Forks or spoons?

Music is communication, not just decoration. Just as we struggle to praise God in strange styles, unbelievers who listen to a Gospel song in an unfamiliar music style, strain to receive its full benefit.

It's like trying to drink soup with a fork – most gets missed!

On the other hand, singing worship to God in familiar musical forms frees our hearts to ‘worship in spirit and in truth'. Enabling this is the exciting task of musicians in church planting.

Unpluggable worship

It is with this liberating motive in mind that a growing number of WEC's missionaries carve out time to learn the musical language of their chosen people group, so that they can communicate the message more effectively, and to inspire the new believers and churches to sing and write new songs to their Saviour.

Many strings to this bow

Like a 12-string guitar or Indian sitar, this musical activity is many-stringed. It fits the talents of the missionaries involved. Some WECers learn musical instruments such as the African harp-lyre or Asian long-necked lute.

Some of these instruments are valued as an emblem of that people group's identity, or are associated with its storytelling or praise song traditions. Other missionaries compose new songs or inspire and record songs composed by new believers. From these new songs, songbooks are collated and used by the churches, and these songs often open the door to a commitment to Christ.

Bowed, strummed, plucked or struck?

There are many ways missionaries can get involved. Musically minded missionaries may be instrumentalists, singers, worship leaders, researchers, composers, linguists, layout artists or studio technicians. Some are trained in ethnomusicology. Others pick up skills on the way.

Each plays their part in helping new churches to worship God and share His truth.

Many Voices One Song is a CD of worship from around the world.

Get your free copy while stocks last! It includes more information about ethnic music and worship.

Want to have a go?

Are you interested to find out ways in which you can assist mission teams in this task, or how you can be trained further for this vital ministry?

Go to Resonance – WEC's new music Internship programme  

Contact: WEC's Ethnomusicology Consultant

Links

UK Bible Colleges offering courses in music and ministry

London School of Theology and All Nations Christian College

International Council of Ethnodoxologists - This website lists almost every available link in music and the arts in mission.

Ethnodoxology, a journal devoted to the multifaceted music, arts and worship of every tribe, tongue and nation.