Worship Music

Hans Växby April 2009

Worship Music
We can hardly imagine a worship service without music. With or without instruments, we want to express our faith in singing. In the Old Testament of the Bible, we read about trumpets and harps, and find a complete hymn book (Psalms). In the New Testament, we are encouraged to “sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.” (Ephesians 5:19) Let us take a somewhat closer look upon this. What is the function of music in worship?

Message
The most obvious function of music is that it is a carrier of words. With the help of a melody we express our praise, confession and commitment to God. With the help of music we also share our faith, and encourage one another to follow Jesus.
 The melody (together with the rhymes and meter) also helps us remember certain words. Sometimes we only need to hear the humming of a tune, and we immediately remember the first stanza or the refrain of the song. “How Great Thou Art” for exampole.

Emotions
The help that the music provides is often needed. Without it, there are things we hardly would say only in words. The brain controls what we say, but the music releases the emotions. They allow the heart to express its feeling. And so we get a more complete expression of who we are and of our faith.
 This can be used with intention. An energetic prelude in major paves the way for a joyful praise. A soft song in minor opens up for reflection and prayer. It is okay to use the music, but we must be careful not to use it as manipulation with feelings.

Styles of music 
When people say they like a certain worship service, it is often – consciously or unconsciously – related to the kind of music there is. The music is like a cultural frame for the faith that is pictured in readings and sermon. The gap between the general music taste of the participants and the music in the worship service must not be too big. 
 It is not good if all songs are of the same kind. Variation in music style is always a plus. And whatever style we use, the music has to be performed with respect and excellence. Only the best is good enough for God.

Sound of silence
Many praise bands and worship leaders continue to play music when they pray between the songs. Once at an ordination, the musician automatically started to play when we came to the prayer for the pastors. Usually there is either music or hymn singing when we receive the bread and wine during Holy Communion. And recently I was in a worship service where not only the prayer but also the Apostolic Creed was accompanied with music from a CD player.  
 I have asked several musicians and worship leaders for an explanation to this. So far nobody has been able to give me an answer. Maybe the intention is to enhance the atmosphere; maybe it has just become a cultural routine. Could it be that we are so used to background sound through radio, TV and MP3:s that we need it in church also? 
 Not long ago, I celebrated Holy Communion without background music. I heard the low voice of the communion servants, “The body and blood of Jesus Christ given for you,” and listened to the sound of silence. I enjoyed it immensely.