Response:
I do not believe that all Independent Baptist Churches hold to this
position, but I understand where the position comes from.
First of all, may I say that there is nothing inherently sinful
about
drums or guitars. I have been in church services where drums were
used
as a part of church orchestras or bands (in the traditional sense
of the
word), and I had no problem with it. I have been in services where
singers accompanied themselves on guitars, and there was nothing
wrong
with it. The problem is not with the instrument itself, but with
the
way it may be used.
Unfortunately, most of the time when you see electric guitars in a
church, or when there is a drum set on the platform, the music that
is
going to be performed is not appropriate or Christ-honoring. Many
others have written extensively on the subject of music, and I will
not
take the time to rehash all those arguments. An excellent
collection of
articles can be found at: "Way of Life Literature; END TIMES APOSTASY ONLINE DATABASE; MUSIC".
Suffice it to say, the rock style of music is inappropriate for the
worship and praise of God. Therefore, I would not allow "rock"
(backbeats, breakbeats, etc,.) music in my church. Many other
Independent, Fundamental Baptists believe the same way, and
therefore
they avoid the issue altogether by banning drums and guitars. I
personally would not ban them, but I do keep a tight rein on the
style
of music that is used in the church.
I agree that it is right to use your musical talents for the Lord
and
His music. However, as a musician and one who has studied music, I
know
that not all "Christian" music is the Lord's music. God desires
"Psalms, Hymns, Spiritual songs (Eph 5:19), and he commands us to
"love
not the world, neither the things that are in the world" (I John
2:15).
Since the rock style of music is by nature anti-God and pro-sex
(the
very term "rock and roll" refers to the sex act), it is not an
appropriate medium for the worship of the Lord. Just because a
person
has talent, and because they want to perform so-called "Christian"
music, does not mean that it is spiritually acceptable. The pastor
of a
church has the responsibility first of all to please the Lord, even
if
it means offending musicians in the church.
Thanks for writing. May the Lord bless you.
|
By Dr Mark Montgomery
Ambassador Baptist Church
1926 Babcock Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15209
(412)477-3210
|