The Contemporary Christian Music Movement- Q and A with Jacob
Jacob recently received this questions about the contemporary Christian Music Movement within churches today. We know that many people are struggling with what music should be sung in worship, versus the home. We hope that this answer encourages you to think about the “Christian” music you listen to and the music that is sung at your worship service on Sundays.
What do you think about the CCM movement? Groups like Keith and Kristyn Getty, Hillsong, etc. Should these types of music be acceptable not only in church worship but in a believer's life as a whole?
That's a great question. Let me give you some statements as to where the Lord has led me and those who have discipled me.
1. Praising God through music in corporate worship and throughout life is a foundational and formation aspect of the Christian life individually and corporately. Both the OT and NT give instruction regarding the making of music, shouts, sounds, and the use of instruments in the praise, adoration, and giving glory to God.
2. The music, both in style and substance, is to be in conformity with the truth of the Word of God. Any lyrics should be biblical in nature, using words in the native language of the congregation or individual to teach and proclaim through song the wonderous works and ways of God.
3. Music individually and corporately in worship is both an outlet of expression of true praise and adoration flowing from the thankful regenerate heart of a believer, as well as a means to stir up expressions of worshipful reverence for the Lord of glory. The making of music is not only to be done at the whim of our frail will but also in response to hearing and meditating on the mighty realities of God's works, word, and ways.
4. As a consequence of these 3 above convictions, there are many musical expressions that are to be avoided or altogether rejected. Since the Christian is ever to be loyal in love to Christ, any music that is deployed for individual or corporate use that is not thoroughly true under the scrutiny of God's sacred revealed scriptures must be soundly corrected and warned against.
5. Practically in the churches the Lord has called me to serve as an elder, my convictions have meant being heavily involved in the selection, review, and discussion of music the church engages with corporately, and recommends to individuals.
6. In our own family worship on a daily basis with my wife and 4 children, we sing a mixture of Psalms and hymns. We sing 1-3 songs that teach our children and call us to the praise and adoration of God, then we read a portion of God's word, and we pray with one particular topic in mind for each week. Then, the next week, we change our prayer focus and may focus on learning another new hymn or psalm.
If you have a question send us an email at redeemingfamily@gmail.com.
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