Music

Our Philosophy

The Bible has much to say about music and it plays an integral role in our worship of God. Some very basic guidelines govern our music that is used in our services.

  • Because our music is an offering or sacrifice of praise to God (Hebrews 13:5), He is to be the focal point of our attention rather than the performer or the performance. We believe that music that pleases God in worship is not derived from what is currently popular nor from what is "market-driven" but rather from the Scriptures (Cf. Galatians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:4).
  • Music that is genuinely Christian must reflect the character of our God in its lyrics, tune, and performance technique rather than reflect the character of the culture in which we live. The text must be biblically sound, and the music used to convey the text should support it rather than distract or contradict it. Sacred music should be prepared in advance and presented in such a way as to honor Christ. It should turn our attention to Christ and the truths of God's Word (Cf. 1 Chronicles 29:9-22; Psalm 40:1-5, 16; 111:1).
  • We reject the use of Contemporary Christian Music in our services and see it as a "Philistine method" of conducting God's ministry (Cf. 1 Samuel 6 with 1 Chronicles 13 & 15:1-15) that meets with God's disapproval. The worship of God must be pure because He is pure: it should not be tainted with the styles and performance practices of a world-system that has no regard for the holiness of God (Cf. Ezekiel 22:26; 44:23; Haggai 2:11-14). Sacred music never has and never will appeal to the carnal desires of sinful man. It was never intended to be "entertainment" music or to be expressed in contexts that approximate what is seen in a rock concert.
  • Though they may not be musically trained, nonetheless, it is the privilege of every Christian to participate in the musical worship of God. Congregational singing is one way this can be accomplished (Psalm 35:18; 149:1).
  • Choirs for children, teens, adults are other means whereby individuals can participate in the music ministry of our church (Cf. 2 Chronicles 5:12-13; Ezekiel 40:44).
  • Those who can play musical instruments are also encouraged to participate in musical worship (Cf. 2 Samuel 6:5; 1 Chronicles 15:16).
  • The classic, traditional hymns of the faith, as well as selected conservative and Scripturally-sound Christian music written by present-day composers reveal our sincere desire to worship the Lord respectfully. Our music strives to be a reflection of our view of God and His character.

What is Expected from Those Who Participate?

  • Choir members should be active church members.
  • Agreement with the church's position on music and music practices
  • Faithfulness in preparation and in the responsibilities assumed