Church Buildings are Not Concert Halls

Worship through music is a wonderful thing but when the service is more music than the Word this becomes a problem. For the past fifteen years or so, music ministry has changed to the point that it has taken over the way we bring people to church. There is nothing wrong with music in the church, in fact God wants to hear Praise and Worship. But we need to hear the Word so that we understand why we are praising Him.

Remember when worship pastors were called music ministers? They had the specific purpose of leading us in songs of worship and praise. Back then there was no grey area, the Word was more present and all forms of worship were in the service. With the change in title, the music ministers took over the church and redefined worship.

There are Communities of Christians where music is the main focus who have completely distorted the Word. They are told to believe in and worship Jesus without explaining the reality that Jesus is the personification of the Word. Two things to remember: Jesus never demanded worshiping Him, and that Jesus is the Word of God Incarnate. Our goal should be a relationship with God which involves more than just instruments and words of praise and adoration.

We have become like the people of Athens during Paul’s travels who prayed to an unknown God:
Paul stood up in the Council meeting and said, “Men of Athens: I see how very religious you are in every way! For as I was walking around, looking at your shrines, I even found an altar which had been inscribed, ‘To An Unknown God.’ So, the one whom you are already worshipping in ignorance — this is the one I proclaim to you.
“The God who made the universe and everything in it, and who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in man-made temples;  nor is he served by human hands, as if he lacked something; since it is he himself who gives life and breath and everything to everyone. Acts 17:22-25

Because of these churches that are really bands with a following the one true God has been replaced by only Jesus. God the Father is the one who saved us, God the Father is our creator, our redeemer. He used Jesus to make that possible for us. Jesus was doing The Fathers Will and did nothing on His own accord.

The Concert Hall Setting
There are whole religious organizations that rely solely on the music to preach the Word. I sat in a Sunday service led by Hillsong (yes I will call them out) where it definitely was more of a concert than a gathering of Believers. The hour was 85% music, 5% prayer, and 10% talk. There was no real sermon or even devotion. There was no Word read, no homily, and the prayer was turned into a song that lasted 15 minutes. I walked out more confused than when I went in.

 Yes we sing to Him and hear popular songs that praise His name and try to teach us His Word.  but when music is the focus of worship we lose sight of the truth in the Word. We need to go back and put God’s Word first in our lives and in our gatherings in His Name.  

God First
The music of praise and worship is great but the persons creating the songs and leading worship need to remember their place. They are there to bring worship through song the Father and not fall into vanity because they are in front of people. Musicians and those who lead must remain humble remembering who the songs of praise are intended for and that there are other parts of worship that need to take place.     

Some religious organizations rely heavily on contemporary Christian music to bring in the youth. The truth is, they need the Word more than the song. Numerous surveys report that the youth who come to Christ through music only fall away quickly because they lack the nourishment of the Word, and there is no accountability or follow-up. I have heard from some teens and college students going to a Bible Study where there is a lesson that the Word is given but not fully explained. It becomes a social hour where the world sneaks in.

Our worship needs to be God centric and all forms of worship must be addressed during a gathering without one being more prevalent than the rest. Worship time should not be 20 to 30 minutes of music then tithing then the a 15 to 20 minute sermon. God’s Word must be the main focus and not just the feel good stuff either. People cannot feel convicted if all they know is Jesus is bringing joy no matter what you have done.

Brothers and Sisters, the older generation needs to put there foot down and get on their knees before God to show this generation who God truly is and what purpose He gave to His Son. We need to remove the man-made disruptions of His Glory and reopen our hearts to Him. I know we have not lost this generation completely, let us bring them home to God before we do lose them.

In God’s Love, Grace, and Compassion,

 Rob, Servant of God