Music Matters

I recently had a conversation with a pastor friend of mine whom I respect and often go to for advice about life and ministry, but in regard to this particular issue, we did not see eye to eye.  We were talking about music, which has become a source of tension in many churches that are trying to move from a primarily traditional approach to a more blended or even contemporary philosophy.

Our debate centered around whether or not music plays a role in attracting people to church, and if it’s a factor in keeping them once they have made it in the doors.  He said no on both aspects–I said yes on both aspects.

Here’s a few reasons why I say yes:

• If our philosophy is to reach unchurched people, which it should be, many of them have been influenced by pop culture through several entertainment mediums.  Almost every one of those mediums, if not all of them, use music as a part of their marketing strategies to draw people to their products.  Think about it–tv commercials, tv shows, movies, retail stores, restaraunts, sporting events, etc.
• The only reason some people consider attending church is because of musical events such as children’s programs, concerts, and Christmas and Easter productions.
• A lot of people enjoy and appreciate quality music.  Some would even say that poor music in a church service is a “deal breaker” for them.  The fact that you may think that’s the wrong attitude for them to take is irrelevant.  People are entitled to their opinions.
• Music is an avenue for people to get involved.  As shallow as it sounds, some people may attend a church because of the opportunity they are given to use their talents in the area of music.  Before you become judgmental, remember, the more exposure they have to God’s Word, the greater the opportunity for life change.
• Music speaks to people in a way that no other element of a service does.

As Madonna says, “Music…makes the people…come together.”  What she didn’t know when she wrote that song is that unfortunately it can also keep people from coming to church, or keep them from coming back if they do make it in the doors.