The role of music in the church

[lutheran_farmer]

Thank you for the thoughtful responses.

I like music in church and I see the role of it, however, I was concerned because it seemed to be all important in the way the minister and other members were talking about it. They were all about inviting me to hear the music and how wonderful it was. Nothing about God. They could have been inviting me to a rock concert and would have used the same sentences. It just gave me an uneasy feeling. The same kind of feeling I get when people express the ‘Jesus is my pal’ sort of sentiment. I get it, but it makes me feel uneasy.

 

[here_i_stand]

They DO pray together orally, all together. That’s what the music is. It’s prayer by the entire congregation, together. Do you understand that?

My husband and I were Evangelical Protestant for 47 years. Our prayers, and the prayers of many of our relatives and friends, were not (and are not) “mechanical and insincere.” You can speak for yourself, but you can’t speak for everyone else.

We should all stop judging each other. OP, the answer to your question is “Yes, the music is important in an Evangelical/Pentecostal/non-denominational worship service.”

We as Catholics should have no problem with this, because it is not a Mass, it’s a worship service.

OP, if you read the history of Protestantism, you will see that music in the worship service is very important. The very first Protestant movement, Lutheranism, got started in Germany, and Germans LOVE to sing! (That’s me!) So Martin Luther wrote hymns for them to sing, and sing they did, with all their hearts! To this day, some of the very best congregational singing and organ playing will be found in Lutheran churches, and many Lutheran churches offer a “season” of concerts in addition to their church services.

The same is true of many other Protestant denominations. Singing and music is extremely important in these communities. I converted to Catholicism 10 years ago, and what I miss about Protestantism is the glorious music. Yes, contemporary music, and traditional hymns, and traditional praise, and Gospel, and occasionally classical, and magnificent choir anthems, and whole orchestras in some churches and rock bands! Beautiful!

You can call it “entertainment” if you like but you’re wrong, because it isn’t “entertainment.” We weren’t in church to be entertained, and the musicians weren’t making music to entertain people. We were there to worship God together, as a family, and to hear His Word, to give thanks for all He has done for us, especially on the Cross of Calvary, and to give witness to others of His greatness and power. It wasn’t “happy clappy” time–never! Far from it–it was worship time and it was serious and solemn–yes, clapping for the Lord is solemn.

I do wish that those of you who haven’t been there and haven’t lived it would be careful about using pejorative phrases.

Everyone, think about this–I came to Catholicism through the Evangelical Protestant churches (and so did my husband). For 47 years, we breathed and walked and talked and lived and loved in the Evangelical Protestant churches, and those churches led us to Jesus, Who led us to His Church, the Catholic Church.

Who here will criticize that?

I am currently in RCIA right now and have been attending mass every week. I previously served as organist at my Lutheran church, and I miss so much the heartfelt congregational singing and music, as it was such a large focus of my worship for my entire life. I have not found a parish, yet, that even comes close to matching my experience in the Lutheran church (as far as music goes). It wasn’t “contemporary” or “praise band”, and we didn’t sing to evoke emotions. It was pure worship and praise of our Lord and Savior - our response for what He has done for us. I realize it’s not the most important part of the service, but I find myself longing for that again.

 

[Mathias64]

I am Charismatic Catholic (a convert 17 year ago), a guitarist, and the leader of a Praise & Worship band. I also play and sing in the contemporary choir at our church in the truly great state of Texas. To say that music is necessary would not be true I guess, because many masses have no music and they are still masses, right? Now, I consciously avoid quoting Catholic reference material on the plusses and minuses of certain kinds of music, whether contemporary music is Ok, or if we should only sing chants or are guitars ok. The reason I avoid them is because there is seldom ever a definitive answer that will hold up and stop the debate. There is simply too much cultural difference in play.

So - correct me if I am wrong, though music is not necessary, it DOES have some traditional roll in most masses. I.e., to facilitate the movement of the mass, reinforce the worship atmosphere and encourage, maximize, and possibly even make possible corporate involvement. Assuming the powers at be (pastor, music minister, local bishop) have discerned well, the music played/sung is deemed appropriate for use in the particular mass in which it is played (traditional, contemporary, youth mass, etc).

Also, whether or not we like to admit it, music draws people in. Sorry, but good music means a better overall experience (not necessarily a more righteous one). Our contemporary mass, with 2 guitars, bass guitar, piano, flute and percussion has the highest attendance by far. It is also in the best time slot: 1045am. I am willing to bet that it also draws more money in collections. If you don’t think that’s a concern, ask your pastor.

So what IS the roll of music in the church? The way I see it?

To facilitate worship and adoration by setting or sustaining a mood or atmosphere

To speak to the heart of the listener, I.e., when a great song is played for preparation that says how much we need God, as we are preparing the table, some might think, “Yeah I agree”, or That’s how I feel”. Bingo. Keep thinking that.

To draw people into the Church. Like it or not we are in competition with the big non-doms that spend big $$ on music as a draw to their services. Yes, we DO want those people to come check us out. Whatever it takes to get them in the door so the Word and the wonder of the Eucharist can change their hearts.

The fact is, the people at mass are all over the place. Some are bored stiff and want to go home. Some were forced to come. Some are on fire for God. Some are searching and trying hard to believe. Some (as I was for 30 years) are not even Catholic, yet still come because a husband of wife wants them to.

We in music ministry, regardless of what we are playing/singing, see ourselves as tools to be used to reach ALL these people. I pray the Holy Spirit work through us all.

 

[EvangelCatholic]

Lutherans sing and some of the most renown Christian composers were Lutheran [Bach, Handel, Praetorius]. Chorales and the use of a parish cantor are distinctively Lutheran. I never tire of the Mass sung plainchant.