Drums. Do they have a place in the worship services of the church? Or not? There is certainly a difference of opinion as to whether they are an appropriate accompaniment to congregational singing or music ministry in our services.
Some welcome them enthusiastically. For others they are an unnecessary distraction–at best, something to be endured. Still others are appalled at what they see as a worldly intrusion, and reject their use altogether. Herewith, then, some observations. One person’s perspective on the subject.
I know I will leave myself open to howls of protest from some but, for me, drums do not belong in the church. I see them as a sad encroachment of the godless world that is not only unnecessary, but at times even detrimental to godly worship. I’m not speaking of those congregations large enough to have an orchestra, in which percussion instruments provide occasional accents, carefully kept in balance with the other instruments. Rather, this evaluation concerns an almost incessant and intrusive percussion, the almost ubiquitous rhythm section of popular contemporary music, sacred and secular.
Yes, drums appeal to some, and they provide an opportunity for another kind of talent to be put to use. They are also said to promote excitement in singing, but the feeling about the latter is far from unanimous. On balance, there are several factors which at least commend discretion in the matter.
FOCUS
What is the purpose of more strongly accenting certain beats (sometimes monotonously) in the hymns and choruses we sing? Is it necessary? Can’t we keep together without it? Does it add to their beauty? (Not for some. Not for me.) Personally, it rather reminds me of some demented plumber banging endlessly on the drainpipes!
Musically, most times, a focus on the rhythm seems uncalled for. A continuous beat that so often bears little relation to the words does not enhance their message. And its presence tends to give songs a certain sameness and uniformity of style–like putting ketchup on all our food–that hinders an appreciation for the nuances of feeling represented in our sacred music.
They can even seem almost to overpower the voices, particularly in smaller auditoriums. There is a danger of abuse, and this writer has experienced it a number of times. Without great care, the beat can overwhelm the singers. I have been in services where the volume of the drums and amplified guitars was so deafening I could not hear those singing next to me.
This smacks of a return to the Dark Ages, when the joy of fellowship in song was taken from the congregation and replaced with a performance by the “professionals” up front. Lost is the wonderful experience of the harmonious singing of God’s praises, in which we are able to appreciate the contribution of all.
Further–and this is a critical point, it could be argued that a constant drumming–or drumming that seems to compete with the singing–tends to turn a spiritual ministry (through the message of the words) into a more sensual experience (through the rhythm of the music).
“‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord” (Isa. 1:18). The foundation of spiritual growth is still a thoughtful study of, and meditation on, the Word of God. And music, used properly, is to provide a setting and a frame for the effective communication of that Word, to aid us in “teaching and admonishing one another” (Col. 3:16).
Are we losing a sense of the distinction between fleshly excitement and spiritual joy? Let the exhilaration of our congregational singing arise primarily from an appreciation of the truth–and of God Himself (Ps. 28:7), and not simply a physiological and psychological response to a beat. The latter may, in fact, distract worshipers from a true worship.
Listen here to a popular choral rendition of the beautiful old hymn Rock of Ages. The text of the hymn is a prayer. How “prayerful” does this sound to you? And did you notice? We get a repetitious singing of the first couple of lines of the hymn, but we never get to “Be of sin the double cure– / Save me from its guilt and power.” So, we never get proper teaching as to the reason we need to hide in Christ, by faith. The same truncated treatment is given to a smattering of The Solid Rock.
More than a century ago, Charles Haddon Spurgeon criticized some of the church music of his day with words that still ring true:
Is it not a sin to be tickling men’s ears with sounds when we profess to be adoring the Lord?…Do not men mistake physical effects for spiritual impulses? Do they not often offer to God strains more calculated for human amusement than for divine acceptance?” (from Psalms, by Charles Spurgeon).
ASSOCIATION
Percussion instruments have a long history, and are mentioned in the Word of God (though it is interesting, if not significant, that drums never are). They have been used to mark time, to send a signal, and, in the case of symphonic bands and orchestras, to add accent and emphasis at certain points in a musical work.
Historically, and for many years, drum kits (traps) have been used predominantly in dance bands, and secular rock bands. There they provide a driving beat which stirs a rhythmic response and adds excitement for dancing. That association is difficult to shake off, since it continues to be prominent in the popular music of the day.
Also, drums have traditionally been a vehicle for solo virtuosity and showmanship. I can admire the incredible drum work of Buddy Rich, arguably the greatest drummer of them all. But I wouldn’t want this sort of thing in church. (Just for fun, give a listen, here to a four-and-a-half-minute solo, for most of which Mr. Rich’s sticks are simply a blur. Amazing!) As noted previously, due to their intrusiveness and tendency to dominate, drum sets do tend to draw attention to the individual. In the services of the church, and in congregational singing, this is surely contrary to our purpose, where “He must increase, but I must decrease” (Jn. 3:30).
Because of this strong association in the minds of some with worldly music and worldly pleasures, there are those who see their inclusion in worship as a step backward. We should not be trying to see how much like the world we can be; we should be demonstrating as clear a distinction from it as possible. For certain individuals, the instruments may even recall their past experience in the world–a life they are trying to leave behind.
It may be significant that there is not a single reference in the epistles to Christians using instrumental music of any kind. In spite of the fact that various instruments were used in Old Testament temple worship, and in spite of the fact that some are seen again in John’s prophetic vision of God’s throne, in Revelation, the apostolic church apparently avoided the use of instruments–percussion or otherwise.
The likely reason is their close association with worldly entertainment and heathen worship in the first century. I’m not suggesting we do away with all instrumentation in the services of the church–though this can be a refreshing change. However, such associations must be a concern for us as well (cf. I Jn. 2:15-17).
SEPARATION
The music of the world intrudes on our lives at every turn, on radio and television, in restaurants and doctor’s offices, in malls and elevators, and even as we walk down the street. Should there not be some haven free from it? Perhaps there ought to be, in the house of God, a music that is distinctly His, and not simply a copy of what the world is doing.
The great hymns of the church, and the more doctrinally solid choruses, fit that criterion. They represent triumphs of faith over many centuries. In the words of essayist Robert Bridges:
If we consider and ask ourselves what sort of music we should wish to hear on entering a church, we should surely, in describing our ideal, say first of all that it must be something different from what is heard elsewhere; that it should be a sacred music, devoted to its purpose” (from the Preface to The Hymn Book, 1938).
That our sacred music is “different” is something to celebrate, not complain about. That it is rooted in tradition is a characteristic in itself inseparable from its message. Christianity is anchored to the past. To the cross, first of all, but also to the Reformation and to great times of revival that followed. This fact should at least encourage balance between the old and the new. We ought to rejoice in our spiritual heritage and not be too quick to cast it aside.
Let us “ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it” (Jer. 6:16). Before we rush to “keep up with the times,” it is worth considering whether the “times” reflect better the spirit of Christ or of the world. Sometimes music that is called “Christian” is superficial, and even downright unbiblical. We are to be in the world, but not of the world (cf. II Cor. 6:15-17).
UNITY
The other side of the coin of separation from the world is the unity of believers. Paul’s desire for the Corinthians was, “that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (I Cor. 1:10). At times, the debate over this issue divides along generational lines. Because of this, the presence of drums tends to attract or repel different segments of the congregation, fostering disunity and distrust. When young people and the older generation should be coming together and learning from each other, it seems counterproductive to create unnecessary division.
Some congregations are prepared to “endure” the drums as a kind of compromise, in hopes of keeping teen-agers in the church. But at what cost? It is demonstrable that, for at least some young people, music with a dominating rhythm is a passion–one would almost say an addiction– that has robbed them of a fuller appreciation of other kinds of music.
We may do these individuals a disservice by accommodating them without careful thought. Further, in my experience, this attempt to keep people interested in church by copying what they enjoy in the world often has had very limited and short-term success.
It is important for leaders in the church to weigh all the factors carefully rather than simply succumbing to pressure from either side in an attempt to keep the peace (cf. Rom. 15:1-2). More is at stake than just a difference in taste. What principles of God’s Word are relevant? What is the value of this addition? Is it appropriate to the situation? Does it help us to meet the needs of all segments the congregation? A consideration of such questions will encourage balance and temperance in the resolution of the issue.
Bottom line: We are each different as to the music in our lives, and with respect to how it affects us. But communication problems arise if the music accompanying a Christian message is associated in the mind of the hearer with a corrupt and sinful lifestyle (I Cor. 14:8; 15:33). We must not, with our music, encourage or glorify that attachment to the world that God hates (II Cor. 6:17; I Jn. 2:15-17).
Neither drums nor any instrument should intrude a platform “performance” into the fellowship of singing. Better to have no instruments at all than do that! And whatever is used, the volume should never be deafening, or even dominating. It must never prevent worshipers from hearing and blending with voices around them.
[...] Here is a nicely sung version of I Surrender All. But… (pet peeve coming, here) to me, the incessant percussion is just a distraction. It does nothing for the song whatsoever. For more about the problem of drums in the services of the church, see the article Drums in Worship. [...]
By: Today in 1830 – Christina Rossetti Born « Wordwise Hymns on December 5, 2010
at 2:18 am
Thanks for this commentary on drums in worship. One of the reasons that people like drums in worship is, as you pointed out, the fact that drums bring excitement to the worship service. While I do treasure exciting worship services in the sense of being moved by the Holy Spirit, I do not treasure “worship services” where it seems that the entire focus of “worship” is to move me emotionally (in contrast to my being or becoming spiritually moved). In fact, I fear that many in the church today mistake — to their own grave peril!! — emotional excitement for spiritual movement. Drums, when they are a significant part of the worship service, can and do contribute to this mistake. Drums also, because they excite emotionally and because they are so loud, allow people to overlook the shallowness and vapidity of so much of modern worship music, which is another problem plaguing the modern church.
By: Robert H. Woodman on December 5, 2010
at 6:29 am
Well said. And your last sentence is especially insightful. If you have never read my article Worship in Song, I encourage you to do so. I use Psalm 28:7 to show how real worship is supposed to work. The article also notes some weaker or false motivations for worship. God bless.
By: rcottrill on December 5, 2010
at 8:00 am
I left my former church because musical accompaniments of the hymns were incorporating more and more rock and jazz. I now attend a small Reformed Baptist Church in Mt. Pleasant, TX, where we sing a cappella out of the hymnal — with 4-part harmony — and it is wonderful. Teenagers and children are with their families in the services, and everyone sings. The Bible-expository sermons are an hour in length — I wish they were two. The hour drive for me is worth it. People come from all over East Texas.
Anyone reading this is welcome to contact me for more information.
cblairedit at aol dot com
By: Carol Blair on December 5, 2010
at 8:20 am
Sounds like my kinda church! I’m not Reformed in theology, but have preached in Reformed Baptist churches and had great fellowship there. Your description of the congregational singing I’ve experienced in Independent Baptist churches too. I’m certainly not against musical accompaniment if it supports the singing. But what you describe at the beginning tends to overpower and dominate. Lost is the joy of true fellowship in song, when you can’t even hear the person next to you. Combine hymn singing that features parts blending in harmony with good expository preaching, and you’ve definitely got a winner! No wonder you drive an hour for the blessing of it.
By: rcottrill on December 5, 2010
at 9:02 am
I must respectfully disagree. I believe that percussion can be very worshipful. One must be careful to not “lump” all percussion in with drums when discussing it. As was said in this post, percussion, aka. timpani and the like, can accent the sound when a full orchestra is present. That being said I do agree that in many American churches, the music is much more the focus than God is. I would argue, however, that this isn’t the fault of the drums, although, their misuse undoubtedly plays a part. Percussion has been used all around the world all throughout history to worship God. Percussion, such as cymbals and clapping (yes, that is percussion), is even mentioned in the Bible. Thus, one can’t simply rule it out entirely as detrimental to worship. I have the privilege of knowing Christians from Africa, where percussion is almost exclusively used to make music. Guitar is a novelty, and the organ is pretty much unheard of. Yet we can’t say that their service is somehow inferior to one with a “traditional” organ and such because the percussion distracts from the music.
As far as the use of percussion for keeping of meter goes, I believe percussion can be very useful. At the church I attend, while I love the church and I am not complaining, the hymns we sing tend to slow down as we progress. I would contend that this actually distracts from worship as well, and so defeats the purpose of avoiding the use of percussion anyway. Here, a certain amount of percussion, tastefully executed, would be of inestimable value, because it would keep the song on an even tempo.
Again, I agree with the author’s assessment of modern American “Christianity” for the most part, and I lament the degeneration of music in worship. I agree that church shouldn’t be a concert, and for much of America, that is just what it is. But such degeneracy in no way calls for a complete reversion to simply organ music or A Capella. Don’t get me wrong, such music is beautiful. My family sings a hymn every night A Capella. However, we cannot let the diluted and vapid music of popular Christianity cause us to “throw the baby out with the bath water” so to speak. The problem isn’t the instruments themselves. The problem is the people performing and the people listening. They are already weak in the walk with the Lord, assuming that they are walking with Him, so they are predisposed to consider the service entertainment. This predisposition simply is most obvious in the music. We must look at the root of the problem, not simply the symptoms, in order to arrive at a solution.
Percussion, even such as clapping, can greatly aid worship when said worship is joyful. We clap our hands to express joy everywhere, why should it stop when we enter the sanctuary to worship our Supreme Joy?
To be clear, I am in no way attacking the author of this post. To me, this isn’t important enough to get angry about. I am a devotee of Christian rock music, and the rock industry isn’t all secular. I listen to Christian bands that make music ranging from CCM to heavy metal. I even write and record rock music myself. I only want to encourage those who might read this to really consider percussion and the like, and not throw it out simply because many church misuse it. If I have missed the entire point of this post forgive me and disregard. This issue is just something that I’ve struggled with for a while, and I haven’t fully arrived an an answer either. I just want to encourage thought.
By: Andrew Cook on December 5, 2010
at 4:08 pm
Thanks for your gracious comments Andrew. You definitely have a point of view that will be shared by many. But I stand by my study of the Word of God, and my experience in many different churchs, over a period of 40 years or so. In many cases–though I won’t say all–drums and the amplified beat of a bass guitar are far more of a distraction than a help. That may be the culture of the day, but we need to base our decisions on God’s truth, not culture.
That’s kind of what the discussion in John 4:20-22 is about. The Samaritan woman was asking, in effect, “Whose culture is right, Yours or ours?” The answer given by many today would be, “Both. We mustn’t judge the cultural preferences of others.” But the Lord Jesus did not approve of Samaritan worship. He bluntly told her that they were wrong, and it was the Jews who were right.
Though I can enjoy instrumental companiment for congregational singing, it needs to be a support, not get in the way. Much better to do everything a capella than have that kind of carnal bedlam. More than once I’ve walked out of services where I’ve been assaulted by a deluge of sound from the platform. I feel as though my very soul is under attack.
By: rcottrill on December 5, 2010
at 5:06 pm
Bob. Thanks for this article, I think you are spot on with your evaluation of the subject. With your permission I’d like to file this article in my church Worship file for future reference.Sorry I didn’t get to N.B. for the annual get-to-gether. Maybe next year. Give my regards to Beth.
By: George Andres on December 5, 2010
at 4:19 pm
Mr. Cottrill, I can appreciate the sentiment behind your stance on drums in worship; however, I wonder if a more simplistic approach to worship might be considered.
It’s the heart of man that God hears, not the “resounding gong or clanging symbol”. Our instruments, whether our voices, harps or saxophones are at best an extension of our heart’s song to God. I must wonder if God differentiates between the praise of a lark and that of a walrus. Different sounds, yes, but praise all the same. I believe that Psalm 150 is a great reminder that all that we have, we owe Him.
The enemy has already taken so much from us. Must we also give him our instruments? They were God’s first.
By: rebija on December 6, 2010
at 10:12 am
H-m-m… Well, several things in your post deserve comment. First, as to the thought that it’s the heart of man that God hears, not our instruments and our music: It is quite true that “the Lord looks at the heart” (I Sam. 16:7). However, the music we make arises from our hearts (our inner values and motivations), and it too is important. One reason is that human beings can’t see into our hearts as God does. They must take the music we present as a testimony of what we believe, and what’s important to us. “And if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle” (I Cor. 14:8).
The idea that the devil threatens to take our instruments, and “they were God’s first,” is not precisely true. God created all things, calling into being ex nihilo the elements that are the building blocks of the natural world. In that sense we can say that He is the Origin of the brass and wood and other materials of which our instruments are made. However, it is human beings that make musical instruments, as well as write and perform songs. And the moment we add the human element we introduce the factor of moral choice. Motives can be good or evil. How is that instrument used? What is the purpose of that musical style? Or that song? Then, there is another principle beyond personal motivation to consider.
A religious rock band may say that their purpose is to glorify God with their shouted lyrics and thundering beat, but they cannot escape the important principle of association. Associations are powerful. When I smell roasting turkey, even in July, my mind turns to thoughts of Christmas! My brain makes an automatic connection with the holidays. So, what does the music just mentioned bring to the mind of the average listener? The contemporary rock music of the world, by the admission of many of its stars, is intended to communicate rebellion against authority, and glorify sexual immorality. How can that provide a suitable framework for the worship of God?
Some years ago, I was on the pastoral staff of a large church in Ontario. One particular evening, a rather raucous contemporary band played in the service (unusual for us). A young fellow in his 20′s came to me afterward, quite upset. “What are they doing playing that kind of music here?” he asked. “I left the bar scene to get away from that!”
The church needs a music that is clearly distinguishable from that which is heard elsewhere. A holy music, separated unto the service of God. We don’t need to apologize for being different. We are different. And our music should show it, just as other things in our lives should. As noted in my article, I’m not against the use of percussion instruments per se, when they are used occasionally for emphasis, and are kept in balance with other instruments. But I do think we dishonour the Lord with the way some are being used today in what is thought of as contemporary worship.
By: rcottrill on December 6, 2010
at 11:39 am
[...] This is a great Christmas hymn. I’ve used it in my Festival of Lessons and Carols as well.wordwisehymns.com – Drums in WorshipAppropriate or Not?- Drums in worship?Wordwise Hymns – Drums in [...]
By: Web Pulse – December 10, 2010 | Religious Affections Ministries on December 10, 2010
at 1:56 pm
As a musician, I think that the “I must decrease” element is the most important of all.
Many Church band musicians are mistaken when they think they are glorifying God. They are often glorifying themselves.
Also, if the performance aspect of playing is paramount, that takes away from the worship aspect of it.
In all, music probably should be kept to a minimum.
By: jack on December 12, 2010
at 7:31 pm
Some interesting observations. Thanks! Not sure I necessarily agree that “music…should be kept to a minimum.” Certainly, we don’t need more performances to entertain, or accompaniment that drowns out the congregation. But we need a congregational fellowship in song, employing the great hymns of the faith, with God’s people singing to “one another,” and “to the Lord” (Col. 3:16).
By: rcottrill on December 12, 2010
at 7:41 pm
It sounds like you believe that other instruments are appropriate in worship(which I agree with entirely). My question is, is it your opinion that drum(kits) should be removed from worship mainly because of the association with the music that the world uses drums for? And if so, are there other instruments that fall under the same category?
By: Remy on October 7, 2011
at 4:07 pm
Thanks for your question. Association is certainly one of the factors involved. But what I’m particularly concerned about is the way many churches allow drums and amplified guitars to dominate, often overpowering the singing of the congregation. Drums in the percussion section of an orchestra–that’s quite different. Percussion is used there from time to time for accent, but it does not consistently overpower everything else. Any instrument can be abused, including a church organ. But it’s clear that in the contemporary musical culture, drums and guitars are expected to provide a driving beat and an overpowering “experience.”
God’s people should be careful not to copy the world in this. I’ve been in churches where the congregation has been robbed of the joy of singing together because they simply can’t hear one another! Further, it becomes much more difficult to meditate on the message expressed in the words of the songs. On a couple of occasions, I’ve simply walked out of this bedlam.
By: rcottrill on October 7, 2011
at 10:27 pm
Ah I see. Well like you(and many other people), I enjoy and appreciate the talents of any musician outside of worship.
However, it seems to me that the instruments most used in secular music change from time to time, and from genre to genre. For instance, Country/Western uses the acoustic guitar, violin, and pedal steel; more and more modern secular artists use keyboards and acoustics; Bluegrass uses the banjo and mandolin; Honky-tonk uses the piano; not to mention our good friend the organ, which is a staple of rock music. These genres all use these particular instruments for purposes other than God’s glory. I guess my question is, since these genres use these different instruments as much as other genres use drums and guitars, what’s the difference, and are these instruments even ok in worship?
By: Remy on October 9, 2011
at 9:18 pm
H-m-m… Well, association is an important factor to consider. I can remember a fellow coming up to me after a service. (I wasn’t in charge, but he knew of my studies in Christian music.) He said of the service, “What are they doing using that kind of music in here? That’s what I left the bars to get away from?” Missionaries in some areas face the same challenge. A week ago I was talking with a man who works among a remote tribe in Papua New Guinea. Everything they do is steeped in animism. And when they get saved, and start studying the Word of God, they have to develop a whole new way of looking at the world. Their music is affected too. They can’t simply take the old chants and songs and put some Christian words to them. The former association is too strong.
Paul faced this issue with regard to meat offered to idols (I Cor. 8:1-13). It was the practice to take the meat offered to idols in heathen temples down to the market place afterward, and sell it. After all, the idol wasn’t going to eat it! And often it was excellent meat. Some Christians had no problem buying and eating that meat. Others were appalled. Perhaps because they had been saved out of idolatry, their conscience bothered them about it. Paul had these strong words for the meat eaters: “When you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble” (I Cor. 8:12-13).
Some congregations seem to have settled the matter, and have a clear-cut music policy. Others struggle with it. Sometimes, this may be because they are determined to appease those with worldly tastes, and hope to keep them attending. In effect, the tail ends up wagging the dog. If there is godly spiritual leadership, and a motivation to keep as far away from the world as possible, rather than playing with fire and a cosseting of worldly values, these things will work themselves out. It might, in fact, be good for a church where the standard is uncertain to abandon the use of all musical instruments for a time.
I’m not sure that would work in every case. But it just might have a truly beneficial effect. It would tend to focus attention more on the words of the hymns–where it belongs. And it could, with a bit of instruction and practice, help the congregation to discover the joys of singing in harmony! Give a listen to what’s happening in the video clip below. It’s a gathering made up mostly of teens and young adults. There is a bit of accompaniment. But it either drops out entirely, or is so overpowered by the singing that it’s hardly noticeable. I’d love to have been there! Spine-tingling!
By: rcottrill on October 10, 2011
at 8:24 am