Music: Adapting Witnessing Patterns

Last week, a gentleman came into my office and made the statement that music was a crucial part in him learning about God and accepting Christ into his life. Music. You know, music? He told me that he went to a church to hear his niece play music once, then a second time, and before he knew it, he wasn't just going for his niece anymore. 

Many of us are so quick to disregard this incredible tool that can be used to share the love of Christ with those who would not otherwise even think of entering a church. I've had conversations with people who would write off entire genres of music, simply based on personal preference; and yet this powerful medium is used time and time again by people who genuinely want to see lives changed by the saving power of Jesus Christ. 

Listen to some of these Psalms:

Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious. Psalms 66:1-2

I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee. Psalms 144:9

Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. Psalms149:2-4

 

Music is found all throughout the Bible and can be used in all sorts of ways in the church today. I've narrowed down four specific ways which music can be used in outreach potentials: now remember this list is not a one size fits all model, rather this list is meant to spark thoughts and originality in reaching out and seeing change in people's lives. Let's check them out. 

1) Worship Nights- Worship is a powerful medium and through the presence of God Almighty, lives are completely transformed. Opening up the church for worship nights is not only a great opportunity to bring in people who are curious, but also a great way to build unity as the Body of Christ with other churches. 

2) Battle of the Bands/ Open Mic Nights- Through opening up the church to local bands from the community, not only will you attract individuals in the bands to come out and play, but you will also attract friends, classmates, family members, etc., who will come on out to support them. 

3) Musicals/ Fine Arts- Why not open the facility to local high school students to come out and perform? Musicians need opportunities to get in front of people and practice and work at their gift: why make them go to a bar or club, why not open the church?

 

4) Concerts- I've been to so many concerts in my life and I can tell you, it's awesome to see established and independent artists alike sharing their testimonies about how Christ has saved them from themselves. There are so many positive labels to choose from, one of which is Come&Live, 100% Christian, Outreach oriented. They are dedicated to seeing the name of Jesus proclaimed from the highest of heights to the depths of the sees. Great opportunity for individuals to impart into the lives of a captive audience. 

Obviously standards and guidelines need to be set, but music is a powerful medium that can be used to see people come to Christ and return to Christ. It's a door or a window into people's lives. I hope that this was enlightening and brought some ideas and thoughts to the forefront. As we move forward, let us thank God almighty for calling us and giving us the opportunity to be creative in our means of seeing people find relationship with Him who first loved us.