THE DYNAMICS OF PIANO PLAYING IN CORPORATE CHRISTIAN WORSHIP

Abstract

According to Davidson (2002:1), “ Corporate Christian Worship is the dynamic, dramatic and dialogical encounter between the triune God of the Bible and His people, in which God reveals Himself to His people and His people respond positively in an appropriate and Biblical manner.” For effective use of musical instruments in Christian Worship of which piano is a major one, care must be taken so that there can be a clear demarcation between the secular and the sacred. The appropriateness of the instrument with the issue of how and when it should be used must be taken into special consideration. As we know that, the matter of reverence and awe in worship must not be taken lightly, for our worship is to God Almighty our creator, redeemer and sustainer. Also, sensitivity in the part of the instrumentalist(s) or pianist(s) must be taken seriously. The pianist (instrument) must play with care and reverence. Issues of loudness and softness of instrument and when to play should also be taken seriously. For example, no instrumentalist should be playing the instrument prayer is on, he or she should also pray, when scripture is read, he should also open his or Bible and read along, when preaching is on, he should listen attentively, without distraction etc. The use of musical instruments in worship should serve an accompaniment role in worship, a means to an end, which is encountering God in a meaningful worship (Auda, 2012). Article visualizations: