The Significance and Functions of Congregational Songs from the New Testament

Abstract

Music has been a part of Christian or the church since the beginning. As a powerful tool, it has been used to achieve the purpose of gathered worship in the church. However, the traditions and the practices of church music have been changed from time to time. Frequently, the tradition and practice distort music in the church to focus on musical style, instruments, and the excellence of music instead of its genuine significance and functions. To understand the genuine significance and functions of church music, it is necessary to study how the early church used music. Because the church was started in the first century, the most important evidence could be found in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The only musical activity in the early church which occurs in Ephesians 5:18-19 and Colossians 3:16 is congregational singing. The scriptures indicate the significance of congregational singing as a spiritual activity. It is used as a prayer and creed. Three types of congregational singing, psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs are also listed that can be used in the church to achieve its functions.