The High Calling of a Song Writer

Posted by Troy Friesen

Apr 28, 2008

There is often criticism today that much of the contemporary Christian music being written is light on theology, doctrine, and content, and heavy on sentimentality and needless repetition. While my post today is not meant to be a debate on the value of CCM for the church, I do want to make a few observations, especially as it relates to those songs we choose to use, or write, for corporate involvement in our churches.

Colossian 3:16 reminds us that “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” are meant to teach and admonish the body of Christ. And, if music’s proper function in the church includes “teaching and admonishing”, it ought to be more than just an emotional stimulant. I agree with John McArthur when he writes that

"music and preaching should have the same aim. Both properly pertain to the proclamation of God’s Word. Preaching is properly seen as an aspect of our worship. And conversely, music is properly seen as an aspect of the ministry of the Word, just like preaching.”

And here’s the kicker that elevates the writing of song to a higher plane,

“the songwriter ought to be as skilled in Scripture and as concerned for theological precision as the preacher, Even more so, because the songs he writes are likely to be sung again and again (unlike a sermon that is preached only once).” (emphasis mine)

So, songwriters out there, consider your calling a high one. Do great diligence in crafting your lyric, for people may be taught by it (either correctly or incorrectly) for years to come. And consider the significance of 1 Kings 4:31 which says of Solomon that “he was wiser than all men, than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was known in all the surrounding nations.” In other words, if Solomon hadn’t been in the land, 2 musicians, Ethan & Heman, would have been the wisest men. Musicians are teachers of the highest order.

10 Questions to Ask About Worship

Posted by Troy Friesen

Apr 19, 2008

I was recently reviewing a chapter by John MacArthur in the book "Fool's Gold?" which ended with 10 questions pastor's, church leaders, and congregations should be asking about the worship music they use. I welcome your comments as you evaluate the music your church sings or plays in worship (yes, even those of you that attend my church).

Is your church music God-focused?
Anything short of God-centered worship is idolatry. Because the purpose of church music is to provide a vehicle for worship it must be God-focused rather than man-centered.



Does your church music promote a high view of God?
Music that is worthy of our Savior must promote an accurate and exalted view of who He is.



Is your church music orderly?



Is the content of your church music biblically sound?
Lyrics should be both intelligible and biblically accurate.



Does your church music promote unity in your church?
The goal of corporate worship is to glorify God while serving others. The right approach to church music never selfishly demands personal preference, but always looks out for the interests of others (Phil 2:1-4)



Is your church music performed with excellence?
If it bears the name of our Lord, it’s worthy of our best.



Does your church music prepare your people for the preaching of God’s Word?
It is only through God’s Word that we learn about Him, so, worship through song should complement the proclamation of the truth.



Does your church music adorn the gospel of Jesus Christ?



Does your church music promote passionate worship?
Biblical worship is always brimming with personal passion and Christ-exalting emotion.



Is your church’s philosophy of music based on biblical principles?
Although numerous preferences and opinions exist, your church’s philosophy of music must be based on biblical principles.

Growing in Physical Expressiveness in Worship - Part 5 (last)

Posted by Troy Friesen

Apr 8, 2008

In this last part of the series on physical expressiveness in worship let's talk about how do deal with the commands in Scripture regarding corporate worship expression (i.e. "Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy." - Ps 47:1). There's some really good stuff in here.

In a set of unpublished notes from a course he has taught, Iain Duguid suggests that three possibilities exist when we are dealing with commands for corporate worship from the Old Testament.

1. It’s a command that points forward to fulfillment in Jesus, so it no longer applies. Animal sacrifices would be the most obvious example.
2. It’s a command that applies enduringly and universally to all of God’s people and should be obeyed. For instance we are never to worship idols nor worship God in a merely external manner.
3. It’s a command that reflects cultural and local practices given to ethnic Israel, which do not govern us directly but merely in “their general equity.”

It would be a stretch to say that lifting hands, shouting, or dancing, for instance, has been fulfilled in Jesus. But does that mean they are commands that are always to be obeyed when we gather to exalt God? That would be a hard case to make as well. If that’s true, does that mean senior saints, those who are paralyzed, and uncoordinated people are in sin? No.

So that leaves us with the third category – culturally related commands that need to be applied in our specific context. However, I think we can do better than simply tell people, “Interpret these Scriptural commands for physical expressiveness in way you feel comfortable with.” That doesn’t address those who don’t show physical expression in worship due to laziness, selfishness, fear of man, or other idolatries. It also doesn’t acknowledge that many different “cultures” may exist in our culture, and that the church in many ways is called to be counter-cultural.

This is an example of the danger of looking for specific rules and commands to follow in gathered worship to make sure we’re doing everything “right.” We too easily justify ourselves before God by what we do or don’t do, and end up missing the weightier issue of loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Rather than arguing whether a specific command applies to us at this specific moment, it’s better to ask, “Do our minds, hearts, and bodies reflect the overall biblical case for how we are to respond to God?"

Let's end with some thought provoking questions Iain asks of those who insist God doesn't "command" us to clap, shout, etc. therefore we don't have to.

1. Assuming that God want us to exalt Him with our bodies, what physical expressions of praise in Scripture do you think ARE appropriate in corporate worship? How do you distinguish between what’s appropriate and what’s not?
2. Do you think that all forms of physical expressiveness are natural, or that they can be learned?
3. Is there a possibility that your resistance to physical expression is more rooted in laziness, lack of understanding, or a craving for people’s respect? How do you know?
4. Is singing appropriate for worshipping God? If so, why not shouting? ( Ps. 71:23; 81:1)
5. Are there any physical expressions of worship modeled or commanded in the Bible that you’ve never engaged in? If so, why not?