Preaching and Music

In these days of December I find myself once again amazed at the power of music.  The Santa songs may tickle our ears, but the spiritual songs of the season have a powerful way of stirring our hearts.  Years ago I might have said that I had sat through two Christmas musical programs of the church, but this time around it is more like I have been blessed by two musical programs which have lifted up the Christ and His work in our hearts.  As a pastor for some forty years, I learned that the first person to be hired on the church staff is the one who directs the music ministry of the church.   

I am one who has always believed in the power of preaching.  Strong persuasive preaching is the foundational ministry of the church.  I say this not because I am am a preacher, but because of the way it provides spiritual leadership in the present and spiritual direction for its future.  No preacher should think what happens from the pulpit on Sunday morning is of little consequence.  It matters.  It is also true that music in the church matters.  Preaching takes a circuitous route to the heart as it goes through the head to the heart.  Music has a way of going straight to the heart.  It has the ability to touch us quickly at a deep emotional level.   

I heard a preacher say not too long ago that no one leaves saying the words of his sermon, but that he often hears people leaving humming or singing the songs of worship.  Good preaching and good music are two hands which when working together can be used by the Spirit to transform the lives of those who gather for worship.  The Scripture is filled with the words of those who speak "Thus says the Lord..." and it is also filled with the songs of the people of God.  Both bring God's blessing to us in their own unique way.