In our thirty years of evangelism, music has been a topic that we have discussed over and over and over again. Because we have been to so many churches during that time, we have likely encountered most of the varied positions one can have when it comes to music.  Many of our meetings are in very traditional churches.  Some are in less traditional ones. Others are rather non-traditional.  Some are “old-fashioned” – which usually refers to a very cultural style of worship or to one that is from, say, the 1950’s or some such.  The variety does abound.

How did we handle that? Of course, we have our position and preferences. We can give Biblical reasons for what we believe and we worked to teach those reasons to our children.  We also respected the autonomy of the local church.  When a local church invites me for a meeting, I am more concerned with their doctrinal statement than with their varied practices.  I will not accept a meeting from a church that has a doctrinal statement that I believe to be in error.  I can, however, accept a meeting in a church that has a different practice than I when it comes to any number of areas, including the area of music.  We honor the local church.  A church may do things differently than I would, but I can respect them, love them, and partner with them. I can also talk with my family as we think through our position alongside their autonomy.  It has been very helpful to our family and to my ministry to handle things in this way. 

Some would ask, “Fine, but what do you believe about music?”  That is a good question and my answer is actually pretty simple:  I believe music matters.

I really do!  I know that some handle music issues with an extreme viewpoint.  I have always thought that If one has to take a class (or attend a college or conference) to understand their reasons for choosing some songs and refusing some others, they are likely being extra-biblical in their position. Yet, music still matters. It is unfortunate that because some have been either a bit extreme and maybe even inconsistent, many in our present generation have decided “who cares?” As a result, we are in danger of thinking it doesn’t matter. I believe it does!

For one thing, our music should be very biblical in its content. That matters. By that I mean it should result in the “word of Christ dwelling in you richly” (see Colossians 3:16). This is one of the reasons our family will listen to a variety of music.  We love traditional hymns that are rich in doctrine. We love Southern Gospel that points us to the truths of God’s Word. We will also listen to a contemporary song if it is rich in Biblical truths. This obviously would mean that not every hymn meets this criteria. Nor would every Southern Gospel song.  Of course, the same is true for contemporary music.  I believe they should be Biblical in content.

I also believe that music should emphasize a melody so that we can easily “sing and make melody in our hearts to the Lord” (see Ephesians 5:19).  As I see it, the emphasis of that statement is that our music should be easy to sing.  Melody is the key. As a result my personal preference is to sing with a piano as the lead instrument. The piano enables me to hear the melody line more easily and I believe that it also enables congregations to sing more easily and more loudly as well.  If I were in charge of congregational singing, I would choose songs that are Biblically accurate and also easy to sing.  I want the same in my personal listening.

I know that discussions can last for hours when it comes to this issue. To you that are older and more traditional, I challenge you to be very careful that you are not inconsistent and too extreme.  By too extreme, I refer to you who will separate from another brother who, by everyone else’s standard, is also far to the right. When two brothers (or ministries) are far to the right but believe and teach that the other is “liberal” (or whatever term or phrase we use – they are worldly, they are undermining music integrity, they use too many minor keys or too much syncopation), great damage can be done to those who are watching.  Our extremism can cause many to throw in the towel and just decide the entire issue is a non-issue.  We are at fault when this happens!

To you who are less traditional or who are not traditional at all, please consider that music does matter.  We ARE commanded to sing a new song (new as in fresh) but we cannot allow a new song that is unbiblical in its teaching to damage our worship.  We should continue to emphasize melody so that our music enables congregational singing.  We should continually seek God to make sure that we are pleasing Him in every choice that we make.  And we should be willing to address music so that our generation continues to think through and apply Biblical truths and principles to this very important area of their lives.. Our applications may differ, but all of should be seeking God to lead us in our application. 

To you who are “in charge” of music, may I also offer you a few suggestions? Pray much about your responsibility.  It is a heavy one and your choices can damage an entire service by undermining worship and by undermining Biblical truth.  Learn to read your audience.  Recognize if people are not singing well. Look at their mouths and their expressions.  Don’t rely on the monitors that only reflect those who are on the stage. Always know when you need to make some changes and learn how to do it in “real time.”.  Switch “in the moment” if need be.  Perhaps throw in an acapella number.  If you are a less traditional church, throw in a hymn or two.  You may need to freshen up the music selections you are using. New music that is meaningful and easy to sing can bring new life to a church.  You may need to simplify some songs so that “common” people want to sing them and can.  Some more modern songs have awkward bridges and odd timing and may be fine for a “special number” but perhaps should not be used for the congregation.  Some just end abruptly and leave the congregation hanging! It will take extra work, but resolving the notes at the end can remove the awkwardness that occurs when this happens.  You may also need to inquire as to why some don’t sing.  Their views may annoy you, but consider them and, if possible, make alterations that will address them if it is possible to do so and especially if it is helpful to others in the church as well. After all, music matters!

Is that fair?  Is that Biblical?  What do you believe? I would be happy to hear from you.

Thanks again for reading.

Your sincere friend,

Dave Young