Church Music, Community, and Faith Formation

Abstract

Has there ever been a time in history when the status of music in worship was as high as it is now? From the early church to the present, the Word and the Lord’s Supper have formed an important framework for worship. This is an emphasis that transcends denominations and is found in any liturgy. However, after the praise and worship movement evolved in the 1960s, music in worship came to occupy an important place no less than that of the Word and the Lord’s Supper. Regardless of the denomination’s theology and liturgical traditions, it is no exaggeration to say that the first half of the service is dominated by the band-leading praise and worship style music. Believers of this age are looking for a church that longs for good quality of preaching, but at the same time, they are searching for a church that provides good worship music. While music ministries are in the spotlight, pastors and leaders have a fundamental question: Is church music necessary in worship? Would not the negative function of music be greater than the positive one in this era? What hymns will churchgoers sing in worship? What kind of music is suitable for worship? Why are church hymns important? Humans are created as homo musicus beings who love and use music. It expresses a person’s inner feelings and emotions and it shapes as well a person’s character and thoughts. Not only does the melody of music stimulate people’s nerves and bring about psychological changes, but the lyrics woven into the music also convey thoughts that become ingrained knowledge in the mind. Above all, music contributes to the togetherness of the community, its formation, identity, and transmission of its traditions. This study, due to space limitations, does not delve into the diverse views of theologians regarding church music or the historical controversies surrounding it. From a liturgical theological point of view, I will discuss why church music is important, which church music could be used, how church music forms personal faith identity, and how it affects community faith formation will be analysed. In the end, this article will demonstrate that the music people sing shapes the character of their faith.