S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Since the Bible really does not say much at all about music ministers, it is difficult to arrive at an explicitly biblical position on women music ministers / worship leaders. After the exodus, Mir...

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July 01 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Steven Best Former mil intel analyst, chiropractor & Bible Teacher

There is little to add from Scripture, beyond what has been presented here, though I believe the history of Christianity has much to offer. 50 years of music and 40 years of ministry experience leads me to the following conclusions. An individual, whether male or female, who is musically gifted, especially those with advanced education and/or training, should have ample opportunity to exercise their gifts in the church. This is especially true in the area of leading worship. Here's why. Some of the most talented and creative choir directors I have worked with were women. Their vision, as well as ability to lead and direct, brought great inspiration not only to the church, but to the entire community. In most cases they were meek and godly women, respectful and submissive to their husbands. In fact, many were pastor's wives. Women have taught music to our children and young adults at all levels of education, throughout time. Today, they direct bands and choirs, choreograph holiday programs, and inspire our children to explore and develop their own musical gifts. To say that those, among them, who love the Lord with all their hearts, cannot be allowed to lead us in worship, is highly hypocritical. They're not interpreting Scripture or giving us daily direction for our lives, so there is little, if any, room for leading the church into error. 

Teaching the History of Christianity, reading the early church fathers writings, and the stories of the various Reformation revivals, I had the impression that music was a strong and integral part of it all – from the first century to present day. When the Salvation Army went to the poor indigenous street people of London, they didn't care if it was a woman or a man pounding the drum, playing symbols, or even sharing the message of salvation. The woman at the well brought many to Christ, and the women of the Salvation Army were no less inhibited in sharing the good news. As a result, thousands of lives were changed. After returning from WWII, my father-in-law headed straight to Bible school, then joined Billy Graham's ministry, where he managed the photo enlarging for many years. On the side, he and his wife began a church on a small island in Minnesota, where they conducted crusades and taught Bible studies. Max led the service, while Violet conducted the choir. In other words, she, in leading the choir, led the little congregation in praise and worship, while Max announced the songs (hymn number, etc.). 

When I committed my life to Christ in the 1970s, there was a powerful revival going on. Campus Crusades for Christ and other ministries had people witnessing across every campus in the state. People were being delivered from drugs, alcohol, and all forms of lasciviousness. Bible studies were popping up everywhere, and little churches grew into large churches in a few short years. It was an awesome move of God, but many of those Bible studies and baby churches had very few people with musical experience. When someone came along with those gifts, even new converts, they were considered a gift from God, and their gifts were drawn upon to improve the worship and help these little churches grow. I never heard anyone say, "Lord, thanks for sending us the musical talent we've been praying for, but you got the sex wrong. Please take her back and send us someone of the right sex." Today I live in Georgia. Shortly after arriving, one of the oldest Saints told me of the depression years - how she and her friends would take a bus from town to town across the state, with an old canvas tent, brother so-and-so preaching from his Bible, sister this-and-that singing and strumming on her guitar, and her sisters singing harmony. When they found a town that was spiritually hungry, where many were receiving Christ, they would remain to disciple the new converts until a minister could be sent. Then they were off to another town, seeking and saving the lost. Today, many of those churches are still alive and well, filled with the children and grandchildren of those, once so hungry and awaiting the words of salvation.

Given this background, it is my personal belief we should first look at the candidates' character, the state of their souls, and primary motives in seeking to lead worship. If these elements line up with God's word, and God has given them sufficient talents and abilities, sex should not be a matter of consideration.

December 22 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report