Introduction: Building on the Foundation
In Part One of this series, I laid out a vision for elevating music ministry in the C.M.E. Church. Under the wise and astute leadership of our illustrious College of Bishops, we have been challenged and charged to commit to self-improvement. Music is such an integral part of the life of the Church that it makes good common sense to explore its fuller possibilities toward this end.
To recap, I proposed:
- Spinning off the music department from the lay department
- Appointing/election a Chorister/General Secretary of Music & Arts
- Creating a ten-member cabinet appointed by the bishops
Now, in Part Two, I want to focus on two specific areas:
- How music can increase evangelism opportunities
- How music can help stem the tide of violence among our youth
These are not abstract concerns. They are urgent, life-and-death matters that demand our attention and action.
1. Music as an Evangelism Tool
Let me say something that may discomfort some preachers and teachers — but it is true nonetheless.
Often, after people visit a church, it is the song service they remember most.
The overall experience is deeply colored by the effectiveness of the music. This is not to diminish the sermon or other elements. It simply acknowledges that music leaves a lasting impression in ways that words alone cannot.
Think about your own life. Many of you learned your first concepts about God through a song. Many of you have invited others to church with words like, “You ought to come to my church — our choir is banging!”
Good music gets them there. Good preaching and ministry keep them there.
A Story That Proves the Point
I want to share a story — used with permission — that illustrates this beautifully.
There is a woman who grew up in rural Florida. She was raised in a Christian home where only gospel music (quartets) was allowed. Later, she moved to a major metropolitan area and married a Muslim man. In that household, gospel music was forbidden.
After her divorce, she decided to return to church. And here’s what she did: she used music as her first filter.
She visited churches until she found one with a music program that moved her. Only then did she evaluate the preacher, the ministries, and the friendliness of the people. Today, she is a contented and conspicuous member of a church she can boast about.
The lesson is clear: good music gets them there. Good preaching and ministry keep them there.
2. Music and Our Youth: A Matter of Life and Death
Now let’s talk about something even more urgent: our youth.
Our young people today listen to a vast array of musical styles. Like it or not, the church is in competition for their attention. They listen to music that is upbeat, well-produced, and often designed more for entertainment than for inspiration.
When I was growing up, there was nothing to do on Sunday but go to church. You didn’t decide whether to attend until you were an adult. Today, youth have endless options:
- The mall
- Video games
- Hanging out on the streets
- Movies
- MTV and 106 & Park
- Surfing the Internet and creating their own mixtapes
So use your imagination. What must they think when they come to church and are forced to sit quietly through a milquetoast, lackluster service — where people are singing the same old songs they sang twenty years ago, but without the vim and vigor they once had?
I think you get the picture.
The Crisis Beneath the Surface
Now try this on for size.
Those young Black youth in our churches are going to face harsh times — economically, socially, and emotionally. And here’s the tragedy: most school districts have either truncated or totally eliminated music and arts programs due to funding issues.
The relief that music and arts once provided is no longer available to them.
It is a proven fact that youth who are stressed and left in hopeless situations often respond by cannibalizing their own neighborhoods — preying on the weakest and most vulnerable: women and the elderly.
This is not hyperbole. This is reality.
What the Church Must Do
The church must do more than just survive and raise conference claims. It must learn to thrive.
One way to do that is to make music and the arts more accessible to our youth. This could include:
- Fundraising
- Grant writing
- Partnerships with community organizations
- After-school music programs
- Mentorship and apprenticeship opportunities
While no one can guarantee this as a cure-all, this kind of effort can also be an effective evangelism tool. From personal experience, I know that if you get the youth interested in coming to church, it won’t be long before they bring their friends — and their parents.
Is there any pastor who would complain about extra evangelistic opportunities?
Getting our youth into music and arts is in our own best interest — and it is a matter of spiritual and social responsibility.
3. Hymns: Our Anchor in the Storm
Now, let me address a concern that may be on some of your minds.
While contemporary gospel radio offers excellent music, it doesn’t always meet the needs of the average churchgoer. In times of crisis, people reach back for a hymn.
Don’t misunderstand me. There’s nothing wrong with contemporary gospel songs. But when trouble comes — when a loved one dies, when a marriage falls apart, when a diagnosis arrives — people don’t usually reach for radio hits. They reach for hymns: Amazing Grace. It Is Well. Great Is Thy Faithfulness.
These songs carry the weight of generations. They are theology you can sing.
The New C.M.E. Hymnal: A Gift We Must Use
The hymns represent some of the loveliest and most meaningful songs ever written. But unless they are made to live by the singer, they are nothing more than words on a page.
The College of Bishops has wisely decreed the creation of a true C.M.E. Hymnal. Bishop Lawrence Reddick and the impressive group assembled under his capable leadership have met the challenge. This is a gift.
But a hymnal is useless if it sits on a shelf. We need a General Secretary who can work with the College of Bishops to ensure the prolific usage of the new hymnal when it is released.
This is not just about publishing a book. It is about teaching our congregations to sing — not just read — the songs of our faith.
4. Why the Music Department Must Be Separate
I want to revisit a point I made in Part One because it is critical.
Appointing a Chorister/General Secretary of Music & Arts would necessitate separating the music department from the auspices of the lay department.
Believe me, I haven’t lost my head, and I am not daydreaming. “Iron sharpeneth iron” (Proverbs 27:17).
Many lay leaders — unless they are also musicians — haven’t the faintest idea of the needs and temperaments of the average musician. That is not a criticism; it is simply a reality. Musicians think differently, feel differently, and create differently. When given proper respect and nurture, they are quite willing to handle their responsibilities.
This can be immensely helpful to the pastor-in-charge.
A Glimpse of Glory
Sometimes, the musician can help usher in a 2 Chronicles 5 experience:
“It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.”
— 2 Chronicles 5:13–14 (KJV)
I believe we are in the throes of a time when musicians will minister and usher in the very presence of the Living God. People will be healed in the parking lots as they approach the place of worship.
God has promised to restore the Tabernacle of David (Amos 9:11).
5. The Tabernacle of David: A Theology of Praise
To understand this, consider the difference between the Tabernacle of Moses and the Tabernacle of David.
The Tabernacle of Moses:
- Worship was limited to animal sacrifice, prayer, intercession, and symbolic actions
- Only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies — and only once a year
- It was a solemn place of reverence
- It was for Jews only
The Tabernacle of David:
- David instituted a new form of sacrifice: continual praise and worship
- Worship was joyful, exuberant, and emotional
- Many singers, musicians, and instruments ministered loudly and demonstratively
- It was a “New Covenant” type of worship with free access to the throne of God
- It was open to Jews and Gentiles alike
This change is coming — whether we agree with it, understand it, or not.
It is better to be prepared for this change than to be swept aside due to unreadiness.
Conclusion: Moving from Good to Great
The General Secretary of Music and Arts could be the key to transitioning us into this move of God. This is one way — a practical, actionable, and faithful way — to help move our church from good to greatness.
We have the history. We have the heritage. We have the talent. We have the hymns.
Now we need the vision — and the will — to put it all together for the glory of God and the future of His Church.
Let’s move from good to greatness. Together.
What role does music play in your church’s evangelism and youth outreach? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.