The Worship Quote of the Week for (06/20/2006):

Music and the Ministry of the Word Today’s WORSHIP QUOTE is from SINGING AND MAKING MUSIC, a brand new book by Paul Jones. This is the opening paragraph from chapter one, "Sermon in Song: Sacred Music as Proclamation." MUSIC AND THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD In the modern evangelical church, singing, praying, giving, and other congregational acts of worship are regarded at times as preamble to the sermon. Music, in particular, appears separate from elements of worship that seem to be more spiritual, such as praying and preaching. This worship dichotomy does not exist in Scripture, and our thinking is more biblical when we understand that musicians and preachers actually share in the ministry of the Word. Proclamation and interpretation of the Bible, and the edification and encouragement of the saints, with the ultimate goal of giving glory to God—these are also purposes of sacred music delineated in the Word of God and heralded by theologians and musicians throughout the history of the church. —Paul S. Jones, SINGING AND MAKING MUSIC: ISSUES IN CHURCH MUSIC TODAY. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R; Publishing, 2006, p. 3. ISBN 0-87552-617-9 [For a closer look at the core values that drive Paul Jones and the music ministry of the historic Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, you may read "Our Philosophy-Theology of Music" at www.tenth.org/music/Resources/Tenth_Phil_Music.pdf. Author Paul Jones is also a composer, conductor and organist—more on his ministry at http://mywebpages.comcast.net/pjones25.] Have a great week. Chip Stam Director, Institute for Christian Worship School of Church Music and Worship The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, Kentucky www.wqotw.org www.sbts.edu/icw www.carlstam.org =========================== WORSHIP QUOTE OF THE WEEK: To subscribe, unsubscribe, or view a complete index of worship quotes, please visit http://www.wqotw.org ===========================