Reflections on Issues in Music and Worship

<p>Lest you think that Dr. Coleman has “quit preachin’ and gone to meddlin’” in this sensitive topic of music, and especially church-appropriate music, please give this book a chance. Coleman draws from many sources, both Seventh-day Adventist and non-Adventist, to explain just how the type of music we use in church worship services affects our worship experience and our Christian experience.</p><p>When addressing the current trend of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM), he assures the reader that he is not against all CCM, but cautions against using a song just because it may be popular or may draw a certain crowd into the church. He shows how merely the use of contemporary music may attract people to attend church, but it doesn’t necessarily lead to a true conversion or the intentional discipling of those people.</p><p>Dr. Coleman states, “The seeker sensitive model involved a de-emphasis of traditional methods of evangelism and discipleship such as doctrinal preaching, calling for repentance from sin, and committing oneself to give Bible studies; rather, it focused on innovation and meeting the wants of people—often dubbed “felt needs” … The seeker sensitive model also caused people to view Christianity as something “cool” and made them feel comfortable in “dressing down” to attend church worship service, sometimes in jeans and a t-shirt. However, it resulted in producing spiritually weak Christians who were pastor-dependent and not committed to making disciples for Christ.”</p><p>Music ministry leaders and anyone who enjoys music in church will learn to be a little more discriminating in the choice of music after gaining the insights provided in this book.</p>