So I'm singing again. I love to sing, and I love to share my heart with God's people. I even went to Bible school and got a degree in church music.
Ok, so now what? I can tell you how music has developed from ancient Israel on. I can tell you what was supposed to be the emphasis in the 80's when I went to school. (That appears to have changed, by the way.) I've become quite adept at building on the education I received and learning to evaluate church music for its theological accuracy, musical integrity and which songs are within the average person's tessitura. From Miriam's celebration of God's victory to Martin Luther's "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" and Chris Tomlin's stirring worship songs, music has always played a vital role in corporate worship.
Special music, however, remains a bit of a mystery to me. David sang to his sheep. (Ok, don't spiritualize that one!) Beyond that, I'm trying to think of a biblical example of anyone standing in front of anyone else and simply singing to them. In every story I can think of, there was participation and a heart response from the people. This corporate music enhances the individual's and Body's relationship with God. But "special music"?
Here are a few options I've considered:
- Another worship song to help the congregation focus
- A time of teaching
- An oppportunity to challenge people in a way that's, well, more palatable than pulpit pounding
- Provide a segue from singing to preaching
- Just do it because it's part of our "Christianese" in practice
- Give the tech guys a washroom break
- Cover the clinking of coins in the offering plate/bucket/basket/bag
- Entertain
- Boost the confidence, maybe even the ego of the singer(s)
- Just 'cause
Thoughts?
I think it depends on the music choice. Sometimes, it allows people to reflect on the words and think about the message to prepare them to focus on the pastor's words. Other times I think it's more of an entertainment... plus, it's a time to give little kids an opportunity to perform outside of their recital times in a wholesome setting while providing the "awww" factor. Anyway, if it's done right, I think it can be a good focus point to have people become more thoughtful and reflective before they have to absorb the sermon. But in the same breath, is that just "setting the mood" and basing it on emotions? The same question comes to mind when worship leaders plan to have "soft music" playing when an important part of the message comes or when there is an altar call. That's taking away from the importance of the words and placing it in the emotional centre of the brain, possibly to get people to react better. But does it actually convince them any more to trigger the emotional centre? Luke 16:31 says "...'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"
ReplyDeleteTo me, that means the word of God and the truth is so powerful, that even miracles (and special music, and triggering the emotional centre of the brain) won't convince someone any better than the simple truth, without any need for focus, distraction, or emotional highs.
But anyway, that's a little off topic. It's become expected and so now it would be very hard to get rid of. I see your points and agree, though I think there is some element of focus and reflection to it.
Well said, Alicia. Everything done in public gatherings of the church can have a proper perspective and a selfish perspective. It's people who take the time to think through the issues involved (like you are doing) who end up making a positive impact.
ReplyDeleteOn a completely unrelated note, please don't suggest we get rid of it ... us techies do need that potty break after too much coffee :)
Yes, and us pianists occasionally enjoy not having to play during the offering.
ReplyDeleteI can see both motivations, positive and negative. As this is the forum to voice said oppinions, I will proceed in doing so.
ReplyDeleteOn the one hand, I think special music has the same purpose as the sermon. When the pastor is preaching, he's the only one talking. He doesn't invite everyone to participate and talk at the same time as him. They are able to focus on the nature of the sermon, which is to teach. They are able to concentrate on the words that are being said and hopefully take away something that will change their life and how they live it.
Special music allows the congregation to focus on one of the natures of worship that is often overlooked. Singing worship songs is as much about giving an offering to God as it is about contemplating the words themselves. When everyone is singing together, it sometimes leads people to focus on how awesome they sound and how people around them might perceive their singing ability. When this happens, they are making an offering more to each other than to God. When special music is being played, the congregation has a better chance of focusing on the words themselves rather than how they are offered. The words can minister to them via the medium of the singer/instrumentalist.
Another positive spin on this whole question is that there IS a reason special music is done during the offertory. As people offer their tithes of their monetary gifts, the special musician is offering their tithe of their spiritual/practical gifts. Both are equally as valuable as God has provided them both.
The negative spin on it will be posed in the form of a scenario. You're walking down the street, downtown Calgary, just trying to get to the C-Train platform. Two homeless people are sitting on the stairs, blocking your way to the platform. Both have their hats out in front of them, asking for money. One of them is just sitting there, and the other is playing pop music on the guitar. Who do you give your money to? Nuff said.
Had a quiet morning at my house (first in years, I think!!) so decided to look up singing related scriptures per Strong's... and thoroughly enjoyed it!!! Of course, Psalms is replete with admonitions to sing, sing, sing... sing praises to Him, sing of His righteousness, of Him being our strength, of His power, mercy, the honor of His name. Even nature is to break forth in singing praises to God, Isa. 55:12. I was most fascinated with the assignment,by David (in Chr), of a portion of Levites (sons of Asaph)to be singers - their duties in the temple and leading in celebrations, their portion of the Levites' storehouse, etc. These traditions were continued upon returning to Jerusalem after captivity (Ezra & Nehemiah). They were even divided into two "choirs" that led the people in opposite directions around the wall, at its dedication, meeting at the temple and singing "loudly".
ReplyDeleteI was surprised at the lack,comparatively, of references to singing in the NT. Matthew and Mark mention singing a hymn before leaving the upper room to go to Mt. Olives. Paul and Silas sang in prison. James says to sing if you're cheerful, pray if you're suffering (5:13). Romans 15:9 and Heb. 2:12 quote Psalms (& 2 Sam) to prove Christ's teachings fulfill the OT. In Rev. 15 they sing a song of Moses. That leaves us with Eph. 5:19 and Col.3:16. Eph. 5:19 says to 'speak out to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs' (Amplied NT). Col. 3:16 connects singing with teaching and admonishing one another and addresses the heart attitude as singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord.
Ok, having said all that, my opinions focus on the ultimate purpose of singing, in whatever format it assumes. Those include testifying to His wondrous works, teaching and admonishing one another, praising Him for all the things listed above from Psalms... and more, lifting the prayers and desires of our heart to Him. God's purpose for our music is too often blocked by our pride, our comparisons as to who was 'best', or our 'personal preferences'. Since God isn't specific on its format my guess is that that's not what's important to Him. So I guess, for me, it comes down to the focus of removing those things that block His purposes and finding ways to fulfill His purposes for music - whatever format that may (culturally) take. God loves music so much - may we, the church, be faithful to encourage others to do the same!! :)