Putting Your Church’s Music Philosophy in Writing—part 2

Putting Your Church’s Music Philosophy in Writing—part 2

            In the next few blog posts I am quoting part of some churches music philosophical statements which I consider to be excellent examples of the use of music in the context of Christian worship.  Although a music philosophy that is thorough must consider the nature, value and meaning of religious music, these excerpts will not necessarily consider the whole of sacred music in the context of Christian worship.  These excerpts are not intended to be thorough or complete but rather I have picked them to stimulate the Christian musician’s thinking concerning the church’s philosophical positions on sacred music.

            “…music plays an integral and important part of the ministry. We strive for a balance, using it in most of the services and other activities, but realizing it is only a “part” of our worship of God. While we can worship and praise God with music, we understand that we are not limited in our worship to music or singing alone. True worship of God involves all areas of our life as we live in obedience to the revealed will of God as found in His Word. 

            When we do express our worship and praise with music, it is our goal to use music that reflects the character and nature of God in his holiness and righteous. This should be done “in spirit and in truth” with an attitude of humility and gratitude. Though done with the best of our abilities, it isn’t done to entertain, but with reverence, to exalt the gracious and merciful Lord we adore.  We find the basis for the purpose of the music ministry of the New Testament church in Col. 3:16.” http://sherwoodbaptist.com/about/music-philosophy/