Comments on DTTM's take on Church Music
Feb 13, 2017 11:44:15 GMT -6
Post by Todd on Feb 13, 2017 11:44:15 GMT -6
1. Christian music should praise the Lord Jesus Christ — not man
2. Christian music is for the Lord — not for the world
3. Christian music is a new song — not an old song
4. Christian music's message should be clear — not vague or deceptive
5. Christian music should emphasize the message — not the music — or the musician
6. Christian music is in the local church — not concert halls or night clubs.
7. Christian music should feed the spirit — not the flesh
8. Christian musicians should be dedicated to the Lord — not Worldly
These points (Taken from “Dial The Truth Ministries" web page, currently listed on our Web Site) bear a considerable amount of overlap, are accompanied by scripture verses, and are generally accurate reflections of what we mean when Older Christians say “Christian Music." I would make the following modifications. On point 1., there is a distinction between worship and praise that is almost universally overlooked in churches today. I believe this is one reason why we are having such a tough time getting the music right. On point 2, I would agree; all Church music is for the Lord. Praise music is also for the Lord, but may reference the people and their subjective states in response to the work of God (which is why it should be limited, or a little less prominent, in a worship service), whereas Worship music, (the kind more suited to the church service) is about the objective nature of Jesus and His work on our behalf – who He is, What He has done, How he showed God’s love, etc. It is not about me or how I feel. On point 5. I say Amen, and Amen. We should not applaud a performance in church as applause destroys the mood of worship which the music is supposed to produce. This turns what is supposed to be spiritual worship into a “hootenanny.” Furthermore, I wonder how well served our churches are when they sing songs that do not get the message right, are improperly focused, or are written for financial gain or personal fame and more concert tours. I think we need to hear “A Mighty Fortress is our God,” "Amazing Grace," and so forth. These songs were never meant to be commercially successful, but they put into words the heart of all Christians. On point 6, again, Amen and Amen. Christian music belongs in Church, not on the stage. Neither worship nor praise is for the sake of human entertainment or financial advancement. To play spiritual music to the mob is to cast pearls before swine. Church music (particularly worship music) is not a substitute for witness, testimony, or prayer. It is directed to God, not to the mob, not to the World as per points 7. And 8. Younger Pastors should ask older pastors about how things used to be and why, in order to get back on track. And younger church members should ask their grandparents or great grandparents in order to demand the right music in church.
For more on this issue, see the article "Worship Leader questions 'trendy' music," on the Missions and Ministries board.
For further reading, go to the Web Site by clicking "Bible Research Web Site" on the navigation banner above, then > For those who like to read > Battle Lines > Music in Worship.
- Todd
2. Christian music is for the Lord — not for the world
3. Christian music is a new song — not an old song
4. Christian music's message should be clear — not vague or deceptive
5. Christian music should emphasize the message — not the music — or the musician
6. Christian music is in the local church — not concert halls or night clubs.
7. Christian music should feed the spirit — not the flesh
8. Christian musicians should be dedicated to the Lord — not Worldly
These points (Taken from “Dial The Truth Ministries" web page, currently listed on our Web Site) bear a considerable amount of overlap, are accompanied by scripture verses, and are generally accurate reflections of what we mean when Older Christians say “Christian Music." I would make the following modifications. On point 1., there is a distinction between worship and praise that is almost universally overlooked in churches today. I believe this is one reason why we are having such a tough time getting the music right. On point 2, I would agree; all Church music is for the Lord. Praise music is also for the Lord, but may reference the people and their subjective states in response to the work of God (which is why it should be limited, or a little less prominent, in a worship service), whereas Worship music, (the kind more suited to the church service) is about the objective nature of Jesus and His work on our behalf – who He is, What He has done, How he showed God’s love, etc. It is not about me or how I feel. On point 5. I say Amen, and Amen. We should not applaud a performance in church as applause destroys the mood of worship which the music is supposed to produce. This turns what is supposed to be spiritual worship into a “hootenanny.” Furthermore, I wonder how well served our churches are when they sing songs that do not get the message right, are improperly focused, or are written for financial gain or personal fame and more concert tours. I think we need to hear “A Mighty Fortress is our God,” "Amazing Grace," and so forth. These songs were never meant to be commercially successful, but they put into words the heart of all Christians. On point 6, again, Amen and Amen. Christian music belongs in Church, not on the stage. Neither worship nor praise is for the sake of human entertainment or financial advancement. To play spiritual music to the mob is to cast pearls before swine. Church music (particularly worship music) is not a substitute for witness, testimony, or prayer. It is directed to God, not to the mob, not to the World as per points 7. And 8. Younger Pastors should ask older pastors about how things used to be and why, in order to get back on track. And younger church members should ask their grandparents or great grandparents in order to demand the right music in church.
For more on this issue, see the article "Worship Leader questions 'trendy' music," on the Missions and Ministries board.
For further reading, go to the Web Site by clicking "Bible Research Web Site" on the navigation banner above, then > For those who like to read > Battle Lines > Music in Worship.
- Todd