From Laurie Wilkins, Music Coordinator

Have you ever wondered about the role of music in worship? The following information is from an article by Clayton Erb, Minister of Musicat Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California:

THE ROLE OF MUSIC IN WORSHIP

1. To worship God through music (Psalm 27:6) At His tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.

2. To praise God through music (Psalm 150:3-4) Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet; praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with the strings and flute.

3. To lift the emotions of the heart (James 5:13) Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.

4. To learn scripture and spiritual truths by singing (Psalm 32:7-8) You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.

5. To encourage one another with Biblical truth through music (Ephesians 5:18-19) Be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.

6. To instruct and convict by the scriptural texts of the songs (Isaiah 55:11) So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

7. To introduce others to Jesus Christ through special concerts, which can be an outreach to the unsaved (Psalm 40:3) He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God, many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.

Please consider sharing your gift of music during worship. This can be achieved in many ways—through enthusiastic congregational singing, by playing an instrument or singing a solo, through liturgical dance, or by singing with the worship team or choir.