Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Introduction o Introletter...p.3 WorshipLeading101Spiritual/TheologicalTrainingForWorship Leaders o Session#1WhatIsWorship?..........................................................................p.5 TowardaDefinition AFewEssentials OldTestamentWorship NewTestamentWorship o Session#2The4SpheresofWorshipLeadingp.9 Whowillperformthistask? o Session#3SpiritualSpherep.11 WorshipandtheSpiritualLife UnderstandingProgressiveSanctification BiblicalDisciplines Part#1AccuratelyHandlingtheWordofTruth(2 Tim.2:15) o Arcing;Biblestudymethod Part#2ThePrayerofarighteousmanispowerfuland effective(Jms.5:16) Part#3PutoffPuton(Eph.4:2022) Part#4WhenYouFast(Matt.6:1618) o Session#4YourSpirituallifeandCorporateWorship..p.28 ProductsofPietyfortheMusicLeader o Session#5TheTheologicalSphere(Col.3:16)..p.30 GoodTheology isScripturallyDefined andGloryDriven TheologyandDoxology PaulineTheologyandDoxology TheologyandDoxologyinthePsalms o Session#6YourTheologicalUnderstandingandCorporate Worship....p.35 HowFirmAFoundation:BuildingChurchMusicfroman UnderstandingoftheGospel TheMessageandItsContainer BeholdingGloryforLifeChange OurNeedforaMediator WorshipLeading201Pastoral/MusicalTrainingForWorshipLeaders o Session#7ThePastoralSphere.p.38 IdentifyingaPastoralHeart DevelopingaPastoralHeart o Session#8YourPastoralCareandCorporateWorship..p.42
TableofContents
PlanningServicesthatServe PlanningMusicthatServes LeadingServicesthatServe o Session#9TheMusicalSpherep.49 PlaySkillfully(Ps.33:13) UnderstandingKeys/scales UnderstandingrhythmandFeel UnderstandingContemporaryMusic o Howabandworks o Appendix..p.58 ServicePlanningSheet QualificationsofaWorshipPastorbyBarryKeldieandMatt Boswell TheologyandWorshipwithMikeCosperInterview 3
DearWorshipper, Ifyoureholdingacopyofthismanualyoushouldknowtwothings.First,someone seespotentialinyou.ItisnosmallcalltoleadGodspeopleinHisworship.Itellyou thisattheriskofinflatingyourpride(theoppositeofworshipleading),but someonesawaheartthattreasuredChristinyou.Guardit.Putoffsinfulhabitsand putontherighteousnessthatmakesyoulookmorelikeChrist. Second,youshouldknowthatyouhaveatoughroadahead.Leadingmusical worshipinchurchisnotalwaysaseasyassomemakeitseem.Wemayliketosee ourfavoriteChristianartistsleadmusicataconferenceandsaythatswhatIwant todo.Rightnow,however,youneedtorecognizethatleadingmusicinachurch settingisfardifferentactually,farbetter.Yoursisthetaskofshepherdingpeople throughmusicofhelpingthempursueChristlikenessasyouseektoallowthe HolySpiritengagetheirmindsandencouragetheirhearts. So,allofthisistosaythatIhopethisresourcefindsawillinghearttoembracewhat isfoundwithin.IhopethatthisbookwillencourageGodschurchtogenuine, Christexalting,lifealteringworship.IhopethatasyoubeholdthegloryoftheLord youarealsotransformed(2Cor.3:18).Inshort,IhopethatGodfindsmaximum gloryinthisminimalandlimitedeffort. SoliDeoGloria, JasonBradshaw
Session#1WhatIsWorship?
Beingthatthereisagreatdealofromanticismsurroundingtheideaofworship,itis importantthatwegetdowntoadefinitionofwhatworshipis.Otherwisewemay bepronetoworshippingworshipitself,ratherthantheGodwhodeservesour praise.
thereisaprofoundsenseinwhichexcellentworshipcannotbeattainedmerelybypursuing excellentworship.Inthesamewaythat,accordingtoJesus,youcannotfindyourselfuntil youloseyourself,soalsoyoucannotfindexcellentcorporateworshipuntilyoustoptrying tofindexcellentcorporateworshipandpursueGodHimself.Despitetheprotestations,one sometimeswondersifwearebeginningtoworshipworshipratherthanworshipGod.Asa brotherputittome,itsabitlikethosewhobeginbyadmiringthesunsetandsoonbeginto admirethemselvesadmiringthesunset.1
TowardaDefinition
Howaboutafewsampledefinitionstogetusstarted:
Worshipisthebelieversresponseofallthattheyaremind,emotions,will,andbodytowhatGod isandsaysanddoes.Thisresponsehasitsmysticalsideinsubjectiveexperienceanditspractical sideinobjectiveobediencetoGodsrevealedwill.Worshipisalovingresponsethatsbalancedby thefearoftheLord,anditisadeepeningresponseasthebelievercomestoknowGodbetter.2 theworshipofthelivingandtrueGodisessentiallyanengagementwithhimonthetermsthathe proposesandinthewaythathealonemakespossible.3 BiblicalworshipisGodscovenantpeoplerecognizing,revelingin,andrespondingrightlytothe gloryofGodinChristinthepoweroftheHolySpirit.4
AFewEssentialPrinciplesofWorship
WorshipAlwaysInvolvesaMediatorduetoourinherent(Rom.5:12)and practicalsin(Rom.3:1018),wecannotenterintoGodspresencealone.The
authorofHebrewsthustellsus,wehaveconfidencetoentertheholyplace bythebloodofJesus(Heb.10:19).OldTestamentritualcenteredarounda previewofChristssacrifice.Aswell,NewTestamentandChurchAge worshipshoulddothesamecenteringaroundthesacrificeforoursins, JesusChrist. GodHasCreatedUsForthePurposeofHisOwnGlorybringmysonsfrom afarandmydaughtersfromtheendsoftheearth,Everyonewhoiscalledby Myname,andwhomIhavecreatedformyownglory,whomIhaveformed evenwhomIhavemade(Is.43:67).GodhasmadeusforHisglory.Infact, HehasstatedthatHeisajealousGod(Ex.20:5)whowillnotgiveHisglory toanother(Is.48:11). ThereIsPleasureandDelightFortheWorshipperMysoulyearns,even faints,forthecourtsoftheLORD;myheartandmyfleshcryoutfortheliving God.Eventhesparrowhasfoundahome,andtheswallowanestforherself, whereshemayhaveheryoungaplacenearyouraltar,OLORDAlmighty, myKingandmyGod.Blessedarethosewhodwellinyourhouse;theyareever praisingyou(Ps.84:24).Godisoftenpicturedasourtruesatisfaction(Jer. 2:13,Ps.73:2526,Ps.42:1).InYourpresencethereisfullnessofjoy,inYour righthandtherearepleasuresforever(PS.16:11).
OldTestamentWorship
(Ex.25:8;29:45).Finally,whenSolomonhasfinishedthetempleanddedicatedit, thegloryoftheLORDfilledthehouseoftheLORD(1Kgs.8:11). ThepointtobemadehereisthatGodsmanifestationwasHisselfrevelation.God wasrevealingHimself,andthuswasworshippedatthosespecificlocations. OTCharacter Abraham Moses David Natureof Covenant Unconditional Conditional Unconditional FormofWorship Altar Tabernacle Temple(builtby Solomonon accountofDavid) ExampleText Gen.12:78 Ex.25:8 2Sam.7:416(cf1 Ch.22:710)
TheSacrifice AnothersignificantaspectofOldTestamentworshipisthesacrifice.Earlyinthe bookofGenesisweareintroducedtotheconceptofsacrificeonbehalfofsinas AdamandEvearecoveredbytheskinofananimal,whichGodHimselfprovidesfor them(Gen.3:21).However,thethemeofsacrificeisbroughtoutevenmoreclearly asAbelssacrifice,abloodsacrifice,isconsideredacceptablewhileCains,agrain offering,isnot(Gen.4:34).AbrahamalsowastoofferhissonIsaacasanoffering (Gen.22:115).ThebookofLeviticushasagreatdealtosayaboutwhatsacrificesto offerinwhichparticularcircumstance. Inparticular,Leviticus16showsusthepictureofascapegoatananimal specificallymeanttobeartheblameofthepeople(Lev.16:21).Itsherethatwe recognizethatallpeopleneedasinbearer.Wecannotbearourowniniquity,but ratherneedonetobearitonourbehalf.Thiswasnottobefoundinabullorgoat; eventheseanticipatethetruesacrificeforsin,JesusChrist. ThePriesthood ThefirsttimeweareintroducedtoapriestintheBibleiswhenAbrahampays tributetoMelchizidek,whoisbothpriestandking.Thepriesthoodisofficially initiatedinthetimeofMosesbyGodtoprovideapeoplewhowouldbesetapartfor serviceinthetempleitself.Assuch,thesemenweretobeconsecratedforGods usenotforcommonusesothattheycouldministerinGodspresence. ThisisdrawnoutinastrikingwayinNumbers16whereKorah,Dathan,andAbiram decidetoconfrontMosesandAarononthebasisthatallareholyandshouldbe abletoministeraspriests(16:3).Thisstoryendswiththegroundswallowingup thosewhohadquestionedGodsplan. Thereminderisthatmanisinnoplacetomediatehisownsacrifice.Heisinneedof someonetoofferupsacrificeonhisbehalfsoastoturnawayGodswrathtoward sin,likeAaronstandingwithacenserbetweenthedeadandtheliving(16:48).
NewTestamentWorship
InJohn4,JesustellsusthatthereisnowadynamicdifferenceinNewTestament worship.believeme,anhouriscomingwhenneitherinthismountainnorin Jerusalemwillyouworshipmebutanhouriscoming,andnowis,whenthetrue worshipperswillworshiptheFeatherinspiritandtruth;forsuchpeopletheFather seekstobeHisworshippers(Jn.4:2123).Specifically,Jesusdrawsattentionto twothingsinhisconversationwiththisSamaritanwomansignificantchanges havehappenedinthewhereandhowofworship. ContinuityandDiscontinuityWithOldTestamentWorship Ifweweretogobackandlookatthesectionaboveconcerningthethreedefining aspectsofOldTestamentworship,wewouldfindallofthoseaspectstobefulfilled inChrist.ThisistosaythatJesusisthefulfillmentoftheentireOldTestamentcult. Heisthetemplethatwastorndownandrebuiltin3days(John2:1920).Heisthe sacrificeforoursin(1Pet.2:2425).HeisthegreatHighPriestwhocontinually offerssacrificebeforethealtarinheaven(Heb.10:1112). Perhapsitwouldnotbebesttospeakoftheseintermsofcontinuityand discontinuitybutintermsofshadowandfulfillment.Afterall,JesusChrististhe sameyesterdayandtodayandforever(Heb.13:8).TheOldTestamentsystemof worship,whileequallyfunctionalandlegitimateasitsNewTestamentcounterpart, wasmeanttofinditsconsummationinJesusChrist.Whatwashintedatisnow clearlyexpressed. Notonlythis,butwealso,asweareinChrist,becomefulfillmentoftheOld Testamentcult;
AndcomingtoHimastoalivingstonewhichhasbeenrejectedbymen,butischoiceand preciousinthesightofGod,youalso,aslivingstones,arebeingbuiltupasaspiritualhouse foraholypriesthood,toofferupspiritualsacrificesacceptabletoGodthroughJesusChrist. (1Pet.2:45)
JustasChristwasthetemple,priesthoodandsacrificesoalsowe,aswearein Christ,fulfillthosesamefunctions.
Jesus Us Temple Jhn.2:19;4:2123 1Cor.6:19 Priest Heb.5:910 1Pet.2:9 Sacrifice 1Cor.5:7;Eph.5:2 Rom.12:12
Regardlessoftheformsofworship,theheartofworshipisconsistentthroughout theBible.AsDavidPetersonsays:
ThroughouttheBible,acceptableworshipmeansapproachingtorengagingwithGodonthe termsthatheproposesandinthemannerthathemakespossible.Itinvolveshonoring, serving,andrespectinghim,abandoninganyloyaltyordevotionthathindersanexclusive relationshipwithhimAlthoughsomeofScripturestermsforworshipmayrefertospecific gesturesofhomage,ritualsorpriestlyministrations,worshipismorefundamentallyfaith expressingitselfinobedienceandadoration.Consequently,inbothTestamentsitisoften showntobeapersonalandmoralfellowshipwithGodrelevanttoeverysphereoflife.6
Engaging,p.283
Session#2The4SpheresofWorshipLeading
While we cannot find the office of "worship leader" in scripture, we can find some various characteristics that would be good for those leading music to exhibit. The following 4 spheres are attributes that should increasingly define those leading musical worship.
Pastoral
Commitment to shepherding God's church Acts. 20:28; Col. 1:28
Musical
Commitment to musical excellence Ps. 33:1-3; 150
Theological
Commitment to knowing and understanding the God we worship 2 Tim. 2:15
The Spiritual sphere takes into account personal growth in holiness and discipline. This sphere wants to make sure that God is "the strength of (your) heart and (your) portion forever" (Ps. 73:26). The Pastoral sphere encompasses all care and concern for the church of God. This sphere seeks to see every man presented complete in Christ (Col. 1:28)
Musical
The Musical Sphere involves all disciplines bent to understanding and enjoying music. This sphere seeks to make the best music; playing skillfully before the Lord (Ps. 33:3)
Theological
The Theological Sphere incorporates the disciplines of study of the character and attributes of God. This sphere wants to make sure that you are a workman approved, accurately handling the Word of Truth (2 Tim. 2:15)
Whowillperformthistask?
Havinglookedbrieflyattheconceptofworship,thequestionremainsastowhoit willbeledby.Itmightseemthattheeasyanswerwouldsimplybeaworship leader.Itisimportanttodistinguish,however,thattherearemanywholeadin conceptsofworshipinourchurchespreachers,teachers,etc.Thedefinitionof worshipisbroadenoughformanyinthechurchtobesaidtoleadinworship. Whatweareparticularlyconcernedwith,though,isthosewholeadinmusical worship. Asyounoticethechartabove,youfind4definingcharacteristicsofthemusical worshipleader. 1. SpiritualThissphereisdefinedbyapersonalcommitmenttopiety.
Rom.6:11Evensoconsideryourselvestobedeadtosin,butalivetoGodinChrist Jesus. Gal.5:2226ButthefruitoftheSpiritislove,joy,peace,patience,kindness, goodness,faithfulness,gentleness,(selfcontrol;againstsuchthingsthereisnolaw. NowthosewhobelongtoChristJesushavecrucifiedthefleshwithitspassionsand desires.IfwelivebytheSpirit,letusalsowalkbytheSpirit. Eph.4:2024ButyoudidnotlearnChristinthisway,ifindeedyouhaveheardHim andhavebeentaughtinHim,justastruthisinJesus,that,inreferencetoyour formermanneroflife,youlayasidetheoldself,whichisbeingcorruptedin accordancewiththelustsofdeceit,andthatyouberenewedinthespiritofyour mind,putonthenewself,whichinthelikenessofGodhasbeencreatedin righteousnessandholinessofthetruth.
2. TheologicalButbeingspiritualisnotpossiblewithoutbeingwellinformed aboutwhoGodis.Assuch,thetheologicalsphereisalsoimportant.
BediligenttopresentyourselfapprovedtoGodasaworkmanwhodoesnotneed tobeashamed,accuratelyhandlingthewordoftruth.(2Tim.2:15) Paycloseattentiontoyourselfandtoyourteaching;persevereinthesethings,for asyoudothisyouwillensuresalvationbothforyourselfandforthosewhohear you.(1Tim.4:16)
3. MusicalChurchmusicrequiresathoroughknowledgeofmusicitself.This sphereencompassesnotjustknowledgebutpractice.
4. PastoralChurchmusicisdoneinthechurchsothatitmightbebeneficialto thebodyofChrist.
"Beonguardforyourselvesandforalltheflock,amongwhichtheHolySpirithas madeyouoverseers,toshepherdthechurchofGodwhichHepurchasedwithHisown blood.(Acts20:28)
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WeproclaimHim,admonishingeverymanandteachingeverymanwithall wisdom,sothatwemaypresenteverymancompleteinChrist.(Col.1:28)
Session#3TheSpiritualSphere
Itwouldbeveryconvenientforustosimplyskipthissphereandsay,iftheydesire toleadmusic,theirlivesmustbeinorder.However,itismyexperiencethat worshipleadersareoftenthemostpronetolivingapubliclifethatisvastly differentfromtheirprivatelife.Withthatinmind,wecannotoveremphasizethe needforpersonalholinesswhileleadingothersinmusic.Theheartofworshipis delight,andwhenthisistransferredtosomeotherobjectthanGod,worshipislost. Itisnotpossibleto,atthesametimelovesinanddelightinGod(Ps.51:12).
WorshipandtheSpiritualLife
4Their idols are silver and gold, The work of man's hands. 5They have mouths, but they cannot speak; They have eyes, but they cannot see; 6They have ears, but they cannot hear; They have noses, but they cannot smell; 7They have hands, but they cannot feel; They have feet, but they cannot walk; They cannot make a sound with their throat. 8Those who make them will become like them, Everyone who trusts in them. (Psalm 115:4-8)
Everyoneisanidolater.Thereisnotasinglesoulonthisearthwhohasnotatsome timevaluedmoney,sex,powerorlovemorethanChrist.Truthbetold,allmenare sinners(Rom.3)andsoworshipsomethingratherthanGod.Weareallidolaters. G.K.Bealesaysitbest;weresemblewhatwerevereeitherforourrestorationor ourruin.7ThisisexactlywhatPsalm115seemstosay,thosewhomakethemwill becomelikethem(Ps.115:8).Wearedestinedtobecomelikethatwhichwe worship. Positivelyspeaking,thisringstrueforworshippingChristaswell.Themaximstated in2Cor.3:18ringstrue;beholdingthegloryoftheLord[we]arebeing transformed.WhenweseeChristasHeis,webecomelikeHim(1John3:2). Assuch,itsfittingtoopenourdiscussionontheworshipleadersspirituallifewitha discussiononworship.Afterall,whenwemanifestsinfulbehavior,werevealthe idolsofourheart.Also,whenweexhibitthefruitoftheSpiritweshowourselvesto livebytheSpirit(Gal.5:25).
7Beale,G.K.WeBecomeWhatWeWorship:ABiblicalTheologyofIdolatry;IVP,2008.P.49
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UnderstandingProgressiveSanctification
Howdowechange?Theologicallyspeaking,weknowthatbeforewecometoChrist weareslavestosin(Rom.6:6).Thisisnottosaythatwecouldntdogoodthings, justthatwecouldntdothemtopleaseGod.Sohowdowechangeoursituation?
UnderstandingSin
Wellstartwithabasicdefinitionofsin;
SinisanyfailuretoconformtothemorallawofGodinact,attitude,ornature9
Letsbreakthatdownabit; anyfailuretoconformtothemorallawofGod
Inact
Inattitude
8Baxter,Richard,TheReformedPastor,BannerofTruth,2005,p.84
9
Grudem,Wayne,SystematicTheology,(Leicester,England;InterVarsityPress,1994),490
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ornature.
Behold,Iwasbroughtforthininiquity,andinsinmymotherconceived me.(Ps.51:5) ForIknowthatnothinggooddwellsinme,thatis,inmyflesh;forthe willingispresentinme,butthedoingofgoodisnot.(Rom.7:18) becausethemindsetonthefleshishostiletowardGod;foritdoesnot subjectitselftothelawofGod,foritisnotevenabletodoso,andthosewho areinthefleshcannotpleaseGod.(Rom.8:7)
Okay,letsbreakthislastsectiondowneverfurther;
UnderstandingOurNature
10 11
Ibid.,494 Ibid.,496
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Ourinheritedcorruptionhas2implications; Forournature o Wearenotjustgoodpeoplewhooccasionallydo badthings.Wearesinfulpeopleinournature meaningwecannothonorGodinourintellect, emotionsorvolitionwithoutChrist. Forouractions o Whilewemaydogooddeedshorizontally,we cannotdoanygoodvertically.Allofour righteousnessisasfilthyrags(Is.64:6)
YouShallbyHoly,ForIAmHoly
2. Faith(Heb.3:124:2)
3. TheHolySpirit(Rom.8:117) ItisbytheSpiritthatwearechangedtothelikenessofChrist
forifyouarelivingaccordingtotheflesh,youmustdie;butifbytheSpirityou areputtingtodeaththedeedsofthebody,youwilllive.(Rom.8:13)
TheNeedforHumility
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3. Death
Growing in Holiness (2 Cor. 3:18)
2. Christian Life
Non-Christian
1. Conversion
12Bridges,JerryandBobBevington,TheBookendsoftheChristianLife;CrosswayBooks2001,p.95
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BiblicalDisciplines
Wespentthelastsectionreviewinghowwechange.Wedidthisbyprimarily lookingatthetheologybehindchangeinbelievers;whowewerebeforeChristand howwechangesubsequenttoourconversion.Now,weturntothequestionofhow weinitiatechangeinourlife.HowisitthatyouandIcanputonChristlikeness? Practicallyspeaking,whatcanwedotoyieldtotheHolySpiritsabilitytomakeus morelikeHisSon?
Part1AccuratelyHandlingtheWordofTruth(2Tim.2:15)
WeknowthatGodsWordiscentraltoChristianliving.Thisisemphasized throughoutGodsWord;
WealsoknowthattheHolySpirithasinspiredthewrittenWord;
AllScriptureisinspiredbyGodandprofitableforteaching,forreproof,forcorrection,for traininginrighteousness;sothatthemanofGodmaybeadequate,equippedforevery goodwork.(2Tim.3:1617) ButtheHelper,theHolySpirit,whomtheFatherwillsendinMyname,Hewillteachyou allthings,andbringtoyourremembranceallthatIhavesaidtoyou.(John14:26) WhentheHelpercomeswhomIwillsendtoyoufromtheFather,thatistheSpiritof truthwhoproceedsfromtheFather,Hewilltestifyaboutme,andyouwilltestifyalso, becauseyouhavebeenwithmefromthebeginning.(John15:2627) fornoprophecywasevermadebyanactofhumanwill,butmenmovedbytheHoly SpiritspokefromGod.(2Pet.1:21)
WealsoknowthattheHolySpiritisaprimaryagentinourchangeofbehavior;
forifyouarelivingaccordingtotheflesh,youmustdie;butifbytheSpirityouare puttingtodeaththedeedsofthebody,youwilllive(Rom.8:13) ButIsay,walkbytheSpirit,andyouwillnotcarryoutthedesireoftheflesh.(Gal.5:16)
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ACloserLook
Ifwegobacktothepassagein2Timothy3,wefindsomeverytellingcharacteristics ofGodsWord;
AllScriptureisinspiredbyGodandprofitableforteaching,forreproof,forcorrection,for traininginrighteousness;(2Tim.3:16)13
Accordingtothisverse,Scripturefindsitselfusefulinthefollowingways; 1. Teaching(didaskalia- teaching14)Aswehavealreadyseen,wearein needofteachingbecauseitiscontrarytoournature(1Cor.2:14).Onour own,wedonotunderstandthethingsoftheSpirit. 2. Reproof(elegmo/v- conviction)JesuspromisedusthattheHolySpirit wouldconvictofsin,righteousnessandjudgment(John16:8).Hearingthe Wordbringsconvictionofsin. 3. Correction(epano/rqwsivrestorationtoanuprightstate)GodsWord doesntjustconvictandleaveusinsin,itshowsushowtoliverightly. RestorationisonlypossiblethroughGodsWord.) 4. Training(paideiathewholetrainingandeducationofchildren)The formationofnewdiscipline;reeducation.TheBibleisourcenterfor formingnew,Godhonoringdisciplines. a. whenPaulwritesthattheScriptureisprofitableforteachingand fortraininginrighteousness,heisdescribingpositiveorformative discipline.FormativedisciplinereferstohowScriptureshapesand moldstheChristianasheorsheimbibesitsteachingandistrainedto liveforGodChristiansareshapedbytheWordofGodLikewise, whenPaulrefersetotheScripturesasprofitableforreproof,for correctionhisdescribinghowtheWordofGodconfrontsusandturns usawayfromerrortorighteousness.Thisiscorrectivediscipline.15 ButwhatarethefruitsofdiscipliningourselvesinScripture? sothatthemanofGodmaybeadequate,equippedforeverygood work.(2Tim.3:17) Adequate(artiov- fitted,complete,perfect)thistermisstatedinthe subjunctivemood;themoodofpossibility.Itisalsostatedinthepresent tense.Wehaveallweneedtoliveperfectly. equipped(echrtismenov- tomakereadyforservice,equip,furnish16) Statedintheperfecttense,thisverbsignifiessomethingthathappenedin thepastbuthasramificationsforthefuture.
Foraninterestingdiscussionon2Tim.3:1617seeAdams,JayTheChristianCounselorsManual,pgs.9395 alldefinitionstakenfromhttp://www.studylight.org 15 Anyabwile,ThabitiM.,WhatIsaHealthyChurchMember?,(Crossway,2008),pgs.7576 16BDAG,ecartizw
13 14
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o WehavebeenequippedthroughGodswordinthepasttolive presentlyperfectlives
ConnectiontoLeadingWorshipMusic
WhileScriptureiscentraltoourowngrowthasbelievers,wemustalsorecognize itscentralitytoourworship.
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PartTwoThePrayerofaRighteousManisPowerfuland Effective(Jms.5:16)
PrayersFoundationinChrist
FormingaHeartofFaith
Weshouldtakeamomenttodissectthis. OurFatherwhoisinheavenThefirstwordsoftheLordsPrayer, OurFatherwhoartinheaven(Matt.6:9)acknowledgeour dependenceonGodasalovingandwiseFatherandalsorecognize thatHerulesoverallfromhisheavenlythrone.17 Yourkingdomcome,YourwillbedoneJesuswantsusto acknowledgeHispurposesattheoutsetofourprayer.Jesusprayerin thegarden(yetnotasIwill,butasYouwillMatt.26:39)isan illustrationofhowHecalledustoprayhere. GiveusthisdayourdailybreadwearereliantuponGods providence.Godistheonegiving. andforgiveusourdebtsWearealsoreliantuponGodforHis forgiveness,notjustforourforgivenessbutalsofortheextensionof forgivenessofothers. deliverusfromevilOnceagain,statedpassivelytodrawattention toourinabilityandGodsprovision. Godwantsustoprayinsuchawaythatweacknowledgeourhelplessnesswithout Him.Godcultivatesaheartoffaiththroughaprayingtongue.18
PrayerintheNameofChrist
SometimesChristianshavethenotionthattaggingthelineinJesusnametothe endofourprayersgivesthemlegitimacy.WhydoesChristaskustoprayinHis name(Jn14:1314)? Itgivesusauthorization19 o PrayinginthenameofJesusgivesustheauthorizationtocomeinHis powerandauthority.ThisisseenintheactsoftheDisciples(i.e.Acts 3:6) ItremindsusofthecharacterofChrist20 o InNTtimes,someonesnamereferredalsototheircharacterand perception.Thus,whenweprayinJesusname,itshouldbeinline withHischaracterandconduct.
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PrayerandLeadingChurchMusic
Withthisinmind,weshouldseetheobviousconnectionsbetweenprayerand leadingothersinmusicalworship.First,ourcorporateworshipcanonlybe accomplishedwhenthosewhoengageinithavefaithinJesusChrist.Otherwise,we donothaveanadvocatebeforetheFatherandwehavenoaccessbeforeHisthrone. Second,weknowthatprayeristheexpressionoftheheartoffaith.Thus,asa worshipleaderyouareresponsibletorelyonGodswork,notyourown,tominister tothechurch.Thereisnosetofmusicthatcanbeplannedwellenoughtominister withouttheSpirit. Third,ourministryinmusicshouldbeinthenameofChrist.Thatistosay,inline withHischaracterandspokeninHisauthority.IfourworshipisinlinewithHis characteritwillbemeek;notexaltingselfbutseekingtoexaltChrist.Atthesame time,however,ifitisdoneinthenameofChristitwillbedoneintheconfidenceHis authoritybrings.Weshouldnotshyawayfromproclaimingbiblicaltruthbut shouldalsoavoidthearroganceandpridethatwouldnotemulatethecharacterof Christ.
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Partthree:PutoffPuton(Eph.4:2224)
IntheirbookTheBookendsoftheChristianLife,JerryBridgesandBobBevington pointoutthetypicalmisunderstandingthatwehaveaboutholyliving:
Bridges,p.113 Ryken,PhilipGraham,Galatians;R&RPublishing2005;p.239
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PartFour:WhenYouFast(Mat.6:1618)
Whenyoufast
First,wemustnoticethatourLorddoesnotspeakinafashionthatshouldmakeus thinkfastingtobeoptional.Hedoesnotsayifyoufastbutwhenyoufast. Contextually,Jesushasinmindtheattitudewithwhichoneshouldfast.Itisnotable thatJesusseemstobecallingforthesameattitudeinfastingashedoesingiving(v. 2,5),namelythattheheartshouldnotbeseekingthepraiseofothersbutseektobe seenbytheFather(v.18). ThisseemstobearunningthemewiththeconceptoffastingtodrawGodsnotice toaparticularitemofimportance.ConsiderIsaiah58.
"Cryloudly,donotholdback;Raiseyourvoicelikeatrumpet,AnddeclaretoMypeopletheir transgressionAndtothehouseofJacobtheirsins.YettheyseekMedaybydayanddelightto knowMyways,AsanationthathasdonerighteousnessAndhasnotforsakentheordinance oftheirGod.TheyaskMe{for}justdecisions,TheydelightinthenearnessofGod.Behold, youfastforcontentionandstrifeandtostrikewithawickedfist.Youdonotfastlike{you do}todaytomakeyourvoiceheardonhigh.IsitafastlikethiswhichIchoose,adayfora mantohumblehimself?Isitforbowingone'sheadlikeareedAndforspreadingout sackclothandashesasabed?Willyoucallthisafast,evenanacceptabledaytotheLORD? "IsthisnotthefastwhichIchoose,Toloosenthebondsofwickedness,Toundothebandsof theyoke,AndtolettheoppressedgofreeAndbreakeveryyoke?Isitnottodivideyour breadwiththehungryAndbringthehomelesspoorintothehouse;Whenyouseethenaked, tocoverhim;Andnottohideyourselffromyourownflesh?Thenyourlightwillbreakout likethedawn,Andyourrecoverywillspeedilyspringforth;Andyourrighteousnesswillgo beforeyou;ThegloryoftheLORDwillbeyourrearguard.Thenyouwillcall,andtheLORD
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Itisfromtheseversesthatwemayneedtodrawoutsomeimplications CallingandNotHearing(v.14) ItbecomesobviouswithintheopeningversesofthischapterofIsaiahthatthe Israelitesarebeingfrustratedbyreligiousritesthatareproducingnovisiblefruit. WhyhavewefastedandYoudonotsee?(v.2).TheLorddescribesthesepeople asfollows;theyseekmebydayandbynight(v.2),theydelighttoknowmy ways(v.2),intheireyestheyhavedonerighteousnessand[have]notforsakenthe ordinanceoftheirGod(v.2).TheseIsraelitesaredescribedasdelightinginthe nearnessofGod(v.2).Andyetverse3describestheirsubsequentfrustration. Why? Verses3and4seemstobeprovidetheanswer.Behold,onthedayofyourfastyou find{your}desire,Anddrivehardallyourworkers.Behold,youfastforcontention andstrifeandtostrikewithawickedfist.TheissuewithIsraelsfastwasthatit wasjustreligiousandnotspiritual. Lettheworshippertakeheed.Itiswithinourfallennaturetoseekaformof godlinessbutdenyitspower(2Tim.3:5).Thisistosay,welovetoputonthe outwardappearanceofrighteousnesswithouttheinwardobedienceofheart.Such isthecaseinIsaiah58.TheIsraelitesdesirednearnesstoGodbutnotlikenessto Himintheircharacter.ProximitytoGodwithoutchangeinpracticeisnotpossible (Lev.10:13).
TrueandFalseFasting(v.4b7)
AsJohnPiperpointsout,Theethical,practical,relational,accompanimentsof fastingorworshipingeneralaretherealtestoftheauthenticityofthefasting andtheworship.MondayistheproofofSunday.25Thisistosaythatthepointof thisnextsectionofIsaiahisthatgenuinefastingshouldhaveproduceddifferent actionintheIsraelitesnamelytoloosethebondsofwickedness,undothe bandsoftheyoke,andlettheoppressedgofree.TheironyhereisthatGodis pointingtoindividualswhowouldstarvethemselvesinfastingwhilealsostarving
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25
thosearoundthemwithaclosedhandmentality.Iftheirfastingwasreal,others aroundthemwouldeatmorefreely.
TheProductofGenuineFasting(v.812)
Butwhyshouldwefast?Godseemstogiveus3differentreasonsinthistext; 1. Ourdarknessbecomeslight(v.810) Practicallyspeaking,whatwasformerlymarkedassinwillbecome righteousness.Notev.9Ifyouremovetheyokefromyourmidst,The pointingofthefinger,andspeakingwickedness. 2. WewillbecontinuallyGuided(v.11) Wewillnotonlybelikewateredgardensbutlikeaspringofwaterwhose watersdonotfail.SucharethosewhoareguidedbytheLORD. Paradoxically,ifweareconstantlybeingpouredout,wewillbefull. 3. Wewillalsobeabletohelprestorethosearoundus(v.12) Suchactionwillnotonlybenefitusbutalsothosearoundus.Sothatweare recognizedwitharestorativenature.
ConnectionToLeadingWorshipMusic
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Session#4YourSpiritualLifeandCorporate Worship
LittleChildren,guardyourselvesfromidols(1John5:21).Initially,thiswould seemtobeaverystrangewayforJohntoclosehisletter.Therearenoclosing greetingsorfinalsalutations,justanimperativeaskinghisreaderstonotbowdown inidolatry. Obviously,Johnhadsomethingmoreinmindherethanstatuesandincense,and actuallytheissueofidolatryisfarmorepervasiveinscripturethanwemight realize.IssuesofidolatryareeasytofindintheOldTestamentasIsraelwas constantlydistractedbyothergodswhodidnotsatisfylikethetrueGod.Buteven hereintheOldTestamentpassageslikeEzekiel14,Israelsissueareidolsofthe heart(Ez.14:4,5,7). Paulspeaksintermsofthedesiresorlusts(epiqumia)).26Nowfleefrom youthfullustsandpursuerighteousness,faith,loveandpeace,withthosewhocall ontheLordfromapureheart(2Tim.2:22).Heevenspeaksintermsofsinful behaviorasidolatry(Col.3:5). Scripturallyspeaking,then,allsinisidolatry.This,ofcourse,hasmajorimplications fortheMusicLeader.Asweseeobedienceanddisobedienceinthislightwealso recognizethistobecharacterizedbyworshipeitherworshipofselfin disobediencetoGodslaworworshipofGodasobedience.
ProductsofPietyfortheMusicLeader
26
Powlison,David,IdolsoftheHeartandVanityFair,JournalofBiblicalCounseling;Winter1995,p.36
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ItfreesustoworshipHimThiswouldseemobvious;ifweobeyGodwe relatetoHimwiththeobstructionofsin.Daviddescribesthestateofsinlike hisbodywaswastingaway,thathewasgroaningalldaylong,thatGods handwasheavyuponhim,andthathisstrengthwasspent(Ps.32:34).And noticeDavidsresponsewhenthatsinisforgivenYousurroundmewith songsofdeliverance(v.7).Thereisnodoubtthatpersonalholinessand delightaretiedtogether. ItgivesconfidencetoleadpastorallyWewillhitmoreonthisinsection #3,buttheroleofthemusicleaderispastoralinnature.Youshepherd peoplethroughmusic.Assuch,wearecalledtowatchourlifeanddoctrine closely(1Tim.4:16)becauseasyoudothisyouwillensuresalvationboth foryourselfandforthosehearyou.Aswewatchourlives,wehave confidencethatweareleadingourpeopletosalvation.Thisisthepositive sideofthiscommandmentyouhaveconfidencebecauseofyourright relationtotheFatherinobedience.Negatively,whenwefailtobeobedient asmusicleaders,theconsequencesaredrasticandhaveledtomanychurch splits,fracturedrelationships,andshipwreckedlives. Itis,itself,worshipJesussaidthatifweloveHim,wewillkeepHis commandments(Jn.14:15).Ourobedienceisanexpressionofourlove.Too manypeoplewanttoexpresslovetoChristwiththeirtonguesandnotwith theiractions.Suchadisconnect,asmuchaspossible,shouldbeavoidedin ourlivessothatourexpressionofworshipcanbetrulyheartfeltandnot dividedwithourloveoftheworld.
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Session#5TheTheologicalSphere
LetthewordofChristrichlydwellwithinyou,withallwisdomteachingandadmonishingone anotherwithpsalmsandhymnsandspiritualsongs,singingwiththankfulnessinyourheartstoGod. (Col.3:16)
GoodTheology
Asevangelicals,weoftenmakethemistakeofunderstandinggoodtheologyto merelybecohesivethatistosay,consistent.Solongasastatementaboutthe natureofGodaddsupsotospeak,werarelytakeissuewithit.J.GreshamMachen broughtthisoutmostclearlyinhisChristianityandLiberalism,sayingthattheform ofearly20thcenturyChristianitywasreallynotChristianityatall.Intheend,heand hisopponentswerespeakingoftwodifferentsaviorsbothofwhichwerenamed Jesus,butvariedsignificantlyincharacterandpurpose. Inthesameway,howwethinkofJesusneednotonlybeintellectuallyconsistent, butBiblicallyfaithfultruetotheverycharacteroftheOneweworship.Whilethe followinglistisnotcomprehensive,itgivesusagoodlistofcriteriabywhichwecan assesstheviabilityofsomeonestheologicalclaim.Goodtheologyisscripturally definedandglorydriven. ...IsScripturallyDefined Asweknow,allscriptureisGodbreathed(2Tim.3:16),thatistosay,itisinspired byGodHimself.So,intheBiblewehaveGodswordsaboutHimself.Asitis inspireditisalsouseful;forteaching,forreproof,forcorrectionandfortrainingin righteousness. WealsoknowthatwearenaturallyenemiestoGod,notsubmittingtoHislawor evenabletodoso(Rom.8:7).Assuchthereisnoonewhounderstands(Rom. 3:11),noonewhoseeksafterGod.
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Aswearefallen,weneedGodsSpirittoillumineHiswordsothatwecan understandGodsnatureandcharacter.Themoreweleanuponunaidedhuman reason,themorewrongwewillbeinourconclusionsaboutwhoGodis. ThebestexampleofthisisthatofthebookofEcclesiastes.ThePreacherhas developedaviewoflifethatisdefinedbydisappointmentbecauseGodhasmadeit tobeso.GodhasplansthatHewillnotshowus(Ec.3:11),Hehasgivenwealththat cannotbeenjoyed(Ec.6:12),andHecontrolsallthingssothatmanhasnoidea whatawaitsHim(Ec.9:12).Yet,thisentirebookisbaseduponwhatthePreacher saworunderstood(1:13,17;2:3,11,12;4:1;5:187:25). WhilethePreachersoughttocollectdataandmakeconclusionsaboutwhoGodis, wearecalledtodotheopposite;listentoGodandmakeassertionsaboutourworld. Thetwocouldbarelybemoredifferent. Illustration5.1ThePreachersCollectionofWisdom
God
ObservationsofReality
Reveal By reason
ButwhatdoesScripturesaythatdrivesustothisconclusion?
"ForMyownsake,forMyownsake,Iwillact;ForhowcanMynamebeprofaned?AndMy gloryIwillnotgivetoanother.(Is.48:11) 'Forasthewaistbandclingstothewaistofaman,soImadethewholehouseholdofIsrael andthewholehouseholdofJudahclingtoMe,'declarestheLORD,'thattheymightbeforMe apeople,forrenown,forpraiseandforglory;buttheydidnotlisten.'(Jer.13:11) "YoushallhavenoothergodsbeforeMe.Youshallnotmakeforyourselfanidol,orany likenessofwhatisinheavenaboveorontheearthbeneathorinthewaterundertheearth. Youshallnotworshipthemorservethem;forI,theLORDyourGod,amajealousGod, visitingtheiniquityofthefathersonthechildren,onthethirdandthefourthgenerationsof thosewhohateMe(Ex.20:35) "ButIwithdrewMyhandandactedforthesakeofMyname,thatitshouldnotbeprofanedin thesightofthenationsinwhosesightIhadbroughtthemout.(Ez.20:22)
But,whatabouttheNewTestament?
NowMysoulhasbecometroubled;andwhatshallIsay,Father,saveMefromthishour'? ButforthispurposeIcametothishour.Father,glorifyYourname"Thenavoicecameout ofheaven:"Ihavebothglorifiedit,andwillglorifyitagain."(Jhn.12:2728) "Letyourlightshinebeforemeninsuchawaythattheymayseeyourgoodworks,and glorifyyourFatherwhoisinheaven.(Matt.5:16)
Piper,John;IsGodForUsOrHimselfsermon,foundat http://desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TopicIndex/3/242_Is_God_for_Us_or_for_Himself/
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TheologyAndDoxology
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PaulineTheologyandDoxology ItiscommonlyunderstoodthatmostofPaulslettersdivideintotwomainsections: teachingandpractice.TheBookofRomans,forexamplesplitsintoaprimary teachingonjustificationbyfaith(Rom.111)andthepracticesthatshouldflowout ofthat(Rom.1216).Ephesiansalsobeginswiththreetheologicallypacked chaptersbutultimatelyreturnstothreepracticallyorientedchapters. ThispointismademostclearlyinRomans.Aswevealreadystated,Romans111 drawsoutatheologicalunderstanding.Butthissectionfindsitsclimaxin11:3336 wherePaulbreaksintoasectionofpraiseinregardtoGodsunsurpassedwisdom andknowledge.InviewingGodsprovisionformankindinChrist(chapters15),His calltoHolinessintheSpirit(chapters68)andTheFatherssovereigncalluponHis elect,PaulfindsGodswisdomunsearchable.Thisisnotnewcontenttobelearned butdelightinwhathasalreadybeenstated. WhilemanyofPaulslettersmaynotbearthistheology/doxologytrendintheir overallstructure,manyduewithinindividualpassages.Ephesians1showsthisvery clearly.Indescribingtheroleofeachmemberofthetrinityinoursalvation(v.3 14),PaulbeginswithpraiseBlessedbetheGodandFatherofourLordJesusChrist, whohasblesseduswitheveryspiritualblessingintheheavenlyplacesinChrist (Eph.1:3). OrperhapstheconclusionofPaulsfirstlettertoTimothy:Hewhoistheblessed andonlySovereign,theKingofKingsandLordoflords,whoalonepossesses immortalityanddwellsinunapproachablelight,whomnomanhasseenorcansee. ToHimbehonorandeternaldominion!Amen.(1Tim.6:1516). ItisalsoworthnotingthatPauloftenpraisesinresponsetotheprogressheseesin thegospel.Thisismostclearlynotedintheintroductionstomanyofhisletters(1 Cor.1:4;Rom.1:8;Eph.1:1516;Phil.1:35;1Ths.1:24;etc). TheologyandDoxologyinthePsalms ThePsalmalsodrawoutthelinkbetweenwhatweknowaboutGodandourproper response.ConsiderPsalm33:
SingforjoyintheLORD,Oyourighteousones;Praiseisbecomingtotheupright.Givethanks totheLORDwiththelyre;SingpraisestoHimwithaharpoftenstrings.SingtoHimanew song;Playskillfullywithashoutofjoy.(Ps.33:13) ForthewordoftheLORDisupright,andallHisworkisdoneinfaithfulness.Heloves righteousnessandjustice;TheearthisfullofthelovingkindnessoftheLORD.Bythewordof theLORDtheheavensweremade,andbythebreathofHismouthalltheirhost.(Ps.33:46)
OrconsiderPsalm100;
1ShoutjoyfullytotheLORD,alltheearth. 2ServetheLORDwithgladness; ComebeforeHimwithjoyfulsinging. 3KnowthattheLORDHimselfisGod; ItisHewhohasmadeus,andnotweourselves; WeareHispeopleandthesheepofHispasture. 4EnterHisgateswiththanksgiving AndHiscourtswithpraise GivethankstoHim,blessHisname. 5FortheLORDisgood; Hislovingkindnessiseverlasting AndHisfaithfulnesstoallgenerations.
Thecalltoworshipinverses1and2(shoutinv.1,serveandcomeinv.2)is givenmeaninginv.3(knowthattheLordHimselfisGod).Again,thesame structureisusedinverse4and5wegivethanksandpraisebecause(for) ..theLordisgood. OtherGenres? WhileImsurethatwemightlikelyfindthistheology/doxologylinkintheGospels, OTNarrative,andotherplacesinscriptureweknowthatitiswellestablishedin thesetwospecificexamples.Perhapsifthereweremoretimeandspacehere,we coulddelveintovariousgenresinscriptureandfindtheprincipleatworkintexts likeMatt.11:27orRev.4:18,etc.WhenweseeGodasHeis,ournaturalresponseis worshipful(Lev.9:24).
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Section#6TheTheologicalSphereandCorporate Worship
Thereisnodoubtthatgoodtheologyismissingfrommostofwhatwecurrently understandtobecontemporaryworship.Tothedegreethatthisexists,thepeople ofGodareleftwithoutsubstancetofuelagenuinelyworshipfulresponse.Anything lessonlyprovidesanemotionalized,temporaryexperienceandfallsshortofthelife changeeffectingmusicalworshipthatweseekforourparticipants. Thisbeingsaid,weshouldalsorecognizethatthebarforwhatmightbe theologicalwillvarythroughoutyourservicetoyourcongregation.Certain contextswillbemovedbythephraseGodisbig,whileotherswillseekarobust doctrineofpenalsubstitution.Itisthetaskofthemusicleadertopresentallof Godstruthinsuchawaythatengagesmorethanthemind,buttheheartandhands ofcongregantsaswell.
HowFirmAFoundation:BuildingChurchMusicfroman UnderstandingoftheGospel
JustasJesusisboththesacrificeandthepriest,sothegospelisboththemeansand focusofcorporateworshipthatistosay,theGodheadsworkinthegospelisour centralfocusandwearecapableofsuchworshiponlythroughtheaccesswehavein Christ. Itisvitallyimportantforustoplanourserviceswiththegospelatthecenterasthis isultimatelythepointofscriptureweseeJesusworkineverypage.Fromthe needcreatedinGen.3totheLambsbookoflifeinRevelation21,Godspurposeis toshowusJesus(Lk.24:44),andwhenweseeJesus,weseethegospel. Additionally,ifthegospelisnotthecenterofwhatdetermineswhatsongswedo andhowwedothem,weopenourselvesuptoahostofmotivationsthatcould easilyrunourworshipservices.BryanChappelsaysitthisway;
Ifgospelprioritiesdonotdetermineworshipchoices,thenpeoplespreferenceswilltearthechurch apart.Thevarietyofstylepossibilitiescombinedwiththeusualmixofpersonalities,generations, newcomersandoldtimerswillputchurchleadersunderconstantpressuretoadjustworship.If personalpreferencesareallowedtocalltheshots,thenworshiptensionswillbeunavoidable.30
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attheroleoftheologyinleadingworship,weshouldalwaysrecognizethatouronly confidenceinworshipisourMediatorsblood(Heb.10:19). Assuch,ourmusicshouldalwayscontainthismessageonsomelevel.Our peopleneedtoberemindeddailythat,thoughtheyfallshortofGodsgloryintheir sin(Rom.3:23),thereishopetobejustifiedbyfaithinChrist(Rom.3:24). 2. BeholdingGloryforLifeChange Thefirstfewchaptersof2CorinthianscenteronPaulsvalidationasaminister. In3:1hewritesArewebeginningtocommendourselvesagain?Ordoweneed,as some,lettersofcommendationtoyouorfromyou?Fromthis,wecanseethat Paulsauthoritywasobviouslyinquestion.ButPaulanswersinatypicalPauline fashionyouareourletter(2Cor.3:2).Paulsvalidationasaministerwasthe changedlivesofthoseheministersto.Buthowdoesthishappen? Specifically,in2Cor.3,Paultellsusthishappensinanewway,withthegospel andnotthelaw.Thisalcomestoclimaxinv.18;
Butweall,withunveiledface,beholdingasinamirrorthegloryoftheLord,arebeing transformedintothesameimagefromglorytoglory,justasfromtheLordtheSpirit.
WeknowthatwhenHeappears,wewillbelikeHim,becausewewillseHimjustasHeis. (1John3:2)
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HerearethebasicelementsthatChapellconcludesshouldbeinevery worshipservice;
1.Adoration(recognitionofGodsgreatnessandgrace) 2.Confession(acknowledgementofoursinandneedforgrace) 3.Assurance(affirmationofGodsprovisionofgrace) 4.Thanksgiving(expressionofpraiseandthanksforGodsgrace) 5.PetitionandIntercession(expressionofdependenceonGodsgrace) 6.Instruction(acquiringtheknowledgetogrowingrace) 7.Communion/Fellowship(celebratingthegraceofunionwithChristandhispeople) 8.ChargeandBlessing(livingforandinthelightofGodsgrace)32
ButwhatoftheNewTestament?Chapellwrites;
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Session#7ThePastoralSphere
Tragically,therearemanymoremusiciansthanpastorsfillingmusicleaderrolesin ourchurches.Thisisnottosaythatthesetwotitlesaremutuallyexclusive.Infact, toleadcongregationalworshipyoumustbeabletodoboth.However,thereare manywhostepbehindmicrophonesinchurchessimplybecausetheyareable,not becausetheyarecalled. Butthechurchmusicianhasalwaysbeencalledtobeashepherd.IntheOld Testament,itwasthepriestswholedGodspeopleinmusic(2Ch.7:6).TheNew TestamentspeaksofthosewhocareforGodspeopleaseldersorshepherds(1Pet. 5:12).ThosewholeadGodspeople,whetheritbeinmusicorinsermons,are feedingGodsflock.Assuch,theyare,bydefinition,pastoral.
IdentifyingaPastoralHeart
QualificationsofaWorshipPastor.ThereshouldbeatranscriptintheAppendix(p.60).
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Whenwedontfitthebillof1Tim.3inthismanner,wecanundeniablysaythat churchleadershipisnotforyou.WhiletheSpiritmaychangeyousothatyouwillbe qualified,youarenotrightnow. Paulseemstohavepackagedthislikeitwasachecklist.Thesearethingsthatan eldermustbe(dew- v.2).Assuch,ifyoumissanyofthese,youarenotfitfor leadershipinthechurch.Thisisthefirststepinidentifyingapastoralheart. AreyouShepherdlike? WhilePaulprovidesapictureofwhataneldershouldlooklike,Jesusgivesagood pictureofwhataShepherdshouldbe.PetercallselderstoshepherdGodspeople sothattheymightberewardedbytheChiefShepherd(1Pet.5:14).Thosewho servethechurcharemerelyundershepherds,asAlexanderStrauchwouldcall them.35Assuch,churchleadersmustbelikeChristinHiscareandcompassionfor thechurch.
11"Iamthegoodshepherd;thegoodshepherdlaysdownHislifeforthesheep.12"Hewho isahiredhand,andnotashepherd,whoisnottheownerofthesheep,seesthewolfcoming, andleavesthesheepandflees,andthewolfsnatchesthemandscattersthem.13"Heflees becauseheisahiredhandandisnotconcernedaboutthesheep.(John10:1113)
ChristsloveforHissheepdroveHimtolayHislifedownforthem.Inthesameway, believersaretoregardoneanotherasmoreimportantthan[themselves](Phil. 2:3).PaulsaysthathewasconstantlybeingdeliveredovertodeathforJesussake sothat,whilePaulfaceddeath,theCorinthiansfoundlife(2Cor.4:1112).The churchleadermustexhibittheheartoftheChiefShepherd,astheyseektoshepherd Godspeople. Sothen,churchleadershipisnotjustamatterofnotbeingdisqualifiedbyimmoral character,butofsharingthevaluesofChristHimself.Hispeoplearetobebrought intoconformitywithHisimage(Rom.8:29)andHisworkersseethisvisionand worktothatend. MusicleadersmustsharetheheartofChristinthismatter.Ifweseekanything otherthanGodsgloryinHispeople,ouridolatryisexposedweworship somethingotherthanChristHimself.Whetheritisagoodsoundorself promotion,oursmall,selfishambitionshavenoplaceinGodschurch.Godschurch ismeantforHisglory.
DevelopingaPastoralHeart
35Strauch,Alexander,BiblicalEldership;LewisandRothPublishers,1960,pg.115,249
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LikeMostspiritualissues,apastoralheartadesiretoshepherdGodspeopleis notacquiredbutgranted.ItiswhatPaulreferredtoasacalling(Rom.1:1andother introductionstoPaulineletters). Thequestionbeforeusisnothowtobecomepastorallyoriented,butrather,howto becomemorepastorallyoriented.HowcanwelearntoloveGodspeoplemore? Truthbetold,mostpastorsdonotincreaseintheirlovefortheirpeople.The processofdealingwiththeirpeopleproducesanindifferencetothosesamepeople sothatthepastorbecomesburntout.Andso,workkeepshappening,butitcan hardlybecalledministry.Perhapsupkeepisthebetterword. Howdoweguardourselvesagainstsuchamindset? Fortunately,GodhasgivenusaglimpseintoPaulsmentorshipofayoungpastor, Timothy.HowdoeshecallonTimothytokeephispastoralheart?
6Inpointingoutthesethingstothebrethren,youwillbeagoodservantofChristJesus, constantlynourishedonthewordsofthefaithandofthesounddoctrinewhichyouhave beenfollowing.7ButhavenothingtodowithworldlyfablesfitonlyforoldwomenOnthe otherhand,disciplineyourselfforthepurposeofgodliness;8forbodilydisciplineisonlyof littleprofit,butgodlinessisprofitableforallthings,sinceitholdspromiseforthepresentlife andalsoforthelifetocome.9Itisatrustworthystatementdeservingfullacceptance.10For itisforthiswelaborandstrive,becausewehavefixedourhopeonthelivingGod,whoisthe Saviorofallmen,especiallyofbelievers.11Prescribeandteachthesethings.12Letnoone lookdownonyouryouthfulness,butratherinspeech,conduct,love,faithandpurity,show yourselfanexampleofthosewhobelieve.13UntilIcome,giveattentiontothepublic readingofScripture,toexhortationandteaching.14Donotneglectthespiritualgiftwithin you,whichwasbestowedonyouthroughpropheticutterancewiththelayingonofhandsby thepresbytery.15Takepainswiththesethings;beabsorbedinthem,sothatyourprogress willbeevidenttoall.16Paycloseattentiontoyourselfandtoyourteaching;perseverein thesethings,forasyoudothisyouwillensuresalvationbothforyourselfandforthosewho hearyou.
HowdoesPaulsayTimothywillbeagoodservant(v.6)?Helistsanumberof imperativesforTimothytofollow; 1. Constantlynourished(v.6)themarkofthegrowingpastorishisdesireto beconstantlyfedbythewordsoffaithandsounddoctrine.Itisthewordof Godwhichisusefulforteaching,rebuking,correctingandtrainingin righteousness(2Tim.3:16).Butitisalsothewordwhichwillsustain Timothynow. 2. DisciplineyourselfforthepurposeofgodlinessThedisciplines(Seesession #3)existtomakeusmoregodly.WhileourconfidenceisinChrist,ouronly truerighteousness,bytheSpirit(Gal.5:25)wecanputoncharacterbefitting ourresurrectedlife(Rom.6:511). PaultellsTimothytoknowandpracticetheScripture.HeevenremindsTimothyof thisinvs.16Paycloseattentiontoyourselfandyourteaching.Whilethisseems 40
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Session#8ThePastoralSphereandCorporate Worship
Thenaturalquestionnowarises;howdowetakethishearttoservethepeople withinthebodyofChristandbuildupthebodythroughmusic?Howdowepastor withmusic? Weshouldalwaysbewrestlingwiththisquestion.Musicisalwayschangingasare thepeopleinyourcongregation.Assuch,thereisnoformulaformusicministry. Theprinciplesoutlinedbelowshouldhelpyouthinkthroughwaysinwhichwecan servemoreeffectively.
PlanningServicesThatServe
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AllScriptureisinspiredbyGodandprofitableforteaching,forreproof,forcorrection,for traininginrighteousness;sothatthemanofGodmaybeadequate,equippedforeverygood work.(2Tim.3:1617) Howcanayoungmankeephiswaypure? BykeepingitaccordingtoYourword. WithallmyheartIhavesoughtYou; DonotletmewanderfromYourcommandments. YourwordIhavetreasuredinmyheart, ThatImaynotsinagainstYou.(Psalm119:911) Yourwordisalamptomyfeetandalightformypath.(Psalm119:105)
NotonlyistheBiblecentraltotheChristiansguidance,itiscentraltotheChurchs worship;
AndallthepeoplegatheredasonemanatthesquarewhichwasinfrontoftheWaterGate, andtheyaskedEzrathescribetobringthebookofthelawofMoseswhichtheLORDhad giventoIsrael.ThenEzrathepriestbroughtthelawbeforetheassemblyofmen,womenand allwhocouldlistenwithunderstanding,onthefirstdayoftheseventhmonth.Hereadfrom itbeforethesquarewhichwasinfrontoftheWaterGatefromearlymorninguntilmidday, inthepresenceofmenandwomen,thosewhocouldunderstand;andallthepeoplewere attentivetothebookofthelaw.Ezrathescribestoodatawoodenpodiumwhichtheyhad madeforthepurpose.AndbesidehimstoodMattithiah,Shema,Anaiah,Uriah,Hilkiah,and Maaseiahonhisrighthand;andPedaiah,Mishael,Malchijah,Hashum,Hashbaddanah, ZechariahandMeshullamonhislefthand.Ezraopenedthebookinthesightofallthepeople forhewasstandingaboveallthepeople;andwhenheopenedit,allthepeoplestoodup. ThenEzrablessedtheLORDthegreatGod.Andallthepeopleanswered,Amen,Amen!" whileliftinguptheirhands;thentheybowedlowandworshipedtheLORDwiththeirfaces totheground.(Neh.8:16) UntilIcome,giveattentiontothepublicreadingofScripture,toexhortationandteaching. (1Tim.4:13)
Thereisnonewhounderstands,ThereisnonewhoseeksforGod(Rom.3:11). GodspeopleneedGodsinstruction.Thisistheministersjobtobringthe scripturestobearontheissuesthataffecttheirpeopleslives.AsKentHughessays, ThemusicleadermustworkwithahymnalinonehandandtheBibleinthe other.36 Whilesuchskillisnecessary,itisnotalwayseasy.Wemaybetemptedtothinkthat thisisaplugandplaymodelfindthecorrespondingscripture,readitandsingit. Butthisformofministrytakesagreatdealofcareonthepartoftheworshipleader. Songsdontalwaysmatchthetheme,Scripturepassagesdontalwayscometomind, and,tomakeitevenmorechallenging,thepeopleinthepewarentalwaysreadyto listen. Thatbeingsaid,thereareafewguidelinesthatcanhelpusstayclosetothewordso thatwecanensureministrytoourpeople. 1. PickapassageWhetheritbethepassagethatthesermonwillcoveror someotherpassageofscripture,findingrootinonepassagehelpsuskeep ourfocus.Thiswillinvariablyhelpyouknowwhichpassagesfitandwhich onesdont.Whenthecongregationcanseealogicaltiebetweenthe scripturesandthemusic,thisisastepintherightdirection.Thatbeingsaid, thereareafewthingstoconsider; a. Isthescripturetobereadintheservice?Itmakesiteasierforthe congregationtounderstandwheretheBiblicalbasisforamusical themeifthatBiblicalbasisisexpressedinthecourseoftheservice. Furthermore,wevealreadyseenthatPaulcalledTimothytothe publicreadingofscripture.Assuch,wemustnotshyawayfromusing theBibleinourservicesThescripturesalonecanministertoour people. b. Whatemphasisdoyouwanttobringfromthepassage?Whatis thatyouaretryingtosayfromtheverse.Believeitornot,many peopleinyourcongregationmightnotimmediatelyseewhatyousee inyourselectedtext.Often,ashortexpositionwillberequiredto drawattentiontothemainelementsyouwanttobringout.EvenJohn 3:16canfocusonGodslove,Hissacrifice,ourneedforfaith,or eternallife.Whatisitthatyouaretryingtosayandhowwillyou communicateit? c. Howmuchofthepassagedoyouneedtoread?Sometimeslonger passagescanbehardtouseinthistypeofsetting.Largesectionsof versesmakethecongregationwaitlongeranddecreasethelikelihood thattheywillfollowwhatyouaresaying.Thatbeingsaid,all scriptureisinspired(2Tim.3:16),soifyoufeelGodcallingyouuseit, doit.Whateverpassageyouread,besuretohaveaplan.Itmaybe goodtounderlineparticularversesanddrawthecongregations
36
Carson,D.A.,WorshipBytheBook,ZondervanPress;2002,GrandRapids,p.169
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attentiontothem.Orperhapsyoumightwanttosettleonafew versesandquicklygiveasynopsisofthecontext.Thesedecisionsare lefttotheworshipleaderandshouldbeconsideredastoolsthatcould beusedforministry. d. Howwillthecongregationreadwithyou?Besuretothinkabout howthecongregationwillreadthescripturewithyou.Willitbea responsivereading?WilltheyseeitonPowerPoint?Willtheyreadit intheirBibles?Suchdecisionsbearmoresignificancethanonemay think. 2. Fromtheselectedpassage,selectsongsthatmatchthethemeThemes canbetoughtotrulydiscerninmodernmusic.Mostsongshavemorethan onethemeandcanbeusedinavarietyofcontexts.Additionally,askillful musicleaderrecognizesthatthemestendtobleedthatisonesongs themewillinformanother.IfwesingNothingbuttheBloodandthenthe chorusofHowGreatisOurGod,theworshippersmindisnotlikelytobe centeredonGodsgreatnessincreation.Hismindwilltendtoseegloryin thepropitiationprovidedbyChristsblood.Also,itisimportantto rememberthatthethemeoftheSundayshouldnottrumpthethemeofthe Church.Thisistosaythatwedontwanttocenteronthisweeksthemeof tithingmorethanwedoontheworkofChristwhichallowstoworshipHim inthefirstplace.Rather,wemustfindwaystodrivetithingbacktothecross (2Cor.8:9).ThechurchofGodalwaysneedstoberemindedoftheirneed forChristandtheirentrancebeforeGodbythebloodofJesus. 3. PeardownyourlistaccordingtovaryingfactorsNowthatwehavealist ofpossiblesongsinfrontofus,wecanbeginscratchingoutcertainitemsthat maynotfit.Considerthatfollowingcriteriainyourselection a. BiblicalFidelityDoesthissongpresentathoughtorideathisis contrarytothescriptures?Itisoneofourprimarydutiestoteach soundBiblicalthought.ThisishowweguardGodspeoplefromerror. b. Relevancehowwelldoesthesongreallyfitthetheme?Howeasyis itforthecongregationtofollowthistheme? c. MusicalityWillyourmusiciansbeabletohandlethissong?Doesthe songfitmusicallywithothersongs? 4. SelectanorderinwhichyouwillsingthesongsNowthatyouhaveyour finallistofsongs,inwhatorderwillyouperformthem.Inregardtotheme,it isbesttokeepthesongsthatallowthegreatestamountofreflectionupon thethemeclosesttothescripturepassage.Thiswillallowyoutoreadyour scripturepassageandthenleadthechurchinitsresponsetotheWordof God.
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PlanningMusicThatServes
Unfortunately,selectingmusicforcorporateworshipisntassimpleasjustfinding themesandselectingsongsthatmatchthem.Whileitisvastlyimportantthatwe remaintruetoBiblicalprincipleandemphasizeGodscommunicationwithustoHis people,themusicleadermustalsoaddressthemeansbywhichtheyarecalledtodo so.MusicisameanstothegreaterendofseeingJesusChristglorifiedandassuch mustbeusedasefficientlytothatendaspossible. Imaginebuildingahouseandmappingouttheelectricalsystem.Electricalwireisa meanstoanend,butisnotanendinitself.Itwouldntmakesensetoputthewires ontheoutsideofthewallsorshowcasethemasdecorationinyourhomethisis nottheirpurpose.Inthesameway,musicisthemeanstoagreaterendandshould notbeshowcased. Hereareafewitemstothinkthroughwhileplanning; KeysIfyouaregoingtoplayingmultiplesongsinarow,youaregoingto havetoaddresstheissueofwhatkeystheyarein.Hereareafewpossible waystoaddressthesituation o SelectsongsinthesamekeyProbablythesimplestwaytodeal withthemusicalsideistoselectsongsallinthesamekey.While makingthingsmusicallysimple,thisalsomakesthethematic elementsmoredifficult. ExampleComeThouFountinDfollowedbyBeThouMyVision inD o SelectsongsinadjacentkeysThisistosaymakesuresongscanbe transitionedthroughasimplekeychange.Remember,notallkey changesarecreatedequal.Somearemuchhardertofollowthan others.Wewesternersreallylikethewholestepupmodulation. Anothergoodchoiceisthecircleoffours Examples WholestepupComeThouFountinDfollowedbyBe ThouMyVisioninE Circleof4sComethouFountinDfollowedbyJesus ThankYouinG o SeparatesongsusingotherelementsItoftenseemstobethecase thatyouhavetwosongsthatcontainthethemewhichyouarelooking forbutareindramaticallydifferentkeys.Ifyoufeeltheneedtouse bothsongs(whichyoushouldconsideronlyusingoneortheotherif youhaveenoughmusicalready),insertinganotheritemsuchasa scripturereadingortimeofprayermayhelpmakethetransition moredigestible.Ultimately,thisaimstoletdeadairmakethe transitionforyou.Itshouldbeknowthatthesearehardtodoand shouldbeusedasalastresort. Example ComeThouFountinDfollowedbyareadingofPsalm 46
103,followedbyGloriosandMightyinBb Tempoyoumayalsowanttotakeintoaccountasongstempo.Theservice shouldhaveasenseofflowanabsenceofabrupttransitions,whichjoltthe worshipperfromhisthoughtsofGodandHiswordtotherealityofapoorly plannedservice.Transitioningbetweenasongat120beatsperminuteand 80isahardtransitiontomake.Youllfindthattimesignaturesalsoplayinto thissongswrittenin6/8makeagreattransitionbetweenanupbeat4/4 andaslower4/4.Ultimately,allrulesaside,itisbestforthemusicleaderto thinkthesetransitionsasheplans;howwillthetransitionsound?What elementswillneedtobeinvolved?Whatistheaudiencedoingduringthis time? MusiciansEverymusicleadermustknowthemusiciansthatheworkswith. Asyouselectsongsyoucanmakeinformeddecisionsaboutwhatsongswill gomoresmoothlybaseduponwhoisservingwithyou.Ifyouhavea drummerwhoplayswellin4/4butnotsowellin6/8,itmayaffectyour decisions.Remember,havingtostopasongbecauseofmusicalissuesisa hardobstacleforyourhearerstoovercomenotimpossible,justhard. TransitionsIvehearditsaidbeforethattransitionsmakeorbreaka service.ThismightbeabitofoverstatementtheHolySpiritcanovercome anyofourtransitionsormusicalmistakes.Buttransitionsareimportant. Howwillyoufinishmusicandgotoannouncements?Howwillthepreacher startthesermon?Alloftheseareimportantthingstoconsiderwhen planningservices.
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LeadingMusicThatServes
Oneofthehardestthingsforthemusicleadertofigureoutiswhattosaywhile leading.Wetendtooneoftwoextremes;eitherweonlyuseourmicrophonefor singing(andeventhen,doittimidly)orwemakeitthemusicleaderhour;with specialguest[yournamehere].Theshockingtruthaboutbothofthesestereotypes isthattheybothrevolvearoundthemusicleader.Whetherthemusicisfilledwith toomuchtalkornotenough,wehaveatendencytobetoocenteredonourrole. Buthowdoweleadothersinmusicalworshipwithoutdrawingattentionto ourselves?Thisseemstobethequestion.Perhapsafewguidelineswillhelpguide ourheartstoserveothersandnotourselves. SpeakScripture ThereisonlyoneinfallibleportionofeveryservicewhenwereadtheScripture. Thechurchleaderwoulddowelltorememberthis.Suchanemphasishelpsuskeep ourfocusonGodscommunicationtousandnotourcommunicationwithone another.Furthermore,itisscripturewhichteaches,rebukes,correctsandtrains(2 Tim.3:16). SpeakDuringSongs Sometimeswemaybetemptedtothinkthatspeakingduringthesongsomehow ruinsthesong.Whileitmaybetruethatyoucantalktoomuch,feweveractuallydo so.Awelltimesphrasecanbringgreaterclarityormoredefinitiontothesong,and soservetheworshipper. Additionally,speakingduringsongsencouragesinteractionfromthebodyand discouragesthemusicianfromaperformancemindset.Suchinteractionsmight bringtolightthedifferencebetweenaconcertandaSundaymorningservice. SpeakWithYourActions Themannerinwhichamusicleaderhandleshimselfisasimportantaswhathe says.Exhibitionforthesakeofexhibitionshouldbecarefullyweighedbefore performed.Themusicleadermustmakesurethatanyextravagantactofworshipis matchedbyahumilityofheartwhichservesthecongregationandnothisown purpose.Itisuptothemusicleadertodeterminewherethislineisandhownotto crossit.Involveothersinthedecisionmakingprocessandpursuefeedbackfrom othersyoutrustsothatyoucanprotectyourselffromaspiritofshowmanshipand devoteyourselftotheworshipoftheLivingGod.
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Session#9TheMusicalSphere
Whiletherearemanysimilaritiesbetweenpreachersandmusicleaders,thereis definitelyoneprimarydifference;musicleadersuseaveryspecificmedium,music, toconveytheprinciplesofGodsWord.Assuch,wewillonlybelimitedbyourlack ofmusicalknowledge. Aquickwordofwarningisnecessaryhere.Whilemoremusicalknowledgesetsus freetoserveitmayalsoprovidetemptationtofindoursuccessasministersinour musicnotinourgospelfidelity. Thatbeingsaid,however,weneedtoknowmusic.Psalm33speakswelltothis;
SingforjoyintheLord,Oyourighteousones;Praiseisbecomingoftheupright.Give thankstotheLORDwiththelyre;SingpraisestoHimwithaharpoftenstring.SingtoHima newsong;Playskillfullywithashoutofjoy.(Ps.33:13)
Wearecalledtoplayskillfullyasanextensionofourworship.Buthowdoweplay skillfully?Whatdoesthisrequireofus? Thissectionisdesignedtogiveaverybasic(emphasisonvery)understandingof musictheory.Thiswillthenbeappliedtoacontemporarysetting. UnderstandingScalesandKeys Wemightrefertoindividualnotesasthebuildingblocksofmusic.Bythesebuilding blocks,musicgainsitsstructureandbasictonalguidelines. Letstakeastepbackwardtounderstandthis.Eachtone,ornote,resonatesata certainfrequency.Forexamplewetypicallytuneinstrumentsto440HzA.Thus, theAtonehasaspecificdefinition;howmanytimesthepeaksandtroughsits soundwaveproducesinasecond. Scales,then,canbebestunderstoodinrelationtothatoriginaltone.Takealookat thekeyofA; I(root) ii iii IV V vi vii A b c# D E f# g# Youcanseethereareseventoneswithinthescale(eightifyoucounttheroot twicefromdotodo).Certaintonesbearamathematicalsymmetrytothe wavelengthoftherootthatthetonesmingleinaparticularlybeautifulway.For instance,iftheroot,A,resonatesat440Hzthenthe5thtone,E,resonatesat660Hz. Youcansee,then,thatthewavelengthsofthesetwotonesbeara3to2relationship inthattheDnotecontainsabout50%morepeaksandtroughsthantheroot. 49
Scalessoundgoodtotheearbasedontheirsimilarityofstructure(wearthepeaks andtroughsoftheirwavehit).Thus,everynoteinthescalebearsamathematical relationshiptotherootwhichexplainsitsresonancewithit.Also,tonesoutsidethe scale(toneswhicharenotdiatonic)donotbearthatrelationshipandthusbecome dissonant. WhatTonesareinaScale? LetssaywewantedtofigureoutwhattoneswereinthekeyofE.Withoutwritinga doctoraldissertationonsoundwaves,howcanweeasilyattainanunderstandingof whattoneswouldbeincludedinthiskey? Thehalfstepisthebasictonalincrementinwesternmusic.Eachfretonaguitar representsahalfstep.Also,thedistancetwocontiguouskeysonapianoisahalf step.Obviously,awholestepisnothingmorethan2halfsteps. Assuch,ifwewanttodeterminethenotesinthekeyofE,wecanstartwiththenote Eandfillintheblanksbelowbyfollowingabasicpatternofhalfandwholestepsto determinetherestofthekey.Heresthemagicformula; Wholewholehalfwholewholewholehalf. Thatsit. Ifyoureaguitarplayer,pickupyourguitartohelpyoufigurethisoneout.The loweststring,theEor6thstring,isanEtone.Ifyougouptwofrets,orawhole stepjustliketheformulatellsyoutoyoullarriveatanf#,thesecondtoneinthe keyofE.Ifyouproceedtogoupanotherwholestep,ortwomorefretsyouarriveat the3rdtone,g#.Fromthere,theformulaonlycallsforahalfstep,sowemoveupto the5thfretwhichisanA,thefourthtoneinthescale.Hereistherestofthescale andtheircorrespondingfretsontheguitarslowest(Eor6th)string.37 whole whole half whole whole whole half I(root) E 0(open) ii F# 2ndfret iii G# 4thfret IV A thfret 5 V B 7thfret vi C# 9thfret vii D# 11thfret
Belowisalistingofallthemajorkeys;
37ForabetterexplanationandmoreexamplesseePaulBalochesDVD,MusicTheoryMadeEasy
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I(root) A B C D E F G
ii b c# d e f# g a
iii c# d# e f# g# a b
IV D E F G A Bb C
V E F# G A B C D
vi f# g# a b c# d e
vii g# a# b c# d# e f#
A
E A c#
Thesetonescanbeplayedinvariousorders,makinginversionschordswhichput eitherthethirdorfifthasthelowesttoneinthechord.
A
2nd fret
(first inversion)
E A c#
(second inversion)
E
5th fret
c#
c#
Also,chordscanaddothertoneswithinthescaletogivedifferentsoundswiththe chord.Sometimesthisinvolvesreplacinganexistingtone,asintheA2.Herethe3rd
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tone,thec#,isreplacedwitha2ndtone(thus,theA2),ab.Hereswhatthatwould looklike;
A
A2
E A
A7
E A c#
g#
Butwhataboutchordswhicharenottherootchord?Sofar,allwehaveseenis variationsoftheroot(A).Othertonescarryvariousfunctionswithinthekey.Ifwe lookagainatourscale,wellfindsomethingelseinterestingaboutchordstructure I(root) ii iii IV V vi vii A b c# D E f# g# IfweweregoingtouseaDchordinourpieceofmusic,whatnoteswouldwethink wouldcomprisethechord?Letstryitastherootandtakethethirdandfifthtones andseewhathappens; I(fifth) ii iii IV(root) V vi(third) vii A b c# D E f# g# ItjustsohappensthatthisIVchordcontainsallthesamenotesthatarealreadyin thekeyofA.Thismeansthatthiscanremainamajorchord.Heresadiagramofthe Dchord;
Mostfourtonechordsarereservedformorecomplexformsofmusicsuchasjazz.Although,youwillfindtheoccasional7th chordinhymns.
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D
A f#
Butwhataboutminorchords?Howdotheseendupbeingminorwithinthegiven keywhichtheyarein?Considertheiichordinthekeybelow; I(fifth) ii iii IV(root) V vi(third) vii A b c# D E f# g# Ifyouweretotaketheroot,thirdandfifthforthisnote,thenoteswouldnotmatch thatofatypicalBchordwhichwouldnormallycontainaB(root),d#(third),andf# (fifth).ButasyoucanseeinthekeyofA,thereisnod#39,sothistoneisflatted takendownahalfsteptodsomakingthechordabminor.Suchisthecasewith allthenoteslistedinlowercase.Theoneexceptionisthe7chord,whichwould containaflatted3rdand5th,makingitadiminishedchord.40 Chordstructureisimmenselyimportantinthatthemelodyandharmonyofthesong mustfitthestructureprovidedbythemelodicstructure.Musicianswholead worshipmustmakemusicaldecisionsthatallowthefortheeasiestengagementby thecongregationinotherwords,whenitcomestomusictheoryinthechurch, functiontrumpsaesthetics. UnderstandingRhythmandFeel ThelongerIworkinmusic,themoreIthinkthatyoucantteachrhythm.Im certainlywillingtoadmitthattherearebetterteachersinthisworld,especiallyin music.ButIhavetoadmitthatwhenitcomestorhythm,thereisaninordinate amountofworkthatmustbedonetodevelopgoodhabits. Forourpurposeshere,therearethreebasictimesignaturesweprimarilydealwith; 4/4,3/4,and6/8.4/4,orcommontime,isbyfarthemostused,especiallyin contemporaryworshipmusic.
39UsuallythiswouldbereferredtoasEb,butforpurposesofsimplicitywewilljustkeepthenote
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TimeSignatures Whatthesenumberstellusintheirmostbasicformishowmanybeatsareina measure(thatsthetopnumber)andwhatnoteisthebasicbuildingblock(the bottomnote).Consequently,youwillonlyseetimesignaturesthathave2,4,8as thebottomnumber. 4/4Time(CommonTime) Byfar,mostcontemporarymusicfallsin4/4orcommontime.Thismeansthat thereare4beatsinameasureandthatthequarternoteisthebasicbeat.Agreat dealof2othand21stcenturymusicwrittenin4/4containedwhatwecalla backbeatandemphasisonbeats2and4ina4/4timesignature.Thisalsoisvery commonforagreatdealofcontemporarychurchmusic. 3/4Time Again,thistimesignatureisbasedonthequarternote,butonlycontains3beatsina measure.Thistimesignatureisverycommoninhymnsandso,stillbearsgreat significanceforsomeofourmusic.Additionally,somesongswithIrishinfluence (Gettys,RobinMark)finduseofthistimesignature. 6/8Time Thissignatureisdifferentthantheothertwointhatthebasicnoteisnotaquarter notebutaneighthnote.Whileitwouldsome,bythebasicsofsimplemath,that6/8 timeshouldessentiallybethesameas3/4,anditisforthemostpart.Although,I willsayforthepurposesofchurchmusic,youwillbewellservedbylearningto countin6/8forthesakeoffeel.Theemphasesina6/8songwillfeeldifferentthan ifthatsongwerecountedin3/4.Morespecifically,6/8timewillemphasizebeats1 and4(atleastinmostcontemporarymusic)whichseparatesitfromtime.41 Feel Therearesomethingsinmusicthatbecomeveryhardtodefine.Aswehavejust discussedtimesignatures,itshouldbefairlyobviousthattherearemultiplewaysto playathreefoursong.Feel,then,incorporatesnotjustthetimesignaturebutthe particularemphasesappropriatetothesong.Thisprimarilyhastodowithhowthe variouselementsareplayingtogetherandwhatbeatsarebeingemphasized. Forexample,a3/4waltzfeelwillputheavyemphasisonthefirstbeat; OneandTwoandthreeand WhileaCelticfeelmightsplitthemeasuredifferently;
41Asanillustration,thinkofadrummerplayingina6/8songsuchasWonderfulMercifulSavior.
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OneandTwoandThreeand So,youcanseethatwhilethebasictimesignatureisthesame,thefeelofthesongis vastlydifferent.Itishighlyprobablethateveninplayingasongontwoseparate occasions,differentmixesofmusiciansmayprovideslightlydifferentfeelsbasedon theirskilllevelandstyle. PlayingContemporaryMusic Nowthatwevebrieflycoveredsomeofthebasics,wemustnowmoveonto discoverhowsomeoftheseinitialrulesfunctioninourchurchsetting. ContemporaryDistinctives Itdoesnttakeadegreeinmusictoknowthatdifferentstylesofmusichavedifferent emphases.BelowaresomedistinctiveaspectsofContemporarymusic: Melodiesfollowchordstructure,notviceversaInagreatdealofoldermusic, chordchangeswouldfollowthemelodyline.Adefiningcharacteristicof contemporarymusicisthatmelodylinesnowtendtostaywithinthebounds ofthechordplayedunderit,andthatchordstendstochangelessoften. BasslinesbeargreatimportanceThebasslineofmuchofcontemporary musicbearsgreatsignificance.Thebassseemstoprovidethelinkbetween therhythmicsideofmusicandthetonalsideofmusic. MelodiesarethemselvessimplerInmostchurchmusic,songwritershave caughtonthatsinginganythinghigherthananintervalofathirdbecomes harderfortheregularlaypersontosing.Occasionally,youmayhearafifth interval,butthisisrare. RulesofThumb Therearecertainitemsthatsimplydonotneedtobecoveredhere.Chancesare,if youretakingthisclass,youknowtheverybasicsofthepracticeofmusic.Youknow thatifyoureplayingasonginEandyourbassplayerisplayinginEb,itwillnot soundgood. However,thereareafewrules,which,ifheldto,canhelpyoumakeyourmusic soundbetter.Remember,thegoalofsoundingbetteristoservebetter,fortheglory ofChrist.So,herearesomebasics; 1. LessismoreItsnosecret.Whenitcomestoplayingmodernmusic,lessis mostdefinitelymore.Now,pleaseunderstand,whenIsayless,Imeanless notes.Toomanytimes,weasmusicianswanttoinsertourmusicalabilities whentheyarenotneeded.Theresultwillinevitablybeamuddysounda wallofindistinguishablesounds.Rememberthateverysoundhasitsunique tonalqualities.Eventhoughthesamenotesmaycomefromapianoanda guitar,theywillalwayssounddifferent,ifeveninthesmallest inconsistencies. 2. WorkhardtoexpressthebasicsThisissimilartopoint#1.Makesureyou
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getyourmelody,basslineandrhythmacross.Letthesebethebasicsticking points.Whileitmightbetemptingtodefinemusicalskillbytheamountof noteswecanfitintoabar,goodmusicisactuallydefinedbywhatsounds good.Worktowardthatend 3. SometimesitsgoodtobreakthemoldIntermsoftonaldecisionsandchord structures,itisgoodtogetoutofthenormaldiatonic(tonesthatnaturally fallwithakey)structures.Thereisagreatdealofcontemporarymusicthat usesdominant7thchordstobreakintoabridge(seePaulBalochesHow GreatThouArt)oranaugmentedchordtoaddnewflavor(seeMatt RedmansLetMyWordsbeFew). 4. WelikePowerChordsPowerchordsarentactuallychordsatall.Theyare reallyjustarootandfifthsoundingmuchlikeanormalchordbuthaving thethirdtoneremoved. 5. RememberyourI,IV,V,andvichordsInvariably,90%ofchurchmusicuses these4chordstostructuretheirmusic.Ifyouknowtheseineachkey,youre wellonyourwaytobeingabletoplayavastmajorityofmusic.Itsimportant tonotethateachofthesechordshastheirmusicalfunction.Themore familiaryouarewiththeirrole,themoreyoullbecomeadeptatpredicting whereapieceofmusicisgoing.Additionally,themoreyouknowabout chordsandhowtheyfunction,themoreyouwillbeabletoadaptapieceof musictofityourcongregationsneeds.
HowaBandWorks
Anygoodpieceofmusiccouldbelikenedtobuildingahouse. TheFoundation Asanexperiment,trytakingthebassoutofyourEQonyourcarstereo.Your contemporarymusictendstonotsoundsocontemporarywhenyoudothis.Bass anddrumsprovidethefoundationofmodernmusic.Themorelockedinthesetwo arewithoneanother,thebetter Thegeneralruleisthateverytimeyourdrummerhitsthekickdrumyouwanta bassplayertoplayanote.Thebassplayermaybeplayingmorethansay,beats1 and3(likeadrummermightnormallyplayinatypical4/4song),butheshouldbe playingatleastthatmuch.Thisbass/drumcomboprovidethebasicsofrhythmical feel. ALoadBearingWall Withthefoundationfirmlyinplace,youregoingtoneedsometypeofmusic structure.Thusfar,allwetrulyhaveintermsoftonesaresinglenotesplayedinthe lowerregisterbythebassplayer.Whilethismightbefineforasingleverse,it certainlywillnotprovidethedynamicthatgoodmusicrequires.So,weneed somethingalongthelinesofapianoorguitartoprovidethemusicalstructurefor thesongsmelody.Thishastodowiththestructuringofchordsaswevediscussed
56
above.Simplicityinthisareacannotbeovervalued.Imagineahousewithtoomany wallsletyourmusiconlyusefunctionalwalls,anddontusethemfordecoration. Oftentimes,contemporarymusiciansmaystripchordsofcertaintonestomake themlessharsh.APowerchord,forinstance,issimplythe1stand5thtoneofthe keyachordstrippedofitsthirdtone. AestheticPieces Everyhousehasthem;abrassawning,vaultedceilingorsometypeofadditionto thestructureitselfthatbringsbeautytothehome,butissimplynotnecessary.Such musicalpieceswouldbeelectricguitars,violinsorcellos.Theseinstrumentsmay notbeplayingchords,butprovidedcountermelodiesorleadlineswhichadd interestandbeautytothemusic.Again,cautionisadvisedforthoseplayingmusic inthechurch;usesuchpiecestastefully,toservenotdistract.
StickwithIt
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Appendix
58
ServicePlanning Sheet
Date:_____________________________________ Passage:_________________________________ Theme: MusicTheme: Scripture: PossibleSongs: Special:
Musicians
OrderofService
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Understandingthebiblicalroleofaworshipleaderinthelocalchurchiscentralto thehealthofachurchbody.Whilethetaskofleadingpeopleinworshipisoutlined invaryingways,theimplementationandfunctionofthemodernworshipleader isntfoundanywhereintheNewTestament.Whatwedofindisthatpastorsor eldersaremandatedwiththejobofleadingthepeopleinworship.(2Chronicles7:6 describespriestsleadingDavidandIsraelinworship)Thistellsusthattheprimary functionofworshipleadersshouldbepastorsnotjustartists. Theroleofaworshipleaderinalocalchurchisfirstacalltoshepherdtheflock(1 Peter5:2)andsecondly,tobethecreativevoicebehindtheircollectivesong. Worshipleadersshouldbepastorswhohaveadeeploveforthepeopletheylead. So,notjustanyonewithaguitarcanleadworshipandnotjustanyonewithavoice shouldbecalledaworshipleader.Itisaspecificcallingandhasspecific qualifications.In1Timothy3:113andTitus1:516,wefindqualificationsfor pastorsandeldersoutlined.Ifwebelieveworshipleadersareprimarilypastors, thentheyareheldtothesamequalificationsaspastors.Webelievethatanyonewho leadsthechurchofGodlongtermshouldbequalifiedbiblicallytodoso.Healthy, Godhonoringchurchesmusthavequalifiedleadershipateverylevel.Hopefully,a lookatthesequalifications,particularlyforaworshippastor,willhelpusallgrow intomaturingandincreasinglyqualifiedleaders. Abovereproach(1Timothy3:2&Titus1:67) Thismeansaworshippastorshouldbespirituallymaturing.Thisqualificationisset apartfromhavingagoodreputationorbeingwellthoughtof.Beingabove reproachgoesdeeperthanpeoplelikinghim.Thematurityspokenofhereisalife andwalkthatisworthyofimitation.Aworshipleadermustmaintainaconsistent characterwiththosebothinsideandoutsidethechurch.Aworshippastormustsing inawaythatpeoplewanttoparticipate,leadinawaythatpeoplewanttoengagein, andliveinawaythatpeoplelovetofollowhim.Leadingworshipinvolvesallthree components. Husbandofonewife(1Timothy3:2&Titus1:6) Aworshipleadermustbeaonewomanman.Hemustmaintainintegrityin relationshipswiththeoppositesex,andgotogreatlengthstoprotecthimselffrom sin.Thismanmusthaveagodly,growing,andstrongmarriage.Hemustnotbe
42Articletakenfromhttp://www.worshipsource.com/mattb/blog/qualificationsworshippastor
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addictedtopornographyorhavewanderingeyes.Heisagreatlover,friend,and leaderforhiswifeandshehonorshiminpublicandinprivate.Hemustprovidefor herfinancially,andleadherspirituallyasatestimonyoftheGospel(1Tim5:8).Ifhe issingle,(andnotcalledtocelibacy)hemustbeworkingtowardmarriageby growingpersonally,spiritually,andemotionally. Sobermindedordisciplined(1Timothy3:2&Titus1:8) Manyworshipleadersarestereotypicallylabeledasoveremotional.Manytimes thisisnotthefact,butwhenitis,itshouldbeaddressed.Beingemotionallydrivenis notapersonalitytype,butanimmaturityandshouldberepentedofandfought. PastorsshouldbedrivenbytheTruth.Youcanbeloving,gentle,soft,andcaringbut notdrivenbyemotion.James1:6,describesitasbeinglikeawaveofthesea, drivenandtossedbythewind.Worshippastorsmustbestablemenwhostake theirlives,joy,andsoulonTruth.Themosteffectiveworshipleadersstirpeoples affectionsforGodthroughbeingrootedandgroundedinTruth. Respectable,wellthoughtofbyoutsiders,notanewconvert(1Timothy3:2,67) ThecoreissuehereisthereputationoftheGospel.Thisqualificationdrawsa connectionbetweenamansrespectabilityandhisspiritualmaturity.The assumptionisthatthelongerwewalkwithChrist,themorerespectablewegetand themorewerethoughtofbyothers.Thismeansaworshippastormustbe disciplinedtofosterrespectabilityamongthecommunity.Lettinghisyesbeyes andhisnobenoiscrucialtopeopletrustinghim.Doesthismandowhathesays hesgoingtodo?Isheontimewhenhessupposedtobesomewhere?Allofthese things,whiletheyseemsmalltous,fosterrespectamongthoseweministerto. Worshipleadersshouldnotbecharacterizedbyapersonaortheirstage charismabutbytheirspiritualmaturity. Hospitable(1Timothy3:2&Titus1:8) The1stcenturyideaofhospitalitywashostingforeignersornonbelievers.A worshippastoriscalledtobeanevangelist.Thistypeofevangelismshouldbe practicedonstageandoffstage.Onstage,isourmusicChristcentered?Dowesing correctlytoGod?Dowepresentthegospelregularlyinourservices?Andoffstage, doesheintentionallybefriendandinvestinnonChristians?Allpastorsshouldbe doingtheworkofanevangelistleadingpeopletoJesusthroughcorporateworship services,andthroughregularinteractionwiththelost. Abletoteach(1Timothy3:2&Titus1:9) Manyworshipleadersdonotfeelcomfortableteachingorspeaking.Whilethisis notarequirementtobeabletopreach,itisarequirementtoknowandbeableto 61
communicatetruth.Teachingpastorsteachthroughpreaching,andworshipleaders teachthroughsinging.Songschosenforcorporateworshipservicesteachdoctrine, theology,evenmethodology.Worshipleadersmustbeableteachersinthisregard sothatthesongsbeingsunginthechurchreflecttheconvictionsthechurchhas beenbuiltupon.Themandateforworshipleadersistoensurethesongsachurch singsarefaithfultotheScriptures.Worshipleadersbecomeavitalvoiceinthe theologicalunderstandingofachurch,andshouldtakethisresponsibilityvery seriously.Leadingworshipisasacredtrust,andmustbedoneundertheauthority oftheScriptures.Ifthereareanyquestionstothecontentornatureofasong,they shouldbedirectedtotheseniorpastorforhisapprovalandoversight.Aworship pastormustbeabletocorrectlyhandleandcommunicatethetruthofGod. Notadrunkard(1Timothy3:3&Titus1:7) Ourworshippastorsshouldnothaveunbattledaddictions.Thiscanbealcohol, drugs,pornography,orevenfameorthepraiseofmen.Wemustbedrivenbythe SpiritofGodandinfluencedprimarilybyHim.Anyaddictionsrobusofthis connectionandshouldbedealtwithbyconfessionandrepentance. Notviolentbutgentle,notquicktempered(1Timothy3:3&Titus1:7) Aworshipleader/pastorshouldnotseektogetinvolvedinarguments.Pastors teachandcorrect,butwedontfight(verbally,emotionallyorphysically)ifitcan beavoided.Pastorsshouldbeknownasmenofpeace.Ourrelationshipsandsocial leadershipshouldimitatethepeaceofChrist.Thispeacefulcountenanceshouldbe modeledbyworshippastorsfortheworshipteam,church,andcommunityforthem toimitateandfollow. Notarrogantorconceited(1Timothy3:6&Titus1:7) Biblicalworshipisrootedinhumility.Nomatterhowgiftedortalentedaworship leaderishemustnotbearrogantorconceited.Thedevillovesthissinandusesitto destroylives,ministriesandchurches.Amaturingworshipleaderhasatrack recordofwinningthisfight.Thattrackrecordisseeninhisgenuinehumility. Standinginfrontofpeopleeveryweek,singing,leadingandhelpingthemworship, canturnintoperformingandputtingonashowinasecond.Thepsalmistsays,In theprideofhisfacethewickeddoesnotseekhim;allhisthoughtsare,"Thereisno God."(Psalm10:4)Thepridefulmanisonewhodoesnotseekhimandhisheart refusesthepresenceofGod.Pridebeginswithusthinkingmorehighlyofourselves thanweought.Itistheenemyofworshipbecauseprideisaninaccurate assessmentofourownworth,agendaanddesires.Foraworshipleader,notonlyis thispersonalsin,butitmakeshimcorporatelyineffective.Genuineworshipand revelinginthepresenceofGodisnecessarytoleadpeopleinworshipandteach themtoalsorevelinthepresenceofGod. 62
Notaloverofmoney(1Timothy3:3&Titus1:7) Aworshippastordoesnotdohisjobprimarilyformoney.Heprovidesforhis familywell,buthisprimarymotivationishiscalling,nothispaycheck.Hedoesnt leadworshipandwritesongsforthesakeofmoney,buttoexpresshisloveand knowledgeofChrist.Themotivationofaworshipleadershouldbethegoodofthe peopleheiscalledtoserve,nothisowngain. Goodhusbandandfather(1Timothy3:45&Titus1:6) Thehomelifeofaworshippastoristhemostimportantpartofhisministry.The homeiswherechurchbegins.Ifyourenotleadingyourwifeandyourchildrenwell, youshouldnotbetryingtoleadthechurch.Theorganizationofthechurchisbuilt ontheorganizationofthehome.Thegreatcommandmentwasfirstgiventousto teachinourhomes,notourchurches.Deuteronomy6tellsusthatGodgavethe greatestcommandment(loveGodmost)tothehusbandsandfatherstoteachtheir wivesandchildren.Beforeyouthinkabout,prayfor,andplanforyourministryfor thechurch,dosoforyourfamily.Giveyourwifethegreatestlovestoryofalltime; giveyourchildrentheherotheydeserve.Theyareourprimaryflockandyouare theirprimarypastor.Dothatjobwell!Thehomeofaworshippastorshouldbeone worthyofadmirationandshouldstandasalivingtestimonytotheGospel. Loverofgood,uprightandholy(Titus1:8) Aworshippastorshouldbeamanofjoy.Ajoyfuldispositionandaninfectioushope inGodareessentialforsuccessfulandqualifiedleadership.Aworshippastorshould communicatethejoyandhopeofGodinsong,prayerandlife.Ourgoalinmeeting corporatelyistostironeanothertoloveandgooddeeds(Heb.10:24)andthe worshipleaderhastochampionthatcauseandbestirring.Heshouldcontinually begrowinginGodlinessandinhisownsanctification,ashealsocallsthechurchto doso. Conclusion TheroleofaworshippastorgoesmuchfurtherthanleadingsongsonSunday.The worshipleaderisaculturesetterandchampionforouraffectionstotheLord.He givesoursoulsthewordsweneedtosingtoGod.Fewpeoplehavetheopportunity toaffectpeopleinthewayworshippastorsdo.Ihaveanelderwhotellsmethathis favoritethingiswhenhecatcheshimselfonSundayeveningsingingthesongsthat wesangSundaymorning.Hejudgestheeffectivenessofourservicenotbyhowhe sangthen,buthowhesingslater.HisrecollectionbringshimclosetoGodallover again.Withoutaband,astage,ascreenoranypeople,heisagainbroughttothe throneofGodbythefaithfulserviceofaworshipleader.Whatagreatandprofound privilegeandresponsibility!Maythislistofqualificationsandexpositionbringgreat 63
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Mike Cosper is the Worship and Arts Pastor at Sojourn Community Church in Louisvilly, KY. Sojourn is a beautiful model of gospel-centered community, ministry, mission, and worship, and when I thought of talking with someone about worship and theology I immediately emailed Mike. He was kind enough to share some great thoughts with us. What place does theology have in corporate worship? Our worship services are necessarily theological. Its never a question of whether or not well do theology when we gather its a question of what kind of theology, or of what depth of theology we will do. The goal of a pastor of worship is to accurately and thoroughly give voice to the theology that shapes the life and practices of the church, and the goal of the gathering is to give language and expression to the core values an theology of the church. How explicit should our theology be in corporate worship? Our theology should be very clear. What we do when we gather shapes the ways our people think about life and faith, and we are either equipping them with meat and substance or with platitudes and sentimentalism. I like how Kevin Twit puts it: our gatherings should prepare people for their encounter with death. How does theology shape what you do at Sojourn gathered? We have a strong liturgical structure for our gatherings, and that flows from our theology of worship and our ecclesiology (theology of the church). A biblical theology of worship tells us that Christians have only one call to worship (the call of the Gospel) and only one worship leader, our singing savior, Jesus Christ. Biblical texts like the book of Hebrews and Revelation show us that our Savior is at the center of worship, leading us in praise to the Father, while the Father calls us to praise the Son. The
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Spirit of God inhabits our hearts, makes the Gospel call effective, and stirs us to respond in worship. Functionally, our gathering is shaped to remember the Gospel, remember the work of Christ, and celebrate him as the center and leader of our worship. For instance, we regularly try to remind the church that when they worship, they join the Son in glorifying the Father, they join the Father in glorifying the Son, and they join the Spirit in glorifying the Father and the Son. We also remind them that the worship leader on the platform isnt doing something priestly or sacramental, but is just another member of the body of Christ. Only Jesus can lead us to throne room, only Jesus can make Gods presence powerful and intimate, and only the Holy Spirit can stir hearts. Worship leaders (and congregations, for that matter) merely participate in the glory-sharing work of the Trinity. So we cultivate humility and simplicity in our attitudes towards worship. Ecclesiology is really important too. In the New Testament, we see the concept of worship as a time and place reality thoroughly deconstructed by Jesus (John 4), Paul (Romans 12), and the author of Hebrews. So one could be left with an understanding of worship that asks, why gather? Ive developed a little memory device that helps teach the way that the Bible explains worship. Its called Worship 1,2,3 Worship has ONE object the triune God, revealed in the scripture as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Worship has TWO contexts the broad context of all of life (unceasing, living-sacrifice worship) and the narrow context of the gathered church, who gathers to encourage and build one another up, offering a foretaste of what is to come when Christ returns an heaven and earth are joined together. (Jeremy Begbie calls this an echo of the future, which is one of the coolest phrases in all of Christendom.) Worship has THREE audiences Our Triune God is both the object of worship and one of its audiences, but the scriptures also tell us to pay attention to two other audiences the Gathered Church (Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 10:23-24), and the watching world (1 Corinthians 14:22-40). Can theology in worship be done poorly? How? One way I think about this question is to refer to the device above. If one confuses the object of worship with the audience of worship, or diminishes one context over another, or one audience over another, it gets confusing, weird, or worse.
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For instance, many worship leaders have encountered the eager, young theologian in their church who makes this statement: Since worship is to God alone, we should only sing songs that speak directly to Him. We should not sing songs that address people, since we arent worshipping people. Its a sweet sentiment, but it ignores the reality that our singing is for God and his church, and ignores the evidence from the Psalms that singing to people about God is clearly a welcome practice for Gods people. Some movements have so emphasized the presence of outsiders that there is no meat, no substance, to build up the body of Christ. Other movements within the church deemphasize the Gathered body of Christ, and deemphasize the worship of the local church as a direct or indirect result. I recently heard Alan Hirsch essentially argue against the church gathering to sing because he believed that the oddity of the church gathering to sing was a hindrance to mission. It will make outsiders feel awkward, as the whole gathering of the church tends to do. I think the Bible, and history for that matter, would argue that singing is a deeply human act. In our disaffected and dehumanized techno-culture, singing is something that rehumanizes us in the church, reconnects us to one another and to history. Hirsch and others need to address the plain reality that the Bible calls us to gather and SING. The lack of a communal singing culture in the West today is a sad fact, but isnt a reality that the church must embrace for the sake of mission. Go to a U2 or Springsteen concert and tell me people dont want to gather and sing anymore. Maybe we just arent giving them anything worth singing at our gatherings Which is a whole different issue altogether. Worship is certainly an all of life reality, but it is also a practice that we embrace as a foretaste of heaven, gathering with Christs church out of exile, and joining our voices in hopes of a glorious day that is yet to come. In a totally different stream of thought, I think many churches lack any real theology for worship. No one (including the leaders) know why the church is gathering or what their goal in gathering is. The service is only governed by a quest for a certain kind of emotional high, or a certain kind of mood. Our ecclesiology becomes a measuring stick by which we know the mission is accomplished in our gathering. Without any biblical, rooted ecclesiology, what is guiding us?
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What advice would you give church leaders who recognize the need for theology to impact and characterize their worship gatherings? One time, after a Sojourn service many years ago, Chip Stam (a prof at Southern Seminary and a brilliant mind on issues related to worship) gave me the most painful critique Ive ever received. Essentially, he told me that the music was great, and the service was well executed for what it was, but that apart from the sermon, the entire thing could have been held in a Synagogue or a Unitarian church, and no one would have been offended. In a similar vein, I heard C.J. Mahaney say that at Sovereign Grace, they want to make sure no one who attends can ever think that worship is possible without a mediator. I was crushed by Chips critique. Especially when I realized he was right. His comment spurred a journey that has led us to the liturgical model we practice now, where the Gospel is clearly proclaimed throughout the movements of the service. Liturgy isnt the only way to prevent that from happening, but I would want to challenge worship leaders to ask what their measuring stick is in their planning. What is a well-planned service? The Gospel needs to be proclaimed and celebrated in a way that prepares people for all of life suffering, death, joy, births, successes, and failures. Our understanding of the depths of the Gospel will have a direct impact on the way we proclaim it in our gatherings. As John Wesley once said, people wont leave a service quoting a sermon as often as theyll leave singing a song. Worship leaders need to be pastors and theologians so that they can skillfully teach through songs and services what the Gospel has to offer us in each facet of life, so that when suffering and hard times come, they have the words in their hearts and minds to cling to the cross.
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