As an instrumentalist often involved in church music, I am intrigued by this question: Is there still a place for instrumental music (solos or ensembles) in our modern worship services?
With the rise of the ever-popular praise band and concert-driven services, instrumental music seems to be replaced with… yet another song in the set. Many contemporary churches have done away with this element in the worship service.
There are still many churches, however, that have slots for the solo instrumentalist or group instrumentals, and many continue to grow and develop a church orchestra. This is certainly reflected in the musical offerings of a multitude of music publishing companies. It seems the majority of the mainstream publishers still include orchestration sheet music as a companion product to choral anthems, which says something about the viability of the church instrumental program.
Here are a few reasons why it's important that we continue to include instruments in worship:
- Instrumentalists can act as worship leaders. They share the platform and assist in the leading of the weekly worship. They are a vital part of the worship community and have an active role in our worship.
- Instrumentalists are uniquely gifted or skilled on an instrument (in addition to their voice), and a church’s instrumental program allows them to share that gift with the congregation who would otherwise be unable to participate in such a musical offering to the Lord.
- An instrument provides a very legitimate venue for young and less-experienced musicians to grow in their musicianship. (Some of our strongest instrumentalists started out as merely beginners. They are a joy to serve with!)
- An instrumental soloist or group provides another avenue to minister a biblical truth. In a way similar to—though different than—a vocalist, an instrumentalist conveys the truths of a song. For this reason, instrumentalists should be encouraged to choose well-known and well-loved songs. When a flute player presents a rendition of “Amazing Grace,” the congregants not only appreciate the familiarity, they can also effectively rejoice together over God’s amazing grace.
Throughout the ages (we learn through Scripture), God has intended the use of instruments as an appropriate means of worship. Instrumentalists are instructed to play skillfully (well) and loudly (confidently). This takes years of hard work and practice.
In my experience, church instrumentalists are some of the most creative and most faithful people involved in church music. I hope there will be a place for instrumental music in our worship services for many years to come!
Written by James Koerts. Used with permission.