Musical Instruments in Church

With so much discussion surrounding music in worship, but not being very musical myself, I began to do some research into music during worship. I have found lots of available information online about what lyrics are appropriate for services, but not much about the music itself and the instruments. My favorite criteria for lyrics in worship songs is the praise song cruncher from Table Talk Radio (which happens to be my favorite Lutheran game show radio program).

The Bible never demands nor forbids particular musical instruments for use in church, so it is a matter of Christian freedom. During biblical times, songs of the church were either sung without musical instruments or with various instruments of all types, just as would be used in modern bands or orchestras. In fact, the Bible mentions many types of musical instruments being played for religious purposes. There were strings, such as lutes, lyres, and harps; woodwinds, such as flutes and pipes; brass, such as bugles and trumpets; and percussion instruments such as tambourines, castanets (wood clappers), and cymbals (2 Samuel 6:5, Psalm 150:1-6, 1 Corinthians 14:7-8). David even invented new musical instruments (Amos 6:5).

The Christian church also has a long tradition of organ music (thought to be introduced into the church in the 7^th century). Organs were originally made in ancient Roman times and used for sporting events such as gladiator fights (on a side note, organ music is still associated with sporting events today, such as baseball and hockey). The organ was adopted by the Christian church because of its unique ability to simultaneously play notes below the vocal range to provide a base, or musical foundation; in the vocal range for support, or melody; and above the vocal range for brightness. The organ was considered an ideal single instrument that a musician could play to accompany human singing, making it work well in a worship service.

The Bible also does not specify what tunes can be used in a worship setting, but the Christian church has traditionally had some criteria based on Biblical principles. Since the point of the songs sung in church is to proclaim the Gospel, the music should support the words and not dominate or overpower them. For example, the tune should not have excessively heavy, loud beats like club music, which can cause a visceral or even carnal emotional response, because it would prevent the brain from actually processing the truth of the text.  How difficult would it be to study and concentrate in a dance club? Secondly, the tune should not be so associated with the secular that it is a hindrance to the hearer because of its association. For example we should not use a tune from a well-known pop song with an immoral message, out of love for our neighbor, because it could cause them to stumble, even though there is nothing inherently wrong with the tune itself. Other qualities of tunes, such as tempo (slow or fast), or peppy versus morose tunes, can be used at will based on personal preference, or seasonal theme.  For example, on festival days, or at the end of service a more upbeat songs could be used to help gladden the heart. What a wonderful gift God has given us in music!