Music organizations-part 3

 

       Today we are going to discuss four ways to make the musicing of a church choir or orchestra more meaningful. It is obvious that vocal music is less abstract when it comes to musical meanings, but all music has meaning.
1. Music directors should explain spiritual meanings in the music which is being performed and church musicians should apply these meanings in the rehearsals and in the church services . [Remember we are commanded to sing with spirit (pneuma-4151) and understanding (nous-3563) ]. You will note that I said apply these meanings in the rehearsal as the music is learned. Always remember that "The God of performance is also the God of rehearsal". If you worship in rehearsal, it will never be difficult to express the spiritual meanings of the music as you perform it in a church service. If you find rehearsal to be somewhat boring, try worshiping as you rehearse!

2. One of the ways that church musicians are able to make wise ministry decisions as to which selections are the best choices for musical ministry is to scrutinize prospective pieces of music for not only what they say but also what they fail to say spiritually.

3. Ephesians 5:10 commands church musicians to “prove what is acceptable unto the Lord.” Verses 15 & 16 continue with “see that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Church musicians must be sure that the music they offer to God is theologically correct and that it has enough expository depth to catechize both believers and non-believers.

  4. Music organization members should be like Chenaniah who had burden (massa-4853) for song borne in upon him of God. He instructed about the song because he was skillful, i.e. he was an accomplished musician. Music organization members must allow directors to pass musical meanings along to the them since they are “under his hands.” In order for this to happen, church choir and orchestra members, and soloists must be teachable and must to constantly be responsive to the spiritual aspects of the music presented by the director.