Church Music: Theology & Practice

Christians have agreed that music is essential to worship, following upon the injunction from Paul in the letter to the Ephesians that they should be filled with the Holy Spirit "addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs." (Eph 5:19, ESV) Paul states that addressing one another in hymns, psalms and spiritual songs is a fundamental part of our ethic as a Christian community. But in Western culture, communal singing cannot be taken for granted: it must be cultivated. To follow the injunction of Paul, churches must be singing culture-makers. Recent studies on singing have that confirmed Paul's ethic has tangible effects on the Christian community. Singing not only brings physical health benefits such as stress relief, it also aids social integration and relational development. This class is two-part. The theological role of music in worship will be introduced through a historical survey that focuses on song styles and forms. Practical skills in choosing, introducing, and supporting congregational singing will be gained through communal singing in class, lectures on basic musicianship, and presentations that examine available resources. Current approaches to congregational singing will be examined from a historical and theological position, including "traditional" and "contemporary" styles (and we will learn why those terms are inadequate, at the very least). Special attention will be given to historical and contemporary Anglican liturgy and music.