Considerations of a Music Pastor

Considerations of a Music Pastor

Part of music’s meaning is found in the music part of the music i.e. it can be found in the formal properties of the music itself.  The music part of music embodies meaning and when that meaning is communicated to the hearer it is understandable in terms of real life meaning.   Part of music’s meaning is often referential and specifically this means that music can trigger or arouse emotions, emotional states of mind, and feelings that have real life or extra musical meaning. One of the reasons that this is true is because everyone who performs or hears music brings real life experiences to that experience.  The person who understands the music most thoroughly will doubtlessly be influenced more positively or negatively by experiencing it. 

        Common sense should convince a Christian musician that is impossible for anyone to experience music in a “bubble” which is completely void of the influence of previous understandings, knowledge and emotions that may be triggered or aroused by the music.  What I am contending is that although no one can predict exactly how a person will react to the music experience, it is short sighted and naive to suppose that the performer or auditor will not be affected either positively or negatively to a lesser or greater extent. With this in mind, the worship leader who is a true shepherd, rather than music performer who needs a platform for personal performance or needs to supplement his or her income, will be constantly concerned about the music that is used as a concomitant to public worship.

Thought for the Day

Have you ever considered that the person who understands the music genre or genres that you use stands to be helped or hurt the effect of the music?  The people that you are trying to please may be the people you harm the most by your efforts to be trendy.