Serving the Body of Christ in Corporate Worship: An Apologetic for Embracing Multiple Styles of Music

Abstract

ABSTRACT

SERVING THE BODY OF CHRIST IN CORPORATE

WORSHIP: AN APOLOGETIC FOR EMBRACING

MULTIPLE STYLES OF MUSIC

Monty Boyd McGee, D.Ed.Min.

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2018

Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Joseph R. Crider

Contrary to exclusionist views on worship, the church must embrace the practice of musical pluralism by including multiple styles of music in Christian worship. The adoption of a biblical view of mutual edification and ecclesiastical unity will provide motivation for the resolution of this issue. Chapter 1 introduces the concept of musical pluralism as an acceptance of different musical styles in Christian worship. In chapter 2, a biblical exegesis of key passages deals with the Old and New Testament directives toward forms in worship and Paul's insistence upon an attitude of inclusion and mutual edification will be explained. Chapter 3 provides an overview of the change and transformation that has occurred in Christian worship since the beginning of the New Testament church. Chapter 4 includes a discussion from opposing sides of this issue including arguments from authors with an "elitist" view of acceptable musical styles contrasted with positions of those who hold to a more open, multi-cultural application of musical styles in the Christian Church. Chapter 5 presents a critical analysis of contemporary worship music providing an objective examination of potential cultural entanglements that weaken the integrity of Christian worship. Finally, chapter 6 presents a pastoral charge for the presence of musical diversity in worship.