of God. How does the lyrical content of the music line up with Scripture? The third and fourth criteria would be more matters of subjective opinion, though not entirely so. There is some music out there which I don’t care what anyone claims, there is no way it could draw a person into worship. Other musical styles are simply a matter of preference and one style might help this person worship while it only distracts that person. Loving compromise would then be necessary in a church. What could we do to help all people worship? Certainly trying to force all people to like just one style would not be the answer, particularly when styles are not mandated in Scripture. None of the musical styles we have today would much resemble what Jesus worshiped with when he walked the earth. Are we then all wrong?
One question/criteria I (personally) would add to the list is this:
Does the music promote “sober-mindedness” and “vigilance”> I fail to see how much of today’s church music, which consists of chanting, trance-like “hooooooooollllllllyyyyyyyy” for ten minutes at a time, qualifies. I find no biblical precedent for going into a trance and “feeling the presence of the Lord” (upon which is placed such a premium in today’s churches)is scarcely mentioned.
Chris H.
Perhaps I should have checked into that quote before citing it. At any rate, music is in no way neutral (whether it is referred to as technology or not). If we look at art, it is generally accepted that all art is made up of lines and curves. This is pretty much self-evident. Is there any particular line or curve that is sensual? No, of course not. However, does that mean that an artist could not use those same lines and curves to draw something immoral? It is the same with speech. The individual letters in the alphabet have no moral value, but when you combine them, that is when they acquire their moral value (either good speech or blasphemous speech). It is also the same with music. The individual notes do not have moral value, but when combined, they can communicate a God-honoring message, or a blasphemous message.
As far as the connection between the three aspects of music and the three aspects of our being, I will pull up the information on that and post it when I get the chance.
Gabriel,
You asked, “Are emotions and physical response carnal?”
No. Provided the emotions and physical responses are not sensual, but God-honoring. When we listen to a brass band playing a marching tune, what do we do? We tap our foot. Can you tap your foot sensually? Rock music evokes emotions and physical responses that no Christian should be comfortable with. If you like, I can post some quotes by rock musicians explaining the emotions and physical responses that rock music causes. However, they are somewhat direct.
Daniel,
I am not, and never have been, a rock fan, so I am not totally clear on the difference (or apparent similarity) between rock music and using drums, electric, and bass guitars in church.
Are the two (the use of instruments, and the style of music) being equated, or are we barking up two different trees?
Cheers,
Gabriel
So much of what is being discussed could be eliminated if only you would sing. There is no biblical authority for an instrument of music in New Testament worship. To bring in the instrument is to only find yourself worshipping in the shadow of the old covenant , not in the reality of the new covenant. Look at how the Orthodox church has continued to be acappella after all the centuries as well as others who worship God.
Ray,
Of what were instruments a shadow? What Scripture indicates that they were a shadow at all, or even necessarily part of the old covenant?
As a Church Music student at the Master’s College and an attendee of Grace Community Church, I would like to weigh in on this issue.
I have found that most people who try to make decisions about music style in the church have had little musical training. People subject the entire church to their own personal preferences and traditions. Yet many of these traditions and preferences have been made without any study of music. The worship of God deserves more than that. There are countless styles of music, and the music of the Old Testament would sound very foreign to us should we hear it today. In African churches worship is very different than American churches, yet that does not make it wrong.
We are limiting our ability to worship based on what we think or are familiar with. Until one has studied the big picture of music they cannot hope to understand the philosophies of music. God never exalts a particular style or debases another. Never is a list of instruments sanctified and another condemned.
Don’t get me wrong, I am a firm believer in the need for the music of the church to represent God respectfully. Music in the church must be true, orderly, Christ-centric, Bible-centric, Theocentric, proper, upright, and understandable. As a classically trained student, I personally prefer church organ, piano, choir, orchestra, etc.
But If I were to judge the style of another brother without first knowing that other brother or studying music enough to be able to properly critique that style then I would be remise. We must take away our legalism concerning style. Our music cannot be limited to any generation but needs to be multi-generational.
Words on the other hand are essential. If the words are untrue, weak, shallow, or misrepresent God then the song should not be used in corporate worship. But if the words are proper and God exalting then the song may have a place in our churches. Personal preference cannot be the ruler we use to judge what honors God. I find many pastors hold the Bible to be the only authority until it comes to music and then they contrive all kinds of ways to add to it to disqualify or condemn music they do not understand or personally like.
Grace has a great balance. The corporate worship sunday morning is very classical and traditional. However, the sunday night service is more like soft Jazz, using electric guitars, keyboards, and drums. The College and High-School music is very contemporary, yet always within the context of being centered on God and dignified. The musicians are all trained to focus on God and not their own performances. The result is a balance that reaches many generation and shows them that worship is about God and not about us.
To many people focus on their own desires, preferences, and experience and are selfish about music because of a lack of musical training or understanding. Please, worship is not about me or you but about God. The church needs to forsake personal preference and instead, with a trained understanding of the big picture of music, seek that which would glorify God best.
Doug, I for one see your point about congregational singing, but then I think to those beautiful old hymns that I sang along with my church as a child, songs whose meaning I had no grasp of at the time…songs which I now sing with joy as I drive along in my car. Old hymns that are so full of the Gospel itself and the glorious aspects of living out the truth of that Gospel in good times and in bad. Songs which give praise to my Savior and which bring me strength and encouragement. Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. It is Well With My Soul. Heavenly Sunlight. Blessed Assurance. For the Beauty of the Earth. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. The list goes on and on.
My point, simply, is this: had I not had the opportunity to learn those songs in church, through congregational singing, where else would I have possibly had the opportunity to learn such rich, wonderful songs with such rich, wonderful meaning, that provide such wonderful means of private worship at times when the soul is simply brought to song? I think that, alone, is argument enough for corporate singing in worship. I could go on and on about the way those old hymns took on actual meaning once He so graciously saved me…but that’s beyond this point - or is it?
The command of the new covenant is to sing . Not to play an instrument. Read Eph. 5 : 19 and Col. 3 : 16 . Christ is the reality and the old coveant is the shadow. Col . 2 : 17 .
Barbara
I wasn’t in church as a child but those same hymns helped me learn the basics of my faith after I was saved. I agree with you that congregational singing can have an important place in the church service but each church must determine what that means for their own particular congregation. As you pointed out it can be a wonderful way to teach scriptural truths and to demonstrate what worship looks like. Sometimes it can also be a time where each of us can simply worship God in the midst of a crowd. Unfortunately, sometimes some people become more concerned with the process than the purpose.
I was not trying to suggest that congregational singing should be eliminated. Instead, I wanted to point out that there is no more of a scriptural requirement to have congregational singing (or to have it in one particular way) than there is a scriptural requirement for congregational responsive readings, repeating some confession or doxology, reciting the Lord’s Prayer, etc. Each of these can also have an appropriate place in the service but all are personal preferences or traditions unique to the needs and desires of each individual church.
Since God has not given us specific scriptural direction in any of these areas, I wonder why some folks try so hard to convince others that there is only one right or best way to conduct a worship service? Sharing insight, experiences and thought processes can be helpful but all we can really know for sure is that God is much more concerned with the heart attitude of the members of the congregation than He is that they provide some perfect performance.
To some extent I agree that how we worship and the church we decide is “right” is dependent on our personal interpretation of the Bible. But, we are to show respect for the opinions of those who went before us and faced very similar questions. The Bible says “Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way; and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls” Jer 6:16
Music has become raucous and performance oriented in many churches. The early chuch did not use instruments, to the best of our knowledge. Early churches were centered around the homes after originating, in great part, in the Jewish synagoues where musical instruments were unheard of. David’s instruments were specifically for temple worship and ceremonial events. Zwingli, who was a master musician and many other early chrch fathers including Spurgeon and Wesley, were adamantly against instruments or bells of any kind in church assemblies. Only very recently, since the mid 1800’s have the organ and piano been introduced and the current crop since the mid seventies. This does not incline me to think modern daychurches are headed in the right direction.
Please disregard my previous post. This one should be more comprehensive.
As a Church Music student at the Master’s College and an attendee of Grace Community Church, I would like to weigh in on this controversial issue.
I have found that most people who try to make decisions about music style in the church have had little musical training. People subject the entire church to their own personal preferences and traditions. Yet many of these traditions and preferences have been made without any study of music. The worship of God deserves more than that. There are countless styles of music, and the music of the Old Testament would sound very foreign to us should we hear it today. In African churches worship is very different than American churches, yet that does not make it wrong. Asian music is very atonal to most westerners. Music has morphed throughout ages and is distinctly different in each culture. As Christians, we are not called to reform cultures. But instead to teach Christ and then His presence in the culture will change anything that needs to be modified. One cannot go into the jungles of the Amazon and expect the natives there to adopt all aspects of western culture. This is not Biblical but is instead a modern packaging of classic Manifest Destiny, an American philosophy of the supremacy of our way of life. The Bible is relevant to all men in all walks precisely because it crosses the boundaries of culture and upbringing.
We are limiting our ability to worship based on what we think or are familiar with. Until one has studied the big picture of music he cannot hope to understand the philosophies of music. God never exalts a particular style or debases another. Never is a particular list of instruments sanctified and another list condemned. David used multiple instruments and the result would sound atonal and very dissident to us today. Our western music is a fairly recent invention and is actually a contrived departure from pure tuning. To allow us to do the incredible things we do with music (symphonies, opera, ballet, musicals, hymns), we have had to manipulate music. The result has been incredible and has produced beautiful results but is still a man-made intervention in tuning. Even-temperament or modern western tuning was developed around the time of Bach and before that various kinds of tuning prevailed. This is evident in the otherworldly sound of chant, renaissance and pre-renaissance music.
Don’t get me wrong, I am a firm believer in the need for the music of the church to represent God respectfully. Music in the church must be true, orderly, Christ-centric, Bible-centric, Theocentric, proper, upright, and understandable. As a classically trained student, I personally prefer church organ, piano, choir, orchestra, etc. Yet, for me to condemn other music without understanding it, would be plain ignorance, not Godliness. Furthermore, if I were to judge the style of another brother without first knowing that other brother or studying music enough to be able to properly critique that style then I would be in error. We must take away our legalism concerning style. Our music cannot be limited to any generation but needs to be multi-generational. We need to remember the countless generations that have come before us, as well as those who live today.
Words on the other hand are essential. If the words are untrue, weak, shallow, or misrepresent God then the song should not be used in corporate worship. But if the words are proper and God exalting then the song may have a place in our churches. Personal preference cannot be the ruler we use to judge what honors God. I find many pastors hold the Bible to be the only authority until it comes to music and then they contrive all kinds of ways to add to it, in order to disqualify or condemn music they do not understand or personally like. Sadly, we all too often subject music to our own cultural upbringing.
Grace Community Church has a great balance. The corporate worship Sunday morning is very classical and traditional. Chorales and Hymns are used for congregational singing and the choir. Special Music and Offertories on the other hand have more variety. Sometimes even classical pieces that have no religious connotation are used because of the God-exalting qualities of their music and the skill used in crafting them. However, the Sunday night service is more contemporary, much like soft Jazz, using electric guitars, keyboards, and drums. The College and High-School music is very contemporary, yet always within the context of being centered on God and dignified. The musicians are all trained to focus on God and not their own performances. The result is a balance that reaches many generation and shows them that worship is about God and not about us. Music is allowed to be freely expressed because it is done from hearts that are centered on God and are trained. Never is something inappropriate or improper done because the music staff know music and seek to reflect Christ with it.
Too many people focus on their own desires, preferences, and experience and are selfish about music because of a lack of musical training or understanding. Please, worship is not about you or me, but about God. The church needs to forsake personal preference and instead, with a trained understanding of the big picture of music, seek that which would glorify God best.
I think that this subject is to large for this, or any other blog post. If you really desire God’s best in music and are really searching for Balance in this area, I would point you to three books that are written by men who are among the most qualified to speak on this subject:
“The Battle for Christian Music” by Tim Fisher
“Music in the Balance” by Frank Garlock and Kurt Woetzel
“Singing and Making Music” by Paul S. Jones
Jeff
Erik,
You said, “God never exalts a particular style or debases another. Never is a list of instruments sanctified and another condemned.”
Again, this is not a question of the style used or the instruments used. I personally have heard a cello used in a rock band. I am not saying that any particular style is bad and another good, because there is good and bad music in any style. Similarly, one could play good or bad music on any instrument. The question is not the medium (instrument/style) but the message (God-honoring/blasphemous).
You said, “Music in the church must be true, orderly, Christ-centric, Bible-centric, Theocentric, proper, upright, and understandable.”
Here are eight reasons why most rock music cannot be used in the church. I’ll allow that the words in some rock songs are understandable, but according to one rock performer, “the words make very little difference.” Would you say that rock music is orderly? We could go into a discussion on why rock music does not meet any of those qualifications, but I don’t think that is necessary. Is rock music God-centered, or man-centered? I am not talking about the intent of the performers, because it may well be that they do seek to honor God. I am asking if the music itself is God-centered. Does it reflect a biblical view of God? God is Holy. Does our music show reverence for this Holy God? Many rock performers admit openly that rock music is the music of rebellion. They also admit openly that it appeals to sensual desires. They do not see anything wrong with this, but we as Christians should. Can we use the world’s music to glorify God? The Israelites tried to used the Egyptians method of graven images to worship God. They were sincere. Did God accept their worship?
I would argue that even classical music that has no religious content is not appropriate in the church. Rock music is inappropriate not only in the church, but in our personal lives as well.
Wow! There’s nothing like a post on music styles to get a “worship war” going in the comment thread.
I took a quick check in the blog archives under “spiritual growth’ and the most of the posts get 1-5 comments. We have nothing to say about the 3 part “Killing Sin in Your Life” posts and yet we’re writing whole essays about the correct music to use in worship?
That puzzles me.
p.s. Can someone define rock music for me.
Is it anything that is in 4/4 time? Has drums? Electrified intstruments? Written in verse, chorus, verse, chorus format? Over as certain beat in cadence? Over a certain decibel level in volume? Anything written post 1955?
Also, where does rap fit into this? I’ve recently started listening to a few of christian hip hop artists (and I’m pushing 50) who pack more theology into one song than a whole afternoon of contemporary music on christian radio.
When you sing accapella you can eliminate most of what you are discussing No, not all the problems because even those who sing without the aid of a mechanical instrument of music can get way off course and forget that we sing to praise God and to teach one another. Singing without the instrument has scriptural authority . Too add the instrurment is to add human traditions .
James,
Amen, Amen, Amen!
Daniel,
Your use of “rock music” is rock music as defined and used by the culture at large. Many of the various contemporary styles of Christian worship are very distinct from that. Simply lumping all contemporary music as rock is stereotyping music which shows a lack of knowledge about music. Modern music can be very orderly and one who visits Crossroads, the college group at Grace or chapel at the Master’s College will see this done well to the glory of God. Again, how do you define rock music?
One can use ALMOST (not all) any style to worship God if it is done well, the words are understandable and proper, and the artist is focussed on God, not themselves.
Psalm 33:1-4 is one of many places where the Bible commands us to use instruments to praise God.
I do not think moderate and extreme forms of modern rock music are appropriate for the corporate church worship service, especially music written by non-believers or tunes that are known to be anti-God. Ironically, though, several hymn tunes were actually originally bar songs. You cannot lump all non-hymns as rock music. This is simply ignorant.
I would recommend “Think Biblically” compiled by John MacArthur, especially the chapter on Music and Worship by Dr. Paul Plew.
The sad thing in our church is in 3-4 years the music is almost wholly led and appealing to the college and younger age.
The 60s and older stand in the back and many/most do not sing the electric praise songs many the same.The Hymn books have not been used to my knowledge except to hide a ticket in a give away game.Please Pray.
I’m sorry, I came across harsher than I intended to in my last post.
If I may raise one point as an ex Rock music adherent:
The style of music has much power to bring to rememberance a time of one’s life; in my personal experience, I have had to (In liberty) deny myself certain things which may be good in of themselves; such as MUSIC STYLE.
The reason is that, the particular brands of music that I used to love (And may still do - If I did not choose to limit my liberty) actualy are the anthems of a culture which itself is set AGAINST God and godliness.
For instance: The hardcore gangster rap (Ice Cube etc) that I used to listen to represent a gang subculture of hatered (Racial or otherwise), rebellion against authorities (Especially the police), sexual depravity (Rape etc). Now for me as a “New Creation” in Christ Jesus, it would be placing myself in a STYLE of music which would immediately (AND IT DOES), place a yoke of sinful lusts upon my mind. It reminds me of my prior LOVE OF SIN and ignites the same emotions that I had when I lived under the slavery of my sins.
That all said: As I grow in grace I make the conscious effort in my liberty to be conformed to the IMAGE of Christ and that means that I grow further apart from my “OLD MAN” and the lusts thereof; which means to say that I desire NOT to expose myself to the things of the former self. Whatever REPRESENTS the “old man” also is discarded and avoided for conscience sake and ultimately for the glory of our great King.
We al are sanctified at differing rates and come in at differing levels of moral charecter and strength, therefor Romans 14-15 is crucial: In effect I am sure that Paul is teaching the brother who is MORE mature and greater AT LIBERTY to suffer the weaknesses of the brother whose conscience is not able to be exposed to the “old man” and his former sinful self and culture.
My ongoing battle within then raises this question?> If I am at more liberty is it better; for the sake of my weaker brother; to be less at liberty among others, so that I do not put a stumbling block in the way of a weaker brother? Who is the weaker brother - The Legalist? or the one whose Conscience is at Liberty?
If I love my brethren I must and will by grace incline myself to be the stronger brother and be the servant of my weaker brother.
In all these possible discussions what I find the most needful is considering the weaker brother and doing all things as unto him and to the LORD in the fear of the LORD.
As for styles or content; I am sure that both are vitally important; ESPECIALY FOR THOSE OF US WHO COME FROM A LEWD LIFE OF SINFUL LUSTS AND DESIRES whose cultures include MUSICAL STYLES ADN CONTENT that is harmful, who now walk in the light, not seeking gratification but the glory of the LORD.
As a servant of our MOST HIGH LORD God, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit; our Redeemer from sin.
Erik,
I am using the term “rock” as a generic term including all music with an emphasis on a back beat.
You have stated (and correctly so) that the words need to be God-honoring and understandable, and that the musician needs to be focused on God, but don’t you think that the music itself needs to portray the character of God as well?
If you want to know how John MacArthur feels about rock music, here is a quote from him:
“Rock music is the music of Satan in his fallen state.”
Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God
Bob Kauflin (Author)
Binding: Paperback
Page Count: 304
Publisher: Crossway
ISBN#: 9781581348248
Availability: Usually Ships the Same Business Day
Description: Nothing is more essential than knowing how to worship the God who created us. This book focuses readers on the essentials of God-honoring worship, combining biblical foundations with practical application in a way that works in the real world. The author, a pastor and noted songwriter, skillfully instructs pastors, musicians, and church leaders so that they can root their congregational worship in unchanging scriptural principles, not divisive cultural trends. Bob Kauflin covers a variety of topics such as the devastating effects of worshiping the wrong things, how to base our worship on God’s self-revelation rather than our assumptions, the fuel of worship, the community of worship, and the ways that eternity’s worship should affect our earthly worship.
Appropriate for Christians from varied backgrounds and for various denominations, this book will bring a vital perspective to what readers think they understand about praising God.
Foreword and Chapters 1-2: PDF
“Bob loves God, values theology, and cares about people. This mix is found throughout this wonderful and helpful book. Worship Matters will inspire you as a worshiper and spur you on as a leader of worship.”
–Matt Redman, lead worshiper and song-writer, Brighton, UK
“Bob Kauflin is teaching a new generation to take corporate worship seriously in a fashion that is simultaneously biblically faithful and addressing today’s culture.”
–D. A. Carson, Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
“This book is thoroughly biblical, comprehensive, balanced, clear, and engaging. Worship leaders must read it, and it will be a great help to anyone interested in finding out what biblical worship is about and how to worship from the heart.”
–John Frame, Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy, Reformed Theological Seminary
“Bob’s approach is humble, yet authoritative; comprehensive, yet inspirational. And if you take his gentle but clear teaching onboard, it will help make you fully equipped in mind, heart, and spirit to lead others in worship. I wholeheartedly recommend it.”
–Stuart Townend, Christian song-writer
“An outstanding book both for those who lead worship and also for every Christian who wants to worship God more fully. The book is biblical, practical, interesting, wise, and thorough in its treatment of the topic. The next time I teach on worship, I plan to make this the required text.”
–Wayne Grudem, Research Professor of Bible and Theology, Phoenix Seminary
“Humility. Self-deprecating humor. Practical wisdom. And not just for music leaders. What a refreshing read! I’ve gained from Bob Kauflin, and if you read this, you will too.”
–Mark Dever, Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church; Executive Director, 9Marks Ministries
“Bob is a pastor, a teacher, and a skilled musician. And this book captures his heart, his zealous pursuit of God, and his many years of real-life experience leading worship. That’s why his book deserves the careful study of pastors and worship leaders alike.”
–Joshua Harris, Senior Pastor, Covenant Life Church, Gaithersburg, Maryland
About the Author
Bob Kauflin traveled with the Christian group GLAD for eight years as a songwriter and arranger before becoming a pastor with Sovereign Grace Ministries in 1985. He is now the director of worship development for Sovereign Grace, overseeing its music projects and teaching on congregational worship. He blogs at worshipmatters.com and hosts the biennial WorshipGod conference. He and his wife, Julie, have six children and an ever-growing number of grandchildren.
Great resource can be found @ Monergism Books or Grace Books Int.
All,
A great book for all to read is Bob Kauflin’s ‘Worship Matters’
Of course the music should reflect God. But, all music is written by man. We have no tunes or music that has been written directly by God. No Old Testament or New Testament songs have survived (except for the words of some preserved in scripture). We cannot know what the music of heaven sounds like, except that it is beautiful and God-honoring. Certain styles are obviously more God-glorifying than others, but to say that we cannot use music with a beat because it does not “portray the character of God” is trying to put God in the box of our own understanding and preference in music. God does not fit our box, He is greater than we can even begin to comprehend. It is selfish and short-sighted to through out all music with percussion because it does fit one’s personal taste, and then use the excuse that “it does not “portray the character of God.”
Our God is a God of order, originality and variety. He is cross-generational and cross-cultural. He is God. We are not. Thus to interpret which music portrays His character by our own personal experience and taste is actually what is demeaning to God, as it belittles Him.
Hi Erik,
Please help to topple the myth that the Wesley’s used tavern music to create worship songs. This is a myth based on a mistaken understanding of the term “bar” tune. A bar tune at the time of Wesley had nothing to do with a tavern song, it was a form of music.
It was explained to me as singing one melody twice, followed by a contrast melody, and sometimes a return to the original melody, as in the song, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”.
AMEN, AMEN, AMEN RAY B.!!!!!!!!!!!! WELL SAID BROTHER…….
Erik,
You said, “It is selfish and short-sighted to through out all music with percussion because it does fit one’s personal taste…”
Did I say that? Good and bad music is not determined by our own taste. That is what I have been trying to tell you. Just because we say that some music is bad does not make it bad. However, just because we say that some other music is good does not make it good.
Before we go any further, I would like for you to answer this question. Is music amoral? By that, I mean, are there principles in God’s word for determining what music (not the words, but the music itself) is good and what music is bad?
5. Is the life‑style of the musician honoring to God?
> An interesting consideration. I take this to mean the “life-style” of the musician before and after the performance. I wonder if the some concern should be extended to the composer of music?