STUDENT MINISTRY: Evaluating The Music of Your Student Ministry
Many of us in student ministry have seen and heard all types of Christian music. When I was in high school, a good friend bought me an Amy Grant cassette. There is so much about that statement that dates me, but that isn’t the point. I listened to her music over and over. Even now when I hear “Thy Word” or “My Father’s Eyes,” I am immediately transported back to those days. Music gets in our system and doesn’t dissipate easily.
Because of that, we must take special care with the musical portions of our ministry. Music speaks to our hearts and encourages our souls in times of darkness, but we must remember that it also teaches. If we are careless with the music surrounding our student ministry, our students will embrace unbiblical concepts. Whether it is the music before your youth service begins or what you sing during the service, we must evaluate the theology and truths behind it.
You might ask, “Why is this important? It’s just music.” As I stated before, music has ways of infiltrating our hearts that little else can do. It binds the lyrical message to us in ways that words alone can fall short. Think of it this way, when you go to a Christian concert and the artist breaks out into an old hymn or chorus, we can easily sing along without having the words displayed. Why? Because that music is connected to us in very real ways. When we stood around my father’s deathbed, the songs that had cemented themselves into our hearts were the ones that we sang.
We often overlook this aspect of our student ministry meetings. If we sing as part of our service, we can give our student leaders too much latitude. We celebrate in their desire to serve and forget what they sing matters. Here are some questions to ask about the music we choose to use in our ministries:
• Does it share a biblical message? It is important to sit down and look at the words being shared. If they contrast with the church's doctrinal stance, they should be addressed immediately. It is important to remember that if it comes from the platform or the front of the room, our students are taking it as good and acceptable. As the leader, you have more biblical and theological training. You must take a stand, even if it is uncomfortable. If you have questions about the truths the songs teach, sit down with your lead pastor and talk it through. Music teaches more than just music. It teaches the message the music presents.
• Is it singable by most in attendance? I don’t have a problem with contemporary music as a genre. However, two problems show up when students pick music. One, the music can be theologically unsound and still be incredibly popular. We want to stay away from that music. The second problem is that much of contemporary is hard to sing. We want our guys singing in youth group because that translates to a lifetime of singing. If it is too high, guys will simply treat it as a concert rather than singing praises themselves.
• Is it appropriate for the theme of the night? Even if you aren’t musical, there are times for you to speak into the music that is being presented. Your leadership will help guide the nights in an appropriate manner with music that is thoughtful and perhaps linked to your message. Your local church has given you the authority to oversee the student ministry in all its aspects. Don’t neglect the music.
Music can be a divisive topic. Take time to evaluate your group’s use of music and make sure it is lining up in a biblical manner.
We would love to know how music is connected to your student ministry. Join the conversation at Facebook.com/groups/StudentMinistryMattersCommunity.
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Dan Carson
BMA Youth Department Director Dan Carson writes a weekly column titled, Student Ministry Matters, through which he inspires, challenges, and informs BMA of Arkansas churches and church staff about all things pertaining to student ministry.
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