About Music And The Church...

They and their families were all trained in making music before the LORD, and each of them—288 in all—was an accomplished musician. [1 Chronicles 25.7] 

Where are all the accomplished musicians today? Mostly in bars and clubs if their musicianship supports them even partially. A very select few become well-known or even famous in their musical ability both in worldly and spiritual music, but it is indeed only a few.

And yet, the passage above speaks of well-trained and accomplished musicians being a part of the spiritual experience of worshiping God.

For some reason, the Church today does not seem to realize the necessity of music to the experience of worshiping God. By "realize" it should be understood "put their money toward" as in budgeting for it. All but the largest churches with the largest budgets do not compensate their musicians for their services. And even large churches pitifully compensate their musicians (akin to leaving a penny tip for a food server as an insult). The musicians must hold "a real job" elsewhere in order to survive.

However, the music budget should not begin with hiring trained musicians. The music budget should begin with training musicians specifically to make music before the LORD. What happens when a musician is brought in that is not trained in making music before the LORD is that they make music alright, but it looks and sounds like the music of the world who trained them in it. It is no wonder that so many large church worship services today look and sound just like secular concerts complete with dark auditoriums whose stages are flooded with colored lights and even smoke.

Because of the lackadaisical attitude of the Church for its music and musicians, it is left with volunteers who are neither trained nor accomplished in music at all - let alone trained to make music before the LORD.

It must disgust God every time a church worship leader ends up on America's Got Talent, The Voice, or American Idol. And, the Church should be ashamed.

It is not my intent to be critical of the Church and its music program. However, should not someone point out that the Church today is ignoring what the Bible teaches regarding music and musicians? 

Father, may Your Word be our guide. May the Church today review its music policies and make adjustments according to Your Word. So be it.