Jesus, Mission and Music
Monday, January 14, 2008
This last week I have been involved in our church's annual mission, Summerfest. It was a fantastic week and many people have indicated that they would love to hear more about Jesus. It is exciting to be on mission with Jesus. In 2 Corinthians chapter 2 Paul expresses that same joy:
'But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.'
What a God! he leads us on his mission and it is a TRIUMPHAL PROCESSION!
I have been thinking for some time about how we can be spreading the fragrance a bit more through music in our church. Our culture on the Central Coast (Sydney too) is soaked with music. I went to shows probably every second weekend of my late high school years. I don't think that I'm too unique in that. I would say on the coast that particularly outside of surf culture there is an underground music culture that many belong to. Music is important and good music is important. The Coast has had some of the country's best acts start here. We have an ear for good music.
God loves good music too.
Psalm 33:3 says 'Sing to him a new song. Play skillfully and shout for joy'
So why not use good music as an avenue for mission? In the past I think that music at mission events has been thrown together at the last minute in conversations that generally go like this..
"We are having an event tonight to people to invite their friends to. It will be informal and relaxed."
"Do we have music?"
"We could put on a CD."
"No live music is better."
"alright I'll call bob. He can play guitar."
I'm exaggerating of course but you get the drift. And this is as musch my fault as anyones. I never give time to thinking about how music can be integrated in a much better way. Adrian, our Nite church mission coordinator saw this as a problem and he and I came up with a little idea.
We have started an initiative in our music team to create a band that is skillful and well suited to doing this sort of stuff. We want to have music that is an attraction for outsiders, not an added extra and not a distraction. It will take time and practice but there already some who have committed to making good music for cafe style stuff. They are going to practice regularly and hopefully will help in creating a culture of good music at events.
My mind boggles at the endless possibilities for a group like this. They won't play 'church songs' but to start with they are doing Jazz standards and maybe in the future their own compositions. Come and hear their first efforts this Friday nite at 'Cafe del Freeo' - Bakehouse cafe, Erina. Bring your friends and they will be challenged to consider Jesus and his claims - all while listening to some sweet tunes!
Posted byDan at 9:25 PM
