Curious Christian

Reflections on culture, nature, and spirituality from a Christian perspective

Is musical worship over-rated?

Published by

Matt Stone

2005-10-29

I came across some interesting statistics on the Barna site:

More than four out of five pastors (84%) said music is very important to facilitate effective worship. However, barely half of the congregants (55%) agreed. (2002)

In assessing the ranking of the ten worship elements studied, pastors rated music second only to prayer, and tied with the sermon, in importance. Congregants, however, rated music in a tie for fifth place, following prayer, the sermon, communion, and a time for reflection. (2002)

Do you think the general congregation may be more in tune with the scriptures than their pastors on this one?

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2 responses to “Is musical worship over-rated?”

Matt Glover

2005-10-31

It would have to depend on the gathering I guess. I am a non-musical type pastor. That is, I can’t read a note of music, can’t play any instrument, can’t sing and generally get a bit bored by badly played stuff that happens in church. So, my worship tends to be more diverse. the music still happens when the musical types put their hands up to do something. But we have plenty of gatherings with no music at all. Communion and baptism are our biggest celebrations.
I think it may well be a case of ego that drives some pastors to go for the big music thing. After all, that is what seems to be ‘successful’ numbers wise. And if I can get the music right they will come….
I actually had a pastor say that to me once.

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Matt Stone

2005-10-31

For the record, I make these comments as a muso. I have played guitar in worship services and have also run sound desks for church bands. Outside of church I have performed in a musical society and I am currently learning tribal drumming. So I have no qualms with music per se.
Nevertheless I find the contemporary emphasis on musical worship to be way out of balance.
Using it as a form of church marketing may attract some, at least those who identify with the limited musical genres on occur, but I see it encouraging a performance consumption mentality that I find disturbing for what are supposed to be spiritual gatherings. I also wonder about the sidelining of the ancient tradition of communion in the process.
I appreciate that some pastors at least are willing to explore non-musical styles of worship.

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