Park Gate Baptist

Our generation of iPod-toting, mp3-downloading, and YouTube-sharing tech-savvy millenials have unfettered access to so many different styles and genres of music. Because it is very easy nowadays to get ahold of the music you like, it seems like a substantial percentage of music fans are constantly on the lookout for the next big trend, hence the demand for more new music and artists.

Music-conscious individuals of all ages are also part of the church community, and because people are used to slickly-produced professional performances during the week, the demand for high-quality music within the church rivalling performances outside is very high. Attenders have come to expect the same standard and quality from the church during services, or they just tune out.

Your church’s music team has the very important responsibility of finding music that is appropriate for the theme of the services. Some congregations are fortunate to have the services of music professionals and performers who are able to share their expertise, but many others do not. Interestingly, however, it is not really the style of music that is usually appreciated more by churchgoers, but the excellence and polished quality of the performances.

A well-rehearsed and put-together musical rendition lets people know that the church takes time to prepare every aspect of its weekly offerings. A hastily-prepared and poorly-rendered performance, on the other hand, gives them the sense that dedication and preparation is not really important to the leaders. Churches that take time to really develop a concept, work around a central theme or message, and then put together an entire music service on this foundation tend to attract churchgoers with a high regard for music quality and professionalism, and this could very well pave the way for your music team to add more qualified members to the group.

Simple investments and routines such as music workshops, guest lecturers, instrument lessons like drums, piano, or guitar lessons online can help keep your musicians updated and at par with the contemporary trends and standards. Because music in the church has an importance and implication that goes well beyond just performing, excellence and constant learning are a definite must.

Music has a very important role in the Christian church. So important, in fact, that one of the books of the Bible, the Psalms, is a collection of different songs written by several psalmists. The three major streams of Christianity – Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox – all utilize music in their religious services as part of the worship or liturgy.

Church music sets the mood or tone of the service. A typical Sunday service would have worshipful music with messages or words that fit the theme or the sermon. The same goes for other events officiated by the church, such as weddings, christenings, funerals, or baptism. Whatever the occasion is, music is intrinsic to the background.

Music also prepares the hearts and minds of the worshippers and focuses their emotions and thinking on the spiritual truths to be discussed. Different churches and denominations, for this reason, employ a wide variety of musical styles in their services, depending on the type of audiences they have. Some traditional churches use classical music dating back centuries ago, while other more progressive congregations have opted to use modern-day rock and pop music with religious themes.

Whatever musical style or genre your place of worship decides to use, it is important to find a group of musicians that have a heart for the church, know the purpose of church music, and fit in with the general thrust of the ministry. Excellence and professionalism are a must in church musicians, but they must know that the true purpose of their performances is to create an atmosphere that prepares the people spiritually.

Like any other performers, the church’s music team should also find time to practice together and hone their craft. Learning does not stop for the musician whose goal is quality. Resources such as workshops, seminars, group classes or the best online guitar lessons can be utilized so the music team will continue to grow and improve their skills.