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.