Few things have been more divisive in the Church in recent years than music. Today when people are
looking for a church, often their first consideration, if not the deciding factor, is whether the music fits their personal
preference. Are there other, more important considerations?
There is no doubt that music (more specifically,
singing) is crucial in the worship and life of the Church. This is illustrated in a fascinating story found in Deuteronomy
31-32. Shortly before his death Moses was given a song by the Lord. He was told to teach this song to the people of Israel.
The song would "be a witness for Me against the people of Israel."(31:19). The song, found in chapter 32, is a review
of redemptive history to date, and of God's character. This song would serve to "confront them" (31:21) and
be a deterrent to the unfaithfulness that would befall Israel in the Promised Land. It was clearly the content of the song
that would serve this purpose.
Content is the crucial factor in our singing. We sing hymns and songs that are theologically
rich (this obviously includes psalms). People learn a great deal of their theology from what they sing in church. This is
especially true of children. As a reflection of Protestant history, we sing both old and new hymns, but more of the older
(sometimes set to new tunes). We use the Trinity Hymnal (1990 edition) and the Trinity Psalter.
At the same time,
the music must be as aesthetically rich as we can make it (the Lord cares about beauty). It has been said that having
no music is better than having bad music. We strive for excellence and beauty in our singing and accompaniment. Our music
director and accompanist, Carolyn Burnett, is one of the most well-respected in this area. Our choir is excellent. During
anthems, the congregation's attention is directed to the printed lyrics. Special worship offerings are given by the
choir at Christmas and Easter. Our cantatas are also offered in various community settings as an outreach.
The purpose of music in worship is to direct the worshiper's attention away from himself, and toward the
person and work of the triune God, the only Creator and Redeemer.
Worship is a transitive verb (it requires a direct
object). Psalm 96 well expresses the most important thing about worship: its object!
Oh sing to the Lord a new
song; sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Sing to the Lord, bless His name; tell of His salvation from day to day.
Declare
His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
He is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens.
