Membership Survey

About two-thirds of the members of the King of Prussia church of Christ have a strong preference for an a cappella worship service. About one-third would leave the church if an instrument were added; but only 30% of those who object, do so for scriptural reasons. In other words, the doctrinal and theological arguments and counter arguments about the silence of the Scriptures, as presented in this study and many like it, don’t really matter to over 70% of the membership. The preference for a non-instrumental worship is an acquired taste, evidenced by a strong correlation to years of church attendance. As a fellowship we have learned to love harmony! There was no correlation to age or being raised in the North or South. Given the dangers of using instruments in worship, it is not a poor spiritual taste to acquire. We simply need to be scripturally honest in our explanation of the practice to both members and visitors so that we do not worship in vain and teach “but the rules of men,” if our goal is to worship in spirit and in truth.

One of the issues that received extensive coverage in this paper was using instrumental music as a test of fellowship. It would appear from the survey that the arguments in favor of using the instrument as a test of fellowship are not working. Among the church members surveyed only 18% said that it was an issue of fellowship. Dividing the movement over this issue may still get headlines in fellowship publications like the Harding Graduate Bulletin of January 1998, but the message is falling on deaf ears. As a people of the Spirit, we are shaped not by theories we carry in our minds but by the stirring of God’s Spirit in our hearts. Our hearts tell us that this is not a faith issue.

Our Musical Calling: “Sing to the Lord a new song for he has done marvelous things (Ps 98:1)

The admonition to sing a new song to the Lord has motivated both songwriter and instrument builder. God’s interest in new songs keeps music culturally dynamic, ever adapting and inspiring our creativity. The four-part harmony, for example, that we enjoy today was a 12th century addition. It is interesting to note how the vitality of music can be strongly correlated to a strong and active church. A musically dead church will also be spiritually dead. Conversely, a musically alive church will be spiritually alive. Gospel music has a purpose. It is an expressive voice proclaiming God’s word, a healing voice reconciling the sinner to the Savior, a community builder and a teacher that reminds us of God love.[1] We pray you have found our research beneficial.

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[1] Corbitt, J. Nathan, The Sound of the Harvest...and the Beat of the Street: Music in the Kingdom, (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1998). (Page numbers are not available because this was taken from a pre-publication copy.) The book by Professor Corbitt of Eastern College is highly recommended reading for those interested in the power and scope of music in the kingdom of God.