Greetings all! :)
I've kind of been swept away with college and life as of late, but below is a paper I had to write recently for a class I'm in. :) My dad suggested I post it...so here it is! Hope it's an encouragement to you! :)
Many Blessings!
~Chloe~
~Church Music
Philosophy~
Church music is a venue
used to make a connection with the Creator of the Universe. Through worship we
may both enter into God’s courts with praise and receive from Him as well. This
kind of correspondence may be led, but I believe it should also include
congregational involvement. Just as it’s needful for each one of us to have a
personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, worship also requires some
personal involvement.
Quality should be of
upmost importance; however, I don’t believe it should be the main focus.
Colossians 3:17 says, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of
the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” ("Bible"
1995). We should strive to do our very best and use our musical giftings
and talents to the best of our abilities, striving to continue to improve and
develop them. However, worship should go far beyond words or a song, it should
be an offering of our entire lives.
Music is very
influential, thus, we as music leaders, must choose carefully and consider the
direction that we might lead or influence the congregation towards. In 1
Samuel, we read how Saul’s troubled spirit was calmed when David played the
harp. ("Bible" 1995) Because of music’s strong impact, I
believe music within the church should be pointing others towards Christ and
allowing His presence to enter in.
Organization and
flexibility are needed in church music. Time and preparation are required for a
service to come off smoothly; however, sensitivity to the Lord’s leading during
a worship time, is important too. Planning is necessary, but if the Lord is
dealing with hearts on a matter, there may be a need to adjust the initial plan
at times. Also, as congregation members are likely to have many differing
exposures to music and their attendance may vary, patience and flexibility are
a must in working towards musical goals within the group.
I believe it is
imperative for the church musician to get away to spend time with the Father.
As worship leaders, we need to be filled and refreshed in the Lord so that He
is our focus and is being poured out, rather than pulling from our own
strength. If we take the time to put Christ as the center of our lives, to sit
at His feet and to learn from Him, our ministry opportunities will be much more
profitable, as He is our focus and the basis from which we gain our inspiration
and direction.
If our focus is on
Christ and we yield our talents and efforts to Him to be used for His purposes
and glory, then, we can leave the end results to Him as to what He will
accomplish in the lives of the church, His body. If we work hard to do our very
best, and come before Him with our whole heart, softened and ready to receive
and meet with Him, then I believe, He will bless our efforts and lead the
ministry in ways far greater than we could ever hope or dream to accomplish on
our own.
Citations
Bible, (1995) http://www.biblegateway.com (accessed
September 15, 2013), Colossians 3:17.
Bible, (1995) http://www.biblegateway.com (accessed
September 15, 2013), 1 Samuel 16:23.
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