Can only Christians bring praise to God through their music? Should non-Christians be allowed to play and sing in church musical groups? When God says make a joyful noise unto Him, what does that mean in terms of modern day church music? How does making a joyful noise relate to the excellence in music sought for in most church settings? Good music is often determined by the talent of the listeners!!! The untrained ear would hear music where the trained ear would call it noise!!
I believe that if we regard sin in our hearts then God will not hear us. The praise of a lost person falls on deaf ears. So often Christians do not regard the fact that their music is a praise to God, and offer it from a platform of pride and personal enjoyment. It lifts the hearts of the performer to an illusion of a sacred communication, but often is a sounding brass and tinkling cymbals.
Very good comments. I think we all need challenges to our core beliefs. A conviction based on nothing is a waste of intellect. A challenge accepted and studied can bring us back to the basics of the faith we have, and focus' our hearts on the creator rather than the created.
All that being said, I have often invited non-believing persons to participate in specific programs so that they may be exposed to the gospel, and to believers in the act of loving God.I do not however accept them as members of the musical group until they have a personal testimony of Christ's salvation in their lives.
Thanks George Rawlin
Comment: George, For some time now I've disagreed with using improvisational solos, usually sax and guitar, in worship songs. I believe we've become so influenced by secular music that it now seems natural for a director to have an instrumentalist "take a solo" to, what, enhance the worship atmosphere? I never feels like like it does anything else but take the heart focus off the Lord and place it on some player's expertise. Musical/emotional excitement is not the same as true elevation of the spirit toward the Lord, and I think sometimes one gets confused with the other.
Ok, someone can make a case for a quiet, tastefully done classical guitar solo that enhances my contemplation of the Lord, but guitar solos that sound like any rock band are commonplace these days.
Too narrow?
Steve Mullins
This is also one of my pet peeves. Too often the soloist is not prepared and either drifts into chaos or self indulgence. Where I do like a little improv is behind a vocalist, playiing in the BG or in the cracks. This embellishes the words and doesn't scream "hey listen to me".
I have been fortunate to play with Justo Almario and he worships through his solos - they are like prayers and take the listeners to a new place of worship. Unfortunately there are few Christian players at this level.
So in short - be wise - be tasteful - and tactful. gR
Comment from Bob in SO Cal: This e-mail is in regards to your Church Players page. I am blesses to go to a large church in SO Cal that is supported by a full, volunteer orchestra. Only on occasion we do have to hire musicians to fill a few holes, but rarely.
I consider it my ministry to play for "my" church for free, as does everyone else in our orchestra. My church playing ranges from full orchestra, to brass ensemble, to horn bands and occasionally a big band. It is my part to support my church. The only time I take money is when I play for a different church, which hasn't been too often.
