First United Methodist Church
Music Ministries
Music.... sweet, music....
Music has been at the heart of creation from the beginning of time: it is the response of God’s creatures to His goodness. When God laid the foundations of the earth, “all the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy” (Job 38:7). a.
Did you know that there are well over 800 references to music and its use in the Bible? There was music on the shores of the Red Sea, in the courts of the kings, at the dedication of the temple, in the upper room, in a jail, and the list goes on and on. b.
At the end of days, at the wedding feast of the Lamb, the great multitude will sing “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns!” (Revelation 19:6). a.
So, there was singing in the beginning, there is singing throughout history and the present, and there will be singing at the end and throughout eternity. Do you think it is important to God?
What is the purpose of music in church?
1. Our songs praise and exalt God.
Praise is not about what we want, need, desire or prefer. It is about God.
Singing praise to God is not optional. Throughout the Scriptures, It is commanded to all. c.
2. Our songs pass the faith (doctrines and terminology) along to the young.
Hymns tell about God and the doctrines of the faith.
3. Our songs edify the body.
Our songs remind us of His grace. They warn of sin or danger and urge proper action in our Christian lives. They encourage us to live for Him. As we sing those melodies that stick with us, the Truth in the songs help us as we go about our business of the day. d.
4. Our songs speak to our hearts and invoke a response to God‘s initiative.
As we sing of God’s character and His works, we should give him thanks and praise, and realize Who He is and who we are in Him.
Why sing different types of music in church?
Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father. Ephesians 5:19-20
Psalms are songs whose text comes directly out of the Bible.
Hymns are usually about God, His character, His works and doctrines of the faith
Spiritual songs, or worship songs, are usually sung directly to God.
God has instructed us to sing each of these types of songs. Each has a purpose and a place in our worship services.
Music in the church is NOT…….
1. A ritual: Too often congregations sing songs without even thinking about the words or the messages.
2. A spectator/performer activity: God wants to hear all His children sing praises to Him.
3. An exaltation of talent: The New Testament emphasizes the singing of the believer, not the performance of an artist.
4. Entertainment: Worship music has an audience of One.
When we sing songs on Sunday Morning, we are one church, with one voice, singing one text with one purpose and one statement: “You are God, we are not.”
This is worship –
people tend to make worship more complex, but it is simply when we say that we
cannot make it without God.
e.
Serve the Lord with gladness:
come before his presence with singing.
Psalm 100:2
Resources used
a. God's expectations for Music by Reason Music
b. Purpose of Music in the Church by Paul Foltz
c. Philosophy of Music Ministry by Rev. Larry D. Ellis
d. Music in the New Testament Church by David Reagan
e. What is the Purpose of Music in the Church? by Jonathan Coleman
For more information about the Music Programs at Houston First United Methodist Church, please click on the links below.
If you would like additional information you may email
Melissa Moore, Minister of Music