by The Rev. Dr. Larry D. Ellis

I offer this biblical philosophy of church music ministry for your consideration.The guidelines listed here are intended to apply to all aspects of the ministry of music at our churches, including all the choirs, children and adult; praise teams; praise bands; instrumental musicians; soloists; and all church activities such as Christian Education, bible studies, small groups, and retreats. You are encouraged to examine the Scripture passages listed below.

1. God considers music a very high priority in celebrating His worship. — I Chronicles 14:25-16:22, Ephesians 5:19

2. Musicians are ministers appointed by God and music for worship is not for our entertainment. — I Chronicles 16:4-6

3. The leadership is called by God to be teaching the composers, soloists, choirs and congregation how to minister to one another through music. Performing music is ministry just as composing and writing it is, when it equips others to minister by using the music. As a part of the ministry of equipping we may bring in resource persons to maximize us where our leadership is limited. — Ephesians 4:11-12

4. Singing praise to God is not optional. It is commanded to all. — Psalm 66:1-2, I Chronicles 16:23-35

5. The extensive use of musical instruments is commanded in the scriptures. — Psalm 98:4-6, 81:1-4, 33:1-3, 147:7, 150

6. All texts sung must be consistent with scripture and doctrinally sound. — Colossians 3:16

7. All music must be appropriate for the occasion, inspirational. — Ephesians 4:29

8. The ministry of music is seen as a great opportunity for evangelism. It is open to both members and friends of the congregation, not just formal members of our church. However, since we see ministry as being done for the body of Christ by the body of Christ, we normally desire to maximize our own participation, before supplementing our efforts with those outside our local fellowship.