Session 6: Music in Worship

The Power of Music in Worship

• The choice of hymns and music has a significant impact on the flow of a service, and can either enhance or disrupt the atmosphere of worship.
• Leading worship is not just about choosing favorite hymns or choruses, but about creating a space for meaningful engagement with God.

Creating Flow in Worship

• The goal of the worship leader is to create a safe space for others to worship God, not to draw attention to themselves.
• A good worship leader must plan ahead and be prepared for things to go wrong, in order to quickly put others at ease and refocus on God.

Choosing Music for Worship

• The ability to choose music for services varies from one church to another, and from one service to another.
• There are many resources available to help leaders choose music, including hymn books and online resources like the Church Resources hub.

The Theological and Pastoral Implications of Hymnody

• The words we sing in worship have a significant impact on our theology and pastoral practice.
• Inclusive language is important in worship, and many hymn books and liturgical resources are making a conscious effort to use inclusive language.

Inclusive Worship

• The Methodist Hymn book prioritizes inclusive language, recognizing the importance of language in shaping our understanding of God and our relationship with God.

Theology of Hymnody

• The theology behind the hymns and songs we choose is crucial, as it affects our understanding of God and our relationship with God.
• Different hymns and songs express different theologies of the nature of God and the cross.

The Nature of God in Hymnody

• Our hymns and songs express different understandings of the nature of God, and can have significant pastoral implications.

The Nature of the Cross

• Our hymnody also expresses different understandings of the nature of the cross and atonement, including theories such as the Cross of Love, Evil Healed, Cosmic Battle, and Satisfaction (Penal Substitution).
• These different theologies can have significant implications for our understanding of God and our relationship with God.

This quiz explores the effect of music on worship services, including choosing hymns and creating a seamless flow during prayer. Learn how music can enhance or disrupt the worship experience.