Hymns and Songs of Praise

Only about music?

Thursday, June 23, 2016
Dr Lyell Heise on the deeper benefits of the Institute of Worship

During 12 years of ministry at the Institute of Worship, I received a wealth of affirming feedback. Equipping and supporting the ministry of corporate worship within the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South Pacific was not a position my team and I took lightly, and we were delighted to receive constructive input from those we served.

However, there was one response that I heard too frequently for my liking; one I believe deserves attention. Some, while reflecting on the work of the institute, have uttered the dreaded, dismissive words, “But, of course, the institute is only about music.”

The implication is that somehow we strayed from core business. For some, music in the life of the Christian and within the worship of the church is seen as merely a minor distraction from the real issues—preaching, teaching, evangelising. In responding to this perception, I offer the following vignettes and questions for your consideration.

Is it “only about music” when Aleta King, Director of Avondale Conservatorium, gives a group of 50 women from Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea the gift of music literacy? After four intensive afternoon lessons, they can tentatively sight-read their way through a simple melody line on a piano. If this new skill is “only about music,” where is the space to mention the dignity, pride of achievement and the breadth of opportunity afforded to these women? They can now put their new skills to use in worship at their church.

Is it “only about music” when a worship leader takes a congregation on a journey of discovery, introducing them to newly created and time-honoured hymns and songs? Or is it more than just music—finding fresh ways to explore the very nature of the God we serve? Instead of merely making sounds, congregational worship music is about new insights, responding to a deep experience, forging new bonds of community with those worshiping around us.

You can’t tell me it’s “only about music” when piano teacher Valmai Hill, having spent hours arranging the music as a duet, sits a six-year-old pianist beside her at the keyboard as they launch into a simple tune made spectacular by a 60-strong orchestra. When the melody and the words sink into the consciousness of the thousands of people listening, is that “only about music”? What about the empowerment and the inclusiveness this act offers? What about the community made rich through celebrating the contributions of its children?

Valmai and I constructed and still maintain the Institute of Worship Orchestra, seeking out musicians of excellence whose commitment to the Adventist Church and lifestyle has sometimes left them with no musical opportunities without compromising the Sabbath or other sacred values. We don’t see our orchestra activities as “only about music”—for us it’s about nurturing individuals, providing opportunities for the church to say, “We value your gifts, your commitment and your dedication. We offer you an opportunity to give your best to God, and to offer your gifts as a catalyst for the faith development of hundreds—indeed thousands—of others.”

Adventist worship, and therefore the Institute of Worship, is indeed “about music.” But in celebrating the music, it is also about much, much more.

Hymns and Songs of Praise

Celebrate the Christian tradition of hymn and song singing with the Institute of Worship and Avondale Conservatorium at Hymns and Songs of Praise. Performing: The Institute of Worship Orchestra. Master of Ceremonies: Graeme Press, Music Director for Australia’s largest free Christmas concert Carols in the Domain. Avondale College Seventh-day Adventist Church, Saturday, August 27, 7 pm.

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Lyell Heise
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Lyell Heise

Lyell is Director of the Institute of Worship at Avondale College of Higher Education and a trustee of Women in Ministry.