Music and Worship

“I hear lots of discussion about music in worship. Is there a preferred kind of worship music taught in the Bible?”—Charles

The simple answer is “No.” One of the hotly debated issues in American churches, this topic gives rise to more controversy than it deserves.

Worship portrayed in the Bible involved aspects of praise, meditation, and reflection on Scripture. Music included the psalmody and other forms such as hymns and doxologies. All sorts of instruments—wind, string, and percussion—were used. Early Christians probably followed the style of worship they knew best, that of the synagogue. Subsequent styles of worship music developed largely through the conventions of social trends, popular music, evolving traditions, and disparate theological convictions.

There are no sacred or inviolable styles of music dictated by Scripture. In the New Testament, Christians are enjoined to “sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Eph. 5:19). This statement leaves room for a wide variety of styles!

What the Bible teaches about worship has more to do with our response to the living God (see Isaiah’s experience in Isaiah 6) and the focus of our mind, will, and emotions. God appears to be interested in the condition of our heart and the pursuit of truth (John 4:24), and genuine attitudes of graciousness, love, humility, and gratitude in our worship (Col. 3:12-17), than He is in a particular music form. Thoughtful worshipers will seek the proper balance between form (considering human nature and need) and function (bringing honor and glory to God.)