What Is Worship Music?

by Paul S. Jones

Publisher:

P&R

, 2010

Overview

Too much of the debate surrounding different worship styles center on personal music preferences. Paul Jones, respected author on church musicianship and worship, takes one step further back and asks the question, “What is the music for?” Looking at biblical and historical sources, he builds a structure to help us all understand where we should be directing our energies and attention—and how to increase the value of our worshipful singing.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Based on biblical evidence, music properly fulfills three roles in the context of worship: praise, prayer, and proclamation. Praise is the lauding of God for his acts and attributes, acknowledging his supremacy in all things. Prayer is communication addressed to God. Proclamation encompasses any activity that proclaims the Word of God—quotation, explanation, teaching, and preaching. Praise, prayer, and proclamation are the roles of psalmody and hymnody, of vocal music and instrumental music.” (Page 7)

“And when worship music is properly fulfilling these roles according to biblical principles, discord dissipates, unity increases, and the Spirit utilizes music for its highest purpose, for man’s chief purpose—to glorify the triune God.” (Page 7)

“Currently, it seems, each assembly does what is right in its own eyes. Our relativistic, pluralistic society embraces everything, and the church follows closely on its heels. Often we are too inclusive, sometimes too exclusive.” (Page 5)

“Our goals are the glory of God and the edification of the church” (Page 7)

“We need to be following biblical principles for worship music, not the world, youth culture, or ideas based on mistaken notions of success.” (Page 6)

Product Details

• Title: What Is Worship Music?
• Author: Paul S. Jones
• Series: Basics of the Faith
• Publisher: P&R
• Print Publication Date: 2010
• Logos Release Date: 2014
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Music › Religious aspects--Christianity; Church music; Music in churches
• ISBNs: 9781596381988, 1596381981
• Resource ID: LLS:WHTSWRSHPMSC
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T03:48:30Z

About Paul S. Jones

Paul S. Jones (DM, Indiana University) is organist and music director at historic Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia. He has composed or arranged more than 70 sacred works.