A Response to “Pagan Christianity?”
3.8 Chapter 7 Review – Ministers of Music: Clergy Set to Music
Viola and Barna next consider the practice that is common in modern churches wherein congregational singing is led by an individual or a group who select the songs. They admit that there is nothing wrong with this practice if everyone in the church consents. However, they critique this practice in light of their idiosyncratic understanding of the headship of Christ, which we have already considered. They believe relying on worship leaders limits the headship of Christ, “specifically His ministry of leading His brethren into singing praise songs to His Father.” I see nothing at all in Scripture to think the headship of Christ should work in this way. If it were the case that Christ had promised to supernaturally guide the worship of the church through spontaneous promptings of individual believers, Scripture would say so plainly! But, in truth, having worship songs selected prior to the service by no means denies the headship of Christ, understood in the Biblical sense.
I have written before that I believe singing as a church is a means God has ordained for each member of his church to minister to one another (Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19). This is not in any way hindered by using pre-selected songs. When we sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to one another, we proclaim, affirm and celebrate the truths of Scripture together, as a body. This is a great blessing. The value of this activity would not be increased in any way by the songs being offered spontaneously by any member of the congregation. Indeed, doing it that way would badly limit congregational participation in the singing, especially if few others had memorised the words and could join in.
It seems to be a basic assumption on the part of Viola and Barna that greater spiritual value is to be found in things that are spontaneous and “organic”, as opposed to what is ordered and prepared. I see no reason to believe this. On the contrary, that which is spontaneous is much more likely to originate in the fleeting impulses of the sinful human heart than any deep spiritual truth. Rather, those things we do and say that have most spiritual value are those that have been considered, meditated upon, prayed over, and carefully prepared: things that stand up to long and hard evaluation in light of Scripture. This is how God usually works through his people; not through flashes of immediate inspiration, but through ordinary Spirit-directed contemplation of truth. For this reason, I think it is wise to use carefully selected hymns, chosen for doctrinal rigour and spiritual insight. With those qualifications in place, I would have no objection if congregations were invited to have more participation in the selection of songs than they usually have, but I do not think that is necessary. I would even welcome the use of newly composed songs from those in the congregation, if any had such gifts. These things could easily fit within an orderly, liturgical worship service, as long as preparation was made beforehand so as not to interrupt the service.
Next Section: 3.9 Chapter 8 Review – Tithing and Clergy Salaries: Sore Spots on the Wallet
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