8. Does your church music adorn the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Recently we've been going back and forth discussing the music and the lyrics of church music; today I'll seek to combine the two.
Recently we've been going back and forth discussing the music and the lyrics of church music; today I'll seek to combine the two.
The Christian life is founded entirely on the gospel of Christ. Paul reminds us of this when he warns the Corinthian church not to let anyone attempt to lay another foundation, "for no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (I Corinthians 3:11). Therefore, the music that we sing needs to declare that truth.
More than declaring that truth, though, let's talk about the idea of adorning the gospel. If we want to get really technical, we could go back to the root origin of this word all the way back to 14th century France, but modern definitions keep the idea mostly intact. Adornment usually implies that you are seeking to make something beautiful or desirable. But there is one definition that really sticks out, especially in this use of the word: to enhance.
The reason why we are still on this earth is to make the gospel known to the world. For the world, as Paul tells us also from I Corinthians, the gospel is foolishness and makes no sense. Of course, the only way for the gospel to make sense is for the Holy Spirit to illuminate the truth upon their hearts, but He brings that about through our witness. We cannot just give cliche, church-y descriptions of the gospel and expect people to truly understand it. As the culture changes, the church needs to develop ways of enhancing the gospel message in a way that resonates with the modern culture.
I want to make this very clear: I am not trying to say we need to water down the gospel message just to bring people into the church. That is a gross misrepresentation of the work of Christ. There are ways to use modern terminology in a way that will still keep the core values of our Christian faith: man's total depravity, God's coming judgment, His grace poured out by the sacrifice of His Son, and the importance of repentance and faith to become children of God and escape the wrath that will come upon sin.
Think about the way that your church might seek to do this in your weekly services. What would unbelievers notice if they came to your church on Sunday? The preaching may be top-notch, and that morning's message could be unforgettable, but most likely what they will notice and remember most is the music. As I've said before, music has a way of sticking with you, reminding you of the lyrics.
This can come out in two different ways. First (and lesser in importance), is your music something that will stick with them? This depends on different styles and personal preference, but if the melody is singable then they will probably remember it. Second (and greater in importance), are the lyrics effectively accentuating the gospel? Could someone who has never professed faith understand the gospel in the songs that you sing?
I've spent most of this post talking about reaching out to the lost, which is important, but there is so much more to this topic. The gospel needs to be accentuated for unbelievers, but it is also important to enhance the gospel for your congregation that meets week after week. Like I said at the beginning, the gospel is the only foundation for our faith. We cannot build upon it if we forget to acknowledge it. We never move past the gospel; we simply see it more clearly as we build upon it in our walk with the Lord.
So, to all my fellow worship leaders/pastors, seek to find (and even write!) songs that will remind your congregation of the gospel of Christ which we hold so dear. Again, music has a way of sticking with you after the service is over; choose songs that will keep people reminded of the love and grace displayed to us through the cross and the empty tomb. Any visitors may notice it as well, and your witness through music may be part of what brings them to faith in Christ.