Like it or not, songwriters are teachers as well. Many of the lyrics they write will be far more deeply and permanently ingrained in the minds of Christians than anything pastors teach from the pulpit. How many songwriters are skilled enough in theology and Scripture to qualify for such a vital role in the catechesis of our people?
John MacArthur
“Stolen” from Ralph Petersen
I would cross out the word, "anything" and replace it with the words,"perhaps some things". Yes, music is powerful, and we need to teach this, to know how to tell bad music from good music, ( theologically, spiritually speaking). But, it is not as powerful as Bible truth taught from the pulpit, backed up by the Holy Ghost giving unction to the preacher and witness to the Word being preached. I would say good music in church should give witness to the Word. Our churches need men to preach truth and also watch for any worldly music that tries to sneak in.
ReplyDeleteKathryn
Kathryn,
ReplyDeleteI have to disagree, in that the quote says "many" of the lyrics -- meaning not all. And the lyrics of music stick to people's minds better than anything that hasn't been intentionally memorized. I can still remember lyrics from commercials I haven't seen for 40 years!
While people may remember specific teachings, they won't remember the words to the sermons, most people might remember store or subject matter in the Bible but they don't have them memorized. Songs are unintentionally memorized, and that is why makes the bad ones so pernicious.
Love the quote!
ReplyDeleteBy extension, worship leaders are also teachers!
Drives me crazy that many churches choose music ministers based on their musical ability rather than spiritual maturity. Just because a song is done by Hillsong doesn't make it a good worship song (actually rarely, if ever, but that's another conversation ;-)
Just found your blog, and I've bookmarked it...
Blessings,
Mike
HI Mike,
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting, and thanks for your comment! I agree with you. The church we left a bit over a year ago, after 13 years, did that very thing -- brought in a guy for his musical ability but who had virtually no biblical training and certainly had no spiritual maturity.
Appreciate this post.
ReplyDelete-Carolyn