Question

Answer

The music in Churches ought to fit what we are trying to accomplish.  We sing to worship a most Holy and Awesome God, thus that music should be holy, that is, set apart to God.  It should be music that would cause one to sense a great awe of God, and convey that in the tune and lyrics.  Most modern music doesn't even come close.  Fortunately, our forefathers in the faith had that awe of God and left us great Christian classics over the previous centuries.  

Question (continued)

There seems to be a trend towards more contemporary music in church services in many churches and we wonder why that is happening?  

Answer (continued)

Most of it is a result of the "seeker-friendly" movement--trying to "connect" with the unbeliever.  But we do a great disservice to God, by no longer having "holy" music set apart for Him.  We just take the modern Rap, or Rock, or Country tunes, and add Christian words, and we end up with a "beat" that excites man's heart, but normally not for God.  It's all a compromise, and it pleases Satan, and I believe displeases God.  

Question (continued)

I realize music changes over the years, but I just wonder what is the reasoning behind this shift from hymns to "praise and worship" type services?

Answer (continued)

The church thinks it must change to draw a crowd, but this is just the opposite of the way it is suppose to work--the people are supposed to change and become part of the Church, rather than the Church changing to become a part of the people (world).  The new believer is to become part of God's people who will be very different from the world.  Again, the church is trying to adapt to the world, and true Christians feel the loss in their hearts.  

Question (continued)

We are not bound by traditions, but I feel as if the hymns are something we want our children learning...some praise choruses seem somewhat shallow and almost too repetitious.  

Answer (continued)

You are right.  Not only is the tune not holy, but often the words are shallow.  Read the words of most of the great hymns of the past, most were doctrinally pure, and spoke of God's love, grace, mercy, wrath and judgment.  I think, we as a church, need godly men and women reviewing the songs we sing for their content and tune, always asking the questions, "Is it holy, set apart from all other music?"  "Will it inspire and awe and honor of God?" "Are the words meaningful and doctrinally correct?"  

Question (continued)

How should a biblical church handle this music topic?

Answer (continued)

Like I said before, have a music director (pastor) who wants to elevate the praise and worship of God, and not just entertain the people or simply have music to fill the time.  It is going to have to come from the top--the Pastor, Elders, Deacons are going to have to want it, and be willing to trust that the Holy Spirit will bring all the people He wants to the service, but only when we Lift up Christ, not man and his wants.  

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "Tony Capoccia's Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
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Columbus, New Jersey, USA, 08022
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Email: tony@biblebb.com
Online since 1986