The issue is clear, the battle lines have been drawn, and there is no compromise with the other side. For those on either side of the issue, what is at stake is the church pleasing Christ while reaching its community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This, then, is no small matter. Articles and books have been written to promote various views, sermons have been preached to articulate and support particular positions, and seminars are now covering the landscape of American Christianity, teaching people “the right way to think” about this subject. The issue I am speaking of is music in the church.
I have been in the same church ministry now since July 1982. In my estimation, only one other issue in the past twenty-five years has caused such a stir in our conservative circles, and this is the exclusive use or non-use of the King James Version of the Bible. Though this issue is settled for most thinking, historic-fundamentalists, the issue is not settled nation-wide—it will not die. I see this same factious unsettledness in the church in the area of church music.
It has been interesting to watch the decisions and choices different churches are making to deal with this sensitive topic. I have watched some churches deal with the issue by avoiding it. Yet, while they pretend the problem does not exist, their own church members are fully engaged in this issue and determining their own music standards apart from any example or teaching from their pastor. I have watched other churches develop a two-service concept where one is more contemporary in music style and worship, while the other is more traditional in its method. In this case, the church develops an improper two-congregation mentality—and usually, it is the older enjoying the traditional, and the younger preferring the contemporary. A few churches, however, have chosen to “dig in” and handle the controversy by confining all their music to a select hymnbook—this, they think, solves their problem. Yet, what they have done is to let others—those who put that particular hymnbook together—determine their worship music. Is there not a better approach?
I think there is a better solution—a grace-solution—which will keep the following biblical ideals in mind as your church migrates through this difficult issue. I certainly do not think that I can solve every problem that you may be facing, but the following principles have been time-tested in our ministry and have proven to move our entire church—together—to corporately worship Christ in “spirit and in truth.” Let me give some of these ideals to you without much comment—at least in this paper today. I hope these principles will encourage you to think and to ground your own solution in grace!
First, the leadership must be fully united on its approach to church music. The decision is not to be left up to a worship leader or some “island committee.” Unlike a small musical group, the leadership of the church (pastors and deacons) sees the entire church family as a unit. It fully embraces the “inter-generational model” of church unity and maturity. The music decision, like any other decision of the church must be directed by God-entranced men who have the entire church at heart. One important footnote here is this: whatever is chosen for the church as a whole is to be used in every segment of the church. The youth group is not to have its separate songs from the rest of the church. Whatever “checks” for youth, should “check” for the worship service. There is to be no (pseudo) dichotomy for music between the ages.
Second, music must be text-driven and heart-felt. I believe that this is the accent of Colossians 3:16. Music begins with the “Word of Christ” and is used to express truth from a “heart of grace.” When these two foci are exposed to the entire church, the church will joyfully embrace the song. It is imperative that music—like preaching—touch the very deepest part of people’s souls.
Third, music must be chosen so that the entire church can sing. Some music is not conducive for a congregational number. Music must be chosen to engage the entire congregation to worship God together. This does not preclude new music or old hymns which have long been forgotten. However, when a song is selected that will be novel to the congregation, then it must be properly introduced with the congregation hearing it sung and seeing the text so that they can fully embrace it as their own expression of worship to God. One excellent way to do this it to use the “new music” as a choir special for all to hear and to put the music and text on a 5 ½ by 8 ½ sheet of paper so it fits in one’s Bible. This way the congregation can pull it out during the following week and muse over it in preparation for its usage on the next Sunday.
Fourth, music, like preaching, must include a carefully chosen variety of instrumentation, expression, and style. The book of Psalms reveals the various expressions and styles of the “inspired hymn-writers.” Creation itself teaches us the value of variety. Music is no different! Any song done over and over again in the same way will lose its freshness. Try this: take a well-worn hymn on a Sunday morning, and use a soloist to sing the first stanza. Then immediately have the congregation sing the second and third stanzas, and then turn to the choir and have them finish the final stanza. In this way, the song takes on freshness, and the words of the song can be newly appreciated. Another way to freshen a hymn is by the use or non-use of instrumentation. For example, music done a capella by the congregation can greatly emphasize a truth in a well-known hymn. Also, do not be afraid of new songs for they can highlight “old” biblical truths in a fresh way. The key is to stay fresh, so that people will sing with a heart of grace and not with a mind put on hold.
Fifth, contextualize newer songs to fit the congregation you lead. I will readily admit that this principle will vary from congregation to congregation; but the point is to fit newer songs into your congregation’s music bank. As a pastor, I will read many new books on “old truths” to see what I can use to help my congregation get a better grasp on the Word of God. In the same way, I see no compromise in singing new songs that magnify “old truths” to help our congregation worship Christ with a fresh sense of joy. On this point, let me share with you what C. H. Spurgeon wrote about his congregation’s “controversial new hymnbook” which they produced in 1866. I would encourage every pastor and church leader to carefully read these wise remarks from a trusted saint of God (Autobiography, 2:154-155).
“None of the collections already published are exactly what our congregation needs, or we would have cheerfully adopted one of them. They are good in their way, but we need something more. Our congregation has distinctive features which are not suited by every compilation—not, indeed, by any known to us. We thought it best to issue a selection which would contain the cream of the books already in use among us, together with the best of all others extant up to the hour of going to press; and having sought a blessing upon the project, we set about it with all our might, and at last have brought it to a conclusion. Our best diligence has been given to the work, and we have spared no expense. . . . Unto His glory we dedicate Our Own Hymn-Book.
“The area of our researches has been as wide as the bounds of existing religious literature—American and British, Protestant and Romish, ancient and modern. Whatever may be thought of our taste we have exercised it without prejudice; and a good hymn has not been rejected because of the character of its author, or the heresies of the church in whose hymnal it first appeared; so long as the language and the spirit of it commended the hymn to our heart, we included it, and we believe that we have thereby enriched our collection. The range of subjects is very extensive, comprising not only direct praise, but doctrine, experience, and exhortation, thus enabling the saints, according to apostolic command, to edify one another in their spiritual songs.
“If any object that some of the hymns are penitential or doctrinal, and therefore unfit to be sung, we reply that we find examples of such in the Book of Psalms, which we have made our model in compiling our work. . . .
“We hope that, in some few churches of the land, we may be helpful to their service of sacred song, and aid them in praising the Lord.”
“The area of our researches has been as wide as the bounds of existing religious literature—American and British, Protestant and Romish, ancient and modern. Whatever may be thought of our taste we have exercised it without prejudice; and a good hymn has not been rejected because of the character of its author, or the heresies of the church in whose hymnal it first appeared; so long as the language and the spirit of it commended the hymn to our heart, we included it, and we believe that we have thereby enriched our collection. The range of subjects is very extensive, comprising not only direct praise, but doctrine, experience, and exhortation, thus enabling the saints, according to apostolic command, to edify one another in their spiritual songs.
“If any object that some of the hymns are penitential or doctrinal, and therefore unfit to be sung, we reply that we find examples of such in the Book of Psalms, which we have made our model in compiling our work. . . .
“We hope that, in some few churches of the land, we may be helpful to their service of sacred song, and aid them in praising the Lord.”
~ Charles Spurgeon ~
Sixth, and finally, as a pastor or leader, stay in tune with your congregation. Talk to them. Ask them how the music is ministering to them. Gain new insights from those who faithfully support your local church. Also, do not be afraid to talk with visitors as you enter their homes throughout the week. Ask them how they enjoyed your worship. Listen to what they say! I believe one of the greatest, untapped sources of counsel is our congregation.
Well, this grace encounter is longer than what I initially intended, but my heart is to challenge you concerning the beauty and unity of congregational music. Music is indeed the expression of the soul. A church that worships together will express the power and glory of Christ like nothing else on this earth. So, sing—together!