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The Word of God presents only two purposes for music in the church: 1. that of worshiping and praising God; 2. that of edifying the saints. There are well 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. 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. There are many who believe that they ought to use their music for purposes of evangelism. They are very sincere in their belief, and truly feel that they are carrying on the work of the Lord. While this, indeed, appears to be a noble cause, it is in opposition to the purpose of Christian music presented in the Bible. Satan is alive and at work today. He is out to destroy the testimony, and ultimately the work, of the church. He, many times, will not come after us with a bold-faced lie. He knows we would reject this out-right. He must be more subtle. He is trying to do just this through music today. He is taking what appears to be a noble, but un-Scriptural, cause (winning the world through music) and using it for his purpose. While the Bible gives no license to use music for evangelistic purposes, there is evidence that when music is used properly, God blesses by allowing it to be a witness to the unsaved. Psalm 126:2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: Then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them. Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. We must resist every temptation to follow the Devil's plan. We must remain true to the Lord and His Word. We must follow God's plan and He will bless, as in the past. II Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from
among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean
thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall
be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Scripture gives much evidence that music is an important complement to the preaching of The Word in the worship of the church. God may have several reasons for this, but one reason is very clear, and this is a matter of practicality. When the body of Christ gathers for worship and the preaching of The Word we are all expected to participate in the worship of God. In order for this to be done, with any sense of order and in a reasonable amount of time this must be done in a corporate fashion. I Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order. Music, and corporate recitation of Scripture, creed, etc., are the ways we have developed for all to participate in our worship of God. It is true that we all can participate through giving mental assent to what is being done or said, but personal participation is also extremely important. Congregational singing is an excellent way for all present to personally participate in worship. It may be that many do not recognize the importance of group singing; it is often used as a way to "get the service started", divide the different sections of the service, a time to "get up and stretch", etc.; but if it is understood for all that it can be, congregational singing can be one of the most important parts of any service of the church. Music can also be a very effective tool used for instruction. An individual often remembers for a longer period of time something they have learned through the medium of music than that which is acquired only through the spoken or written word. Since it is remembered for a longer period of time, the person has a greater opportunity to incorporate its truth into their lives. In a further application of this fact, music is a very forceful instrument when employed in Scripture memory (or other text such as a doctrinal statement, creed, etc.). If the text is carefully wedded to a memorable melody the possibility for retention is greatly enhanced. Most Christians experience the same problems, disappointments, struggles with sin, and other spiritual and day-to-day difficulties. This being the situation, we all need the same encouragement and edification. "Special music" is an effective way for many people to receive this needed encouragement and edification. It is also true that individuals often more readily accept instruction received through music, than through written or spoken word. Besides these practical considerations, we must also remember the fact that God, in His Word, commands us to worship him with music. 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 unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 150 Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power. Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: praise Him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise Him upon the loud cymbals: praise Him upon the high-sounding cymbals. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord. This being the case we must be sure that music is used
properly, according to the standards of God's Word.
In setting guidelines and boundaries for the music used in the church, it is understood that many of the judgments made must be subjective. There are, however, certain criteria that can be applied to Christian music to give some direction in making these difficult judgments. In setting and following these standards we would do well to remember the admonition given in Romans 12:2 - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed
by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and
acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
In the matter of considering the words: The music of the church must rely on the words to convey the message of the Gospel. While the music may help to give the message (or hinder it), the message is not proclaimed with the music. The words must do this. We, therefore, must make careful examination of the words of the songs we consider using to determine if they comply with the following standards. 1. They must follow the pattern set in the Bible. The Word of God allows for only three types of texts. Therefore, all texts must fall into one or more of these categories. A. Psalms - these are songs whose texts are taken directly from the words of Scripture. B. Hymns - these are songs whose texts give praise to God. C. Spiritual Songs - these are songs whose texts speak in general terms of spiritual things; including such things as edification/instruction of others, one's own testimony. 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. 2. They must be Scriptural. No matter what else a song may have to commend it, if it is not scriptural, it has no place in the life of the church. We should never allow heresy to be preached from the pulpit, and error is no less damaging when it is sung. In fact, it may be even more damaging due to the fact that it may be more subtle and/or memorable. We must also carefully scrutinize the text for the implications given. Even though the words appear to be Scripturally correct, they must not be given a wrong twist. They must not be taken out of context. The Apostle John, known as the apostle of love, through the direction of the Holy Spirit, gives strong warning to those who fail to present pure doctrine. II John 9 - 11 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house (church), neither bid him God speed (endorse him, verbally or through use): For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. The Apostle Paul also speaks to this matter. Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 3. They must be clear. In order to appeal to more people and not offend any, the message of many songs has been softened. The blood of Christ has been eliminated or watered-down; the need for obedience has been forgotten; the fact of there being only one way ("I am the way ...") overlooked; the need for a pure life deleted. Many/most of the distinctives of the Gospel have been removed from many songs/songbooks/hymnbooks. We need to be sure that not only is the message Scriptural, but that the power of the Word of God is present. 4. The style of the text must be suitable for a sacred message. The texts used to convey spiritual truths should be the very finest available. Sometimes the question is not whether the text is "right" or "wrong" - "good" or "bad", as it is whether it is "acceptable" or "best". We must not use silly texts or vague messages when excellent songs are available. If an excellent text does not exist to convey a particular - Scriptural - message, it is our responsibility to create one, not to use one that is unacceptable. There is a definite attempt to bring the "lingo", the "hip" talk, of the world into Christian music. There is also an attempt by many writers to get "folksy", or "down-home", with the language used. While it is true that the Gospel does evoke a certain amount of emotion, some have gotten to the point that they feel every song must stir a strong emotion in the heart of the listener. In their attempt to elicit such response, some song writers have focused primarily on sentimental and emotionally charged words and thoughts that detract from the primacy of the message. All of these endeavors, and others, detract from the beauty,
truth and power of the Gospel, and are thereby not suitable for music used
in the church.
In the matter of considering the music: It is time we Christians stopped looking to the world for our music. We must decide what sacred music is to sound like and start writing and using it. This admonition should be taken to heart and then followed by every church musician. It would, again, be good to remind ourselves of the command given in the Word of God: II Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; The pull of the world has exerted an immense influence on the music of the church. Many "Christians" have tried to see how close to the world they can get, or how much of the world they can incorporate into their music. If we are to follow the Lord and obey His commands, we must avoid this influence and go in the opposite direction. With this in mind, the following factors need to be considered when evaluating music for use in the church. 1. The music must not be an attempt to follow the pattern set by the world. The music of the world is constantly in a state of change. This is just one indication of the restlessness of the unsaved soul. They are never satisfied with something for very long. They must find something new to stimulate, excite, titillate, etc. in their search to make their life meaningful. Much of music that is called "Christian" today is following, very closely, in the path of the world. In fact the "lag time" has become so short that they are often following a trail, instead of a path. We must make sure that the music we use is not an attempt to follow in the world's footsteps. We do not need to, and cannot, imitate the world and thereby hope to win it. Lot's path to ruin began with one step toward Sodom. He never intended, when taking that step, that he would end in the way that he did. One, seemingly harmless, concession to the music of the world, even if it appears to be slight, is the beginning of the path of ruination for Christian music. To surrender the distinctive character of church music to worldly influences is to lessen its effectiveness and to sacrifice its testimony. 2. The music must agree with the words. One of the rules that has always governed the writing of good music is that the music agree with the words. The music must enhance the meaning of the words, not detract from or contradict them. Since we are attempting to convey the message of a God who is pure, holy, powerful, righteous, etc. we must be sure that the music is saying the same thing. If one were to use the sounds of the world; the sounds they use to preach immorality, rebellion, self satisfaction, etc.; our message would soon be lost in all of the surrounding "noise". (The term noise is not used as a synonym for volume, but to signify the conflicting messages out of which confusion arises.) One can also inhibit the message of the words even without actually using "worldly" music. If the words were speaking of the peace of God and the music were loud and fast the message might be confused. One could also be wrong in trying to portray the power of God with music that was very soft. Our God is not a God of confusion, but rather One of order. I Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace ... We must be sure that we do not allow the music of His church to add to the confusion of the world. 3. The style of the music must be suitable for a sacred text. God has always called His people to a life of separation. We are, of course, in the world but we are not to be of the world. Many in-roads have been made, by the world, into the music of the church. Much of this has been caused by the world being a part of the lives of those involved in writing and performing the music for the church. At times, one who had been involved in the world's music has claimed to have been saved (whether genuinely or not). The church has been quick to wrap its arms around this person and allow, even encourage, them to ply their trade for the church. They have not even been given time to grow in the Lord, and allow His Spirit to work in their heart. Others, who have done all of their work in the "Christian" field, have acquired the musical vocabulary of the world through various means; their training (attending a wrong school or studying with a wrong music teacher is dangerous), their listening habits, accepting the world's philosophy (or a perverted "Christian" philosophy), etc. Both of these groups of people must accept the fact that in their current condition they are unfit to produce music for the church. They must realize that they need to allow the Spirit of God to work in their hearts and minds and completely change their attitudes and actions. The Lord, at some future time, may give them a ministry in church music, but until they exhibit their readiness through a consistent testimony of a Christ-like life, including a consistent production of Christ-honoring music, we must avoid using their music in the church. Philippians 1:10-11 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Philippians 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. Good music incorporates all of the following elements: 1. Variety - carefully used to properly interpret the text. a. rhythms - poor music has a constant repetition of a
rhythmic figure, one that has unnatural accents, pattern reversals, complete
dominance in the music.
2. Beautiful Melody - one which ascends, descends and repeats notes. The melody is the identifying characteristic of a particular song. 3. Rich Harmony - an underpinning which supports the melody, much the same way a foundation supports a building. 4. Subtle Rhythm - it must by all means remain the servant to the melody and harmony. It helps to move the song along. It must bend to the needs of the melody and harmony, and also modify as needed to properly interpret the text. 5. Conclusion - it must bring the composition to a restful
end. It cannot leave the listener "hanging", crying in his spirit
for the resolution.
In the matter of considering the writer/composer/arranger: In the process of deciding whether or not a certain piece of music is acceptable to use, the question is often asked, "Do we need to consider the writer/composer? After all, none of us are truly worthy. We have all had moments when we have fallen. God is able to, and has, used some vile people to speak truth." It is true that none of us are truly worthy, we have all fallen short of God's standard. God has used some mighty vile people to carry out His purpose. (God even used a donkey.) But, we should not expect and/or force God to do this, especially when it is not necessary. Allow the following examples to serve as illustration. On the 4th of July, a church member decides to attend the Sunday School Picnic. When it comes time for the meal, he has two places from which to choose his dinner - the various garbage/trash containers sitting around or the table spread with all of the items brought for the occasion. It is possible that in the process of a diligent search he will find something in the garbage that he could eat. It is also true that in choosing to eat from the items on the table, he could find something that contains ptomaine poison. Common sense and reason would tell all of us that it would be foolish to search the garbage, even if the risk exists of finding poison on the table. By way of further illustration: When guests come to dinner none of us would consider serving them from our garbage pail, even if we were sure the food were acceptable. Rather, we would all serve from our cleanest, most beautiful vessel. Applying this to the matter of considering the writer/composer when selecting our music for worship brings these thoughts to mind. Our "table" of music for worship is filled with "containers" of music prepared by those with "clean hands and a pure heart." There are "garbage cans" around that may contain an occasional piece acceptable for "consumption". When we gather "around the Lord's table" for worship, those who are "serving" need to select the "food" from a "clean vessel". It is "our reasonable service" to present a "sacrifice" that is "holy and acceptable to God". We shouldn't be searching through the "garbage" for something to "add to the table". Psalm 24:3-5 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. In an attempt to assure that our worship is presented with/through a clean vessel the following principles should be followed. If the composition meets the previously stated standards for acceptability it must also meet the following standards with regards to the writer/composer/arranger. 1. If he/she is known to have an inconsistent testimony of living the Christ-life the music written by them should not be used. a. They must live a separated life.
2. Taken as a whole, this person's work must be deemed acceptable. This piece must not be only one of a few determined acceptable. 3. The use of this selection must not present a stumbling-block. a. The use of this piece must not cause another (unsaved
or younger/weaker Christian) to be led into using other, unacceptable,
music of this writer/composer/arranger.
4. One should recognize that there is another piece of music by an acceptable composer that presents the same message. If that doesn't happen to be the case, and the message is Scriptural, a song should be written, either by the individual wishing to present the particular message or by someone they commission, that contains the same message. 5. Each musician must understand that the use of no song is worth causing anyone to spiritually stumble. Philippians 1:9-11 And this I pray, that your love
may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye
may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without
offense till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness,
which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
In the matter of using "classical" music in the church: If "classical" music is being considered for use in the church, great care must be taken in the selection. Although the preceding standards should be applied to this area of music, when considered for use in the church, the following thoughts should also be considered. The lives of most of the "classical" composers do not match up to the standards of the Bible. Although the instrumental music written by "great" composers is usually good music, by any standards applied, normally there is nothing in it that can speak to a person about the Lord. I could recommend it to a Christian for pleasure listening, but its use in the church is not defendable. Sacred classical vocal music (or an instrumental version of such) must be chosen with great care. We must make sure the words are true to the Scriptures (not given a wrong slant; i.e., Romanistic, Humanistic, etc.). We must make sure that the impression given in its use is not one of elevating the musician. (Most "classical" music was written to display the skill of the composer and/or the performer.) If, according to the previously stated standards, an instrumental transcription of a sacred classical vocal piece were deemed usable, one must be sure that the words to the piece are well known and clearly understood. (This would seem to eliminate all but a few.) It may be possible that the text of such a selection could be printed in the church bulletin or prepared for projection by an overhead projector. We must also remember, when contemplating the use of "classical"
music in the church: the music is to be a ministry, not a performance.
Jesus Christ is to be clearly seen, not overshadowed or obscured by either
the music or the musician.
In the matter of instrumental music: Parents should be urged to take the initiative in providing their children with musical training both in voice and instruments. The Scriptures are clear in stating that musical instruments are acceptable for use in the music of the church. Not only are they acceptable, they are required. Psalm 150 Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power. Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: praise Him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise Him upon the loud cymbals: praise Him upon the high-sounding cymbals. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord. One must never forget, even when using instrumental music, that the message of the Gospel must be presented. There is nothing inherent in the music itself or the instrument that speaks of God. Therefore we must rely on the text associated with the melody to convey that message. The following conditions should be met if a composition is to be used as an instrumental piece. 1. The music (melody, harmony, rhythm, instrumentation, arrangement) must meet the previously stated standards for music used in the church. 2. The text associated with the music must meet the previously stated standards for music used in the church. 3. The text associated with the piece must be well-known and clearly understood by at least the majority of the listeners. It may be possible for the text to be published in the church bulletin or prepared for projection by an overhead projector. 4. The arrangement must accurately portray the meaning of the text. 5. The impression must not be given that this is more of a performance than a ministry. Although instrumental music is a legitimate, and necessary
(commanded), form of musical ministry, the musician must always keep before
him the fact that the listener must always see Jesus, even when no text
is currently being presented to guide the thoughts of the listener.
As with any other area of responsibility or service in the church, those who desire, or are asked, to participate in the music ministry should meet certain qualifications. These criteria are established for the following reasons: 1. In order to honor the Lord - God has always required that certain qualifications be met by His servants. This is no less true today. We thereby must abide by these stipulations so that we might give proper honor and respect to our God. 2. In order that the testimony of the church not be hindered - The church must take positions in all areas, and then uphold these positions, so that the surrounding community, both saved and unsaved, may know with a certainty where the church stands. 3. In order to encourage holy living among the musicians - If an individual were able to "minister" without abiding by any standards, some would have no standards. Christ expects His followers to strive for, and live, the Christ-life; we need to encourage this activity in every way possible. 4. In order to maintain unity and order among the body of Christ - A set of standards that is maintained by all participating helps all to go in the same direction and not be pulling in different, or opposite, directions. With these goals in mind, the following requirements should be met for participation in the music program: The life and testimony of each musician must manifest these qualities: 1. Regeneration - each musician must be a possessor of the new life found only in Jesus Christ. Romans 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, 2. Fear of God - each musician must have the proper respect for the Lord. Psalm 2:11 Serve the Lord with fear, 3. Upright Walking - each musician must live the Christ-life. Psalm 101:6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve Me. 4. Absolute Loyalty - each musician must seek only to serve the Lord. Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. 5. To the Lord - each musician must serve as unto the Lord. II Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again. 6. Humility - each musician must serve with humility. I Peter 5:5 Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 7. Love - each musician must serve in a spirit of love. Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. In either seeking an opportunity to minister with music, or in accepting a request to do so, an individual should agree to fulfill the following requirements: 1. He will first seek to have the Lord speak to his own heart. (If the song means nothing to himself, it will certainly not mean anything to those to whom he seeks to minister.) 2. He will select a piece that is well within the boundaries established in this statement. 3. He will spend a sufficient amount of time in rehearsal/preparation so that he is able to present the piece in a Christ-honoring way. Rushed, last-minute preparation; casual selection; or ill-considered selections should not occur. 4. He will reject any manner, appearance, life style,
etc. that might cause another to stumble or bring dishonor to the name
of the Lord.
Offertories: It is my belief that an offertory is more than just music played while the offering is being received. The offertory is an opportunity for the instrumentalist to lead the congregation in worship and praise of our Lord, or to provide edification for the members of the congregation. I believe that the instrumentalist needs more than just a minute or a minute-and-a-half to do this. If they are to be free to minister, the instrumentalist cannot be concerned with ending the offertory as soon as the ushers have completed receiving the offering. An offertory should follow the guidelines presented above
for instrumental music.
Choruses: The use of "choruses" has become very popular in recent years. The use of choruses is not inherently bad or wrong, but they must be used with great care and should be used only sparingly. I would like to suggest that choruses are the "candy" of Christian music. By that I mean that they are a great occasional treat, but extensive use of them is bad for the "musical diet". All choruses used should meet the standards given above regarding words, music, and composer. Some of the dangers that exist in use of choruses are these: 1. Many choruses present their message in a trite, cliched manner. It is important that we don't allow the Gospel message to be devalued in this way. 2. Many choruses are not very careful with the truth of the Gospel. One must take care to be sure that the text is doctrinally accurate. 3. Many choruses seem to need a definite beat to keep them moving. A little of this goes a long way. The beat/rhythm of a chorus must not exceed the bounds established above. 4. One must be sure to not substitute use of choruses
for hymns and gospel songs. Choruses are a treat when used sparingly,
but are not a good substitute for the more "meaty" hymns and gospel songs.
Special Music: The use of "special music" in a church service can be very important and helpful, but its purpose must be clearly understood. "Special music" should in no way be a replacement for congregational singing or any other portion of corporate worship or praise. If special music is seen as an enhancement of the corporate worship it can be an important portion of the service. In most situations, special music that is presented should be something that the congregation as a whole cannot do. Special music, therefore, would probably be: 1. Something that is either unfamiliar to the majority of the congregation or too difficult for the congregation as a whole to sing. In this case the special music could be used to teach the congregation some new music. If this is the situation, it would be good for the song leader (or whomever schedules the congregational songs) to ask the congregation to sing the same song in a service that shortly follows the service in which the special music was presented. 2. An arrangement of a familiar piece of music.
This may either be an arrangement that is too difficult for the congregation
as a whole to sing, or an opportunity for the congregation to concentrate
on the message of the song in a special way.
Wedding Music: It is understood that some will not want all of their wedding music to be of a gospel/sacred nature. This desire should be accommodated to the point that: 1. The words do not promote anything that is un-Scriptural. 2. The music is not determined to be unacceptable. The music should basically meet the same standards set for church music as listed above. 3. The source of the music (a musical-play, movie, etc.) is not recognized as overtly promoting a life style or beliefs prohibited in the Bible. (See Appendix II for more detailed information about wedding
music.)
Taped accompaniment: Taped accompaniment has become very popular in recent years. The reasons for this are many. One is a matter of pride. Many would rather sing with the sound of a large orchestra, than a piano and/or organ accompaniment. It is true that the larger sound does help to cover many vocal inadequacies, and that many ill-prepared or poorly trained individuals or groups sound better partially hidden. Others use tapes to give their music rhythmic drive and energy. One who tries to sing a song that was designed for full orchestration quickly realizes the music often has no forward motion when accompanied with piano alone. The lines and phrases are often static without the drive provided by the rhythm section and the electronic bass. Still others use tapes to allow them to sound as much like the world as possible. They feel they must compete with pop groups for the ear of the people. Besides that, they like the music and the beat. The use of these tapes provides several problems. Most of the orchestrations are done in questionable taste and are not appropriate for use in a church. The emphasis on the rhythm and the booming bass may be pleasant to the senses, but do little to accentuate the message. Even those that are tastefully (in a Christ honoring way) done restrict the creativity of the individual musician, or group. The tempos and phrasing are dictated by the tapes, leaving no room for personal interpretation. Possibly the strongest argument against the use of taped accompaniment is that when ever a tape is used it robs the church musicians of an opportunity to serve the Lord. This having been said, it seems best that tapes not be
used. Any possible benefit is far outweighed by the many negatives.
It may be important to give some examples of what I consider to be appropriate and inappropriate music as defined by the preceding text. The following listing should not be considered as exhaustive, only some examples. Persons whose music is considered acceptable: B.D. Ackley, Phillip P. Bliss, William B. Bradbury, Fanny J. Crosby, William H. Doane, Frances R. Havergal, Weldell P. Loveless, Robert Lowry, John W. Peterson (a few songs may be unacceptable, but the greatest majority of his work is acceptable), Oswald J. Smith, John R. Sweney, Isaac Watts, Charles Wesley, John Wesley, Daniel Whittle, Mac Lynch, Byron Foxx, Ron Hamilton Persons whose music is considered unacceptable: Ray Boltz, Michael Card, Carman, Ralph Carmichael, Steven Curtis Chapman, Andrae Crouch, Bill and Gloria Gaither, Amy Grant, Steve Green, Larnelle Harris, Dallas Holm, Kurt Kaiser, Twila Paris, Sandi Patti, Michael W. Smith, John Michael Talbot, Wayne Watson, Don Wyrtzen, most/all music played on "Christian" radio stations Some of these persons may have an occasional song that
is acceptable, but as mentioned in the text of the document (under "Pattern
for Music in the Church"), great harm may be done if we were to "pick through
all of the garbage" to find that acceptable song.
A Christian wedding can, and probably should, be more than just the celebration of the love between two people. God, Himself, instituted marriage in the Garden of Eden. Although He doesn't command marriage, He certainly approves of it and His Word contains much instruction concerning the marriage relationship. A wedding/marriage contains symbolism that pictures much of the relationship between Our Lord and His people. Ephesians 5:22ff "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord ... Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it ... that it should be holy and without blemish." Some of the spiritual themes that are interwoven in a wedding/marriage are the following: Christ's love for His Church; Christ giving His life for the salvation of His people; the marriage of Christ and His church; a commitment of the couple to holiness and righteous living; the seeking of God's guidance in their lives. A couple ought to consider incorporating as many of these themes into their wedding ceremony as possible, for a few reasons. First of all as a reminder to themselves. They need to be aware and reminded of the seriousness of the commitments they are making, and of the many things their relationship illustrates. Secondly, other Christian couples who attend the wedding often need to be reminded of the commitments they have made, and the life they should be living. Thirdly, most couples will have unsaved relatives and friends who will attend their wedding ceremony. It is very important that this opportunity is taken to witness to them of Christ's love for them, of His death and provision for the future. It is most appropriate then that the music of the wedding ceremony be used to present as many of the above mentioned themes as possible. While songs expressing the love of the man for the woman are fitting, the lyrics of these songs should express a love that is pure and holy. The source of the music (if it is from a musical, movie, or other popular entertainment source) should not promote or depict a relationship that is contrary to the standards set in the Bible for love/marriage. While these principles do not eliminate songs from the field of popular music, it certainly limits them, especially songs of a more recent era. Songs of this type that would seem appropriate for consideration might include: Because (possible change of words)
My heart is filled with joy till now unknown, Because you are my own. Because you trust me with your heart and hand, in humble gratitude to God I stand, And pray for pow'r divine my love to show, because you love me so. Because God's perfect love our love enfolds, because His mighty hand the future holds, No earth-born cloud our joy can ever dim, because we dwell in Him. Hand in Hand We'll Walk Together I Love You Truly O Promise Me Christ's love and sacrifice for us can be presented with the following songs: The Old Rugged Cross
The marriage of Christ and His Church, as well as their eternal future together, can be demonstrated with the following songs: When We all Get to Heaven
The seeking of God's guidance can be expressed with the following songs: A Wedding Prayer (Fowler/Lyon)
The commitment of the couple to God and their desire to live a holy life can be represented by the following songs: Take Time to Be Holy
It is also appropriate to use "classical" music of a festive or meditative nature. Some suggestions would be: My Heart Ever Faithful (Bach)
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