Music In Worship
An Examination of the Contemporary Music in the churches of Christ
by
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Introduction:
At the time of this writing the churches of Christ as a whole are in huge disarray over the kind of music that may be used during the collective corporate worship services. May we clap? Are praise teams acceptable? May we have more than one song leader at a time? What about “bassing” the song on the microphone? Some are even bringing in mechanical instruments of music. This disarray has caused at least one division of our brotherhood. On the one side we have brethren who support a more “emotionally expressive” worship service and on the other we have brethren who support a lesser “emotionally expressive” worship service. Our division has become so sharp that we have developed an “us” and “them” mentality. Friends let us be reminded that we are one body in Christ, (I Cor. 12:12-13), and that we are to all be speaking the same things concerning the worship of the one God of heaven and earth. (I Cor. 1:10). However, this has not been the case in recent years. It is the purpose of this book to help us come to the unity of the word of God. I believe that any doctrinal difference can be resolved through study of the word of God and prayer. It is not the purpose of this book to prove who is right or who is wrong. It is our purpose to determine what God has, and has not said. Let us therefore lay aside our current religious convictions and study the words of the Lord concerning this matter with an open heart and mind.
Our Approach to the Study
An open mind and heart is required to study this subject in the church today. What we must do is lay aside our current religious convictions when we approach God. If what we hold as truth is actually true, then it will be confirmed by studying with an open heart. However if what we hold as truth is false, then an open mind will expose it. Exposure to a false teaching can only help us. It is better to learn that we have held to a view that is not true before the Lord returns. What a terrible thought to face God in judgment holding to a religious conviction that is actually a false doctrine. Yet, what a great joy to face the Lord knowing that we have done our utmost to understand what is His will.
As mentioned in the introduction, there are currently two popular views or approaches to worship in the churches of Christ at the time of this writing. Again, these views are that worship should be “more emotionally expressive” in contrast to “less emotionally expressive”. In the interest of fairness our study will refrain (as much as possible) from “labeling” or “belittling” either position. It is a common practice for those who are more emotionally expressive in worship to reference those who are less emotionally expressive with such words as “dead”, “no spirit”, “traditional”, “old fashioned” and the like. It is also common for those who are less emotionally expressive in worship to label those who are more emotionally expressive with such words as “change agents”, “Disneyland worshippers”, “entertainers”, “false teachers”, “heretics” and “liberals”. Labeling and name calling is not our purpose. It solves nothing and helps nothing. We are brethren! We must respect one another and study with one another in humility. For the purpose of the study I have referenced those who will have a more “exciting” worship service as “more emotionally expressive”, and those who will have a relatively less “exciting” worship service as “lesser emotionally expressive”. But that is only for identification purposes, and not to belittle any particular view.
I have spent many years in study and prayer with brethren. These years have taught me that most of our brethren are honest and sincere in what they believe. I do not believe that many of our brethren are “heretics” or “bad people”. It is clear that we have our differences because we have not properly studied these subjects. Let’s do that now! Presented within this study is evidence from scripture. Let the evidence that is accurate and true determine what God has said. Be ready to hold on to those things tested and found to be true. But be ready to release those things tested and found to be false. The person who does this will find the truth God wants them to understand concerning this subject of music in worship.
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About the Book
Beginning from the garden of Eden, all the way through the early church of Christ, study and examine the Liturgy of worship as designed by God. Written without the "we are right" and "you are wrong" mentality, this study gives the reader an opportunity to learn what God has said without being condemned or judged for their religious conclusions. It is the effort of this treaty to bring unity to a divided brotherhood in the churches of Christ, by presenting honestly the things God has said over these very controversial subjects. What does God really say about handclapping, lifting holy hands, praise teams and multiple song leaders, and vocal bands? Are these really a matter of choice, or are they forbidden by the Lord? This book examines these and many other concerns in great detail.
About the Author
K.D. Olison Sr is known best for his boldness in the pulpit and for holding fast to the doctrine of Christ by standing against anyone who teaches false doctrine whether in the Church of Christ or not. He says “they’re either gonna love me or hate me but their gonna respect me.” Although Kennon is a product of the Church of Christ, he received his formal education at the Southern California School of evangelism in Buena Park California, and at the Theological University of America. He holds a B.A. in Biblical Studies. He served as a youth minister for many years, before becoming a pulpit minister in 1992. He has been preaching the gospel faithfully for over 25yrs. He has written for several publications, newspapers, and online journals throughout the years. Kennon has enjoyed going from one side of our country to the other preaching at lectureships, gospel meetings and revival meetings. Today he spends his time deeply researching the scriptures to find biblical answers to the most pertinent questions facing the church of Christ today. Kennon and his wife Wonda were blessed with four children. Together they have walked down the center isle of the church for many years after every sermon he’s preached. He has always admonished his members to “keep the faith till the last amen!” A slogan and lifestyle he learned from the very accomplished Greyland Freeman. Brother Olison currently ministers to the North Tenneha church of Christ in Tyler Texas.