| Musical Mediocrity
Do you allow it?
By Dr. Don G. Scovill - Ambassador Baptist College
It is my observation that there is a great deal of apathy, indifference,
carelessness and lack of preparation associated with the musical
ministries of many Baptist churches of “like faith and practice”.
I’m referring to the practice of allowing wrong notes in
public performance, failing to get the first words expressed clearly
at the beginning of a phase; dropping out of a part during a trio
or quartet number; accompanists or accessory musicians playing
notes which in no way reflect the harmonic structure of the moment;
and the inability to sing one’s part correctly. There are
many more evil practices which I could mention. Since one’s
music should reflect the person of Christ it would seem to me
that the preparation and performance (ministering) of it would
require the very best from those involved.
A casual reading of I & II Chronicles and other passages will
reveal the detail in which the music ministry of the Jews was
designed and directed by God. For example, in I Chronicles 15:16
we read, “And David spake to the chief of the Levites to
appoint their brethren to be the singers, with instruments of
music, psalteries and harps and cymbal, sounding, by lifting up
the voice with joy...”. Not just anyone should be ministering
in music in the services. The musicians should be qualified and
appointed by the Pastor or music director.
Those ministering in music need to be instructed and rehearsed.
Notice in I Chronicles 16:41 that “Chenaniah, chief of the
Levites, was for song.” He “instructed about the song.”
In I Chronicles 25:2, I read that “the son’s of Asaph
(were) under the hands of Asaph.” In II Chronicles 23:13...
“and such as taught to sing praise” occurs. It is
no wonder that these trained musicians were able to glorify God
in such a noble manner.
Preparation and skillfulness are needed by those ministering in
music. This implies the necessity of practice. I Chronicles 15:22
reminds us that “Chenaniah... was skilful.” I Chronicles
15:7 states thusly: “so the number of them, with their brethren
that were instructed in the songs of the Lord, even that were
cunning.” II Chronicles 34:12 speaks specifically of “other
of the Levites, all that could skill of instruments of music.”
Disciplined preparation produces skill in music.
Pastors and music directors need to “approve things which
are excellent” with respect to the musical ministry of the
local church. Selecting someone to lead singing without any knowledge
or training is a negative reflection of the ministry. The “nice
guy” attitude with respect to untrained and unknowledgeable
choir directors is unthinkable but often practiced. Qualified
musicians nurturing and instructing the church musicians is biblical.
Rehearsing and practice are required activity. “Talking
thru” the choir number immediately prior to the service
without practice is not proper preparation.
We serve the risen, glorified, holy and worthy Son of God. Sloppiness,
carelessness, apathy, indifference and all other characteristics
of laziness and carnality must be abandoned. Our music must reflect
Him!
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