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The New Testament is less specific in its musical mandates. References include (1) Mary's song of joy at the news of her pregnancy (Luke 1:46-55); (2) the song of Zacharias (Luke 1:68-79); (3) the song of Simeon (Luke 2:29-32); (4) the song of the angels at the birth of Christ (Luke 2:14); (5) Jesus' reference to music at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:30, Mark 14-26); (6) references to music in Paul's letters (Romans 15:9-11; I Corinthians 14:15, 26; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16); and (7) numerous references to music in Revelation (5:9-14; 15:3-4; 18:22). While the Bible offers few specific guidelines regarding music, it does provide helpful models.

2) What role has music played in both church history and music history?

A careful analysis of church music history particularly as related to significant turning points informs a philosophy of church music. A thorough study of historical events that includes the roles of the major reformers (Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli) in music and worship can prove helpful. The opinions and approach to music ministry of J. S. Bach, the Oxford Movement and its impact on church music and hymnody, and the role of Vatican II in shaping the direction of church music today will provide additional information.

3) What is the role of music in different cultures?

By analyzing the role of music in culture, you learn more about the role of music in the church and the power of music to effect change in the lives of people. Church music is always related to a specific cultural context. Therefore understanding the role of culture, both within the local church and in the larger world, helps us adapt our music ministry to our congregation. Understanding music's power is an important component in developing a philosophy of church music.

4) What is the purpose of church music and where/how does it fit with the overall work of the church?

One way to approach the work of the church is by viewing the work of the church as worship, nurture, and outreach. Each of these roles is important; however, since worship is the way in which we exalt God, worship should be the first priority. While music and worship are easily compatible, nurture (building up the body of Christ) and outreach (reaching out to others through various ministries) must be emphasized or they may be neglected.

5) What is the role of the music minister and how does the music minister make decisions regarding his/her time and priorities?

The role of the music minister is to be a pastoral musician. The minister of music is to utilize music as the tool through which he/she ministers. While every music minister should be an excellent musician, the ministry role must be given first priority. In other words, if a choice should arise between music and ministry, the music minister should choose ministry.

6) What is a valid structure for church music? What structure can help church music to reach its full potential?

In order for music ministry to be effective, it should be structured to place priority on the congregation's role in worship. Choirs and other music groups should be organized according to age, interest, and need. The organizational structure should include a commitment to helping each person achieve his/her potential through training. Structures may change from time to time; however, they should always be easily accessible by the entire congregation and should include opportunities for equipping people for ministry.

7) How is church music impacted by tradition and change?

Church music is strongly influenced by tradition and by cultural changes. Any historical study of church music will show that most turning points in church music have been the result of a major cultural shift. Church music should be built on the foundation of tradition, but it must be adaptable to the culture in which it is placed. Music should readily adapt to the culture of the church while staying true to biblical foundations.

8) How do you express your own unique place in church music? What is your calling?

Effective ministers of music understand their call to music ministry and are aware of the vocational implications that this call has for their life. They are able to see their call to ministry both in terms of the immediate and the long term. Realizing our unique role in church music ministry is vital to effective ministry. However, our role should continually change and grow.

9) What is the responsibility of music ministers to preparation and continued education?

Music ministers should seek to prepare for long-term music ministry. This will involve continuous education. Being called to church music implies giving our best, which involves ongoing preparation. Don't be content with what you have learned up to this point.

10) What provisions do you make for dealing with change?

Change is inevitable, and with advances in technology and communication, the speed of change will likely increase in the future. Music ministers must make decisions regarding which aspects of music ministry are negotiable and which are non-negotiable. While ministry materials and contexts will change, other aspects of ministry will remain constant. Non-negotiable items may include (1) a priority on worship, (2) the inclusion of all people, and (3) commitment to biblical principles.