Misunderstanding Worship in the Modern Church

By Pastor George Kingsley Judah

Walk into many churches today and ask, “When does worship begin?” The answer will often point to the moment the musicians take their places, the singers begin, and the congregation joins the first song. When the music concludes and the preacher approaches the pulpit, we may even hear someone say, “Now that worship is over, let us hear the Word.” None of this is usually intended to diminish worship. It simply reflects how deeply one particular understanding has entered modern Christian vocabulary: worship has become almost synonymous with music.

Music unquestionably belongs in biblical worship. The Psalms repeatedly call God's people to sing, praise Him with instruments, rejoice, and proclaim His greatness. Paul encouraged believers to teach and admonish one another “in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (Colossians 3:16). Churches should continue singing, developing musicians, writing biblical songs, training choirs, and pursuing excellence. The problem is not that the modern Church has too much music. The problem arises when one powerful expression of worship becomes our definition of worship itself.