Teaching and Worshiping Through Music in the Service
Music holds a prominent place in the worship of God, being widely attested in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, we find the song of Moses and Miriam celebrating the deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 15), David’s organization of the Levitical musicians (1 Chronicles 15–16; 25), the Psalter as the inspired hymnal central to Israel’s worship, the music at the dedication and restoration of the temple (2 Chronicles 5:12–14; 29:25–30), and the song as a covenantal memorial (Deuteronomy 31:19–22). In the New Testament, sung praise remains present and is renewed in the light of Christ, as seen in the Magnificat, the Benedictus, and the Nunc Dimittis (Luke 1:46–55; 1:68–79; 2:29–32), in the Christological hymns of Philippians 2:6–11 and 1 Timothy 3:16, and in the exhortations of Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, which present song as the fruit of the Word and the Spirit for mutual edification.
The Psalter, the inspired hymnal of Israel and the Church, offers precious principles for sung praise. It points prophetically to Christ, revealing His reign, suffering, victory, and glory. It unites theology and emotion, presenting solid doctrine and the sincere expression of the soul in joy, lament, repentance, gratitude, and trust. It embraces a wide thematic variety, including repentance (Psalm 51), supplication (Psalm 13), exaltation (Psalm 150), trust (Psalm 23), and the proclamation of God’s justice (Psalm 96), protecting worship from poor thematic monotony. It is congregational in essence, structured for the participation of the whole people of God, not for performance. It has a catechetical character, engraving God’s law, works, and promises in the heart (Psalm 78:1–7). And it demonstrates excellence and intentionality, with skillful musicians prepared to serve (1 Chronicles 25:6–7).
Good music in worship presents distinctive characteristics. It is born of and submitted to the Word of God, placing melody and arrangement at the service of the biblical text or of text that is theologically faithful. It is clear and singable, accessible to the whole congregation, avoiding excesses that hinder collective participation. It reflects beauty and order, communicating reverence and holy joy without sensational appeals. It is appropriate to the liturgical moment in which it is used, considering tone, tempo, and intensity. It balances art and ministry, avoiding exhibitionism and serving the edification of the church and the glory of God. It maintains theological and confessional coherence, uniting text and musical form in harmony with the faith of the church.
Historically, sacred music has passed through several phases. In the early centuries, psalmody and simple chant predominated, aimed at edification and the memorization of the faith. In the medieval period, Gregorian chant and polyphony enriched the musical tradition but reduced congregational participation. The Protestant Reformation marked a turning point: Luther restored congregational singing and composed accessible, biblical hymns; Calvin promoted simplicity and the centrality of the Psalms, producing psalters for the church’s use. In later periods, hymnals, revivals, and remarkable compositions emerged from authors such as Isaac Watts, Charles Wesley, and Fanny Crosby.
The music ministry in worship requires theological and technical qualification, with leaders fit to teach and to serve, always under pastoral and confessional oversight. Music is also a teaching ministry and must be carried out with preparation, excellence, and continuity, forming new generations of musicians and leaders.
Statement of Principles
Central Principle:
Music in worship is an expression of corporate adoration and a means of grace ordained by God, whose function is to glorify the Trinity, edify the body of Christ, and instruct in the faith. It must be centered on the Word, carried out with excellence and reverence, and submitted to pastoral and confessional oversight.
Complementary Principles:
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All music in worship must reflect the doctrine of Scripture and be in harmony with the church’s confession of faith.
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Congregational singing must be the priority, promoting the full and active participation of the whole church.
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The music ministry must serve the edification of the people and avoid any form of self-promotion. God’s glory must never be forgotten.
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Music in worship must value artistic and technical excellence without ostentation, conveying reverence, holy joy, and order.
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Musical leadership must be theologically and technically trained, and the church must form new generations of musicians for the faithful continuity of the ministry.
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Music in worship must be suited to the liturgical moment in which it is used, reflecting its specific purpose.
Prayer
Lord, receive our praise and teach us to sing with understanding and reverence. May every song in our church be faithful to Your Word, edify Your people, and glorify Your name. Grant us humble and prepared leaders, and keep alive the joy of the whole congregation in worshiping You. Until the day when we will sing before You forever, may our song here be a reflection of Your grace and for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Summary of Class Taught by Pastor Gilson Santos
Church: Igreja Batista da Graça – São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil
Date: August 10, 2025
This class, led by Pastor Gilson Santos, was part of the ongoing biblical and theological formation of the congregation of Igreja Batista da Graça. It emphasized the role of music in worship as a means of grace and instruction in the faith. Drawing from the testimony of both the Old and New Testaments, the class highlighted the Psalter as the inspired hymnal of the people of God, uniting theology and emotion, doctrine and devotion. It also explored the historical development of sacred music, from early psalmody through the Protestant Reformation and beyond, stressing the priority of congregational singing, theological coherence, artistic excellence, and pastoral oversight. The class concluded with a call for the church to prepare new generations of musicians and leaders to serve with humility, reverence, and joy for the glory of God.
