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Other Ministries

Music Ministry

Our Music

People attending Rathdrum Bible Church, (RBC), are encouraged to participate in singing. Corporate worship is emphasized at services with congregational singing which is designed to glorify God through vibrant, distinctively Christian music.

The Philosophy of our Music Ministry

RBC believes that the Bible is the answer to all life’s questions, and our music ministry is proof of that fact. The philosophy of our music comes right from Scripture!

I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry  [1] He also brought me up out of a horrible pit [2], out of the miry clay [3]. And set my feet upon a rock [4], and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth [5], praise to our God [6]: many will see it, and fear, and will trust in the LORD [7].      (Psalm 40: 1-3)

  1. The Psalmist begins discussing the topic of music by starting with salvation. We believe that folks who are saved and are members of the local body of believers best accomplish our ministry of music. Of course, special musicians with like doctrine and practice, such as traveling evangelists or singing groups, are always welcome.
  2. The “horrible pit” that the Psalmist talks about can also be translated “a pit of noise”. We believe that when God saved us, He rescued us from the world (that is, human civilization as a whole; the great majority of people do not serve God, and their beliefs and practices are consequently out of line with His will) and the music of the world. We have no desire to return to the world or to bring its music into our church services.
  3. The “miry clay” suggests a slippery position. While other applications are certainly valid, we believe that it is a “slippery situation” to be forced to follow the trends of the secular, and sometimes even sacred, music industry. Yes, we do sing some new music, but we feel no compunction that we must sing only the newest releases. The music we sing and play is “classic” in style. That is, it will probably be performed 50 or more years from now and it may have been performed 50 or more years ago with equal spiritual significance.
  4. “The Rock” is Jesus Christ and He is the theme of our song. Songs about social concern, environmental issues, etc. are not as important to us as the songs of our Savior.
  5. The “new song” mentioned does not mean the song was written in the last 20 or less years or that it has a “modern sound”. Since the Psalmist has just finished talking about his life before his salvation, it makes since that the “new song” is “new” in the sense that it isn’t like the songs he sang before he was saved. Our music is distinctively different. When one passes the open church doors of RBC there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that they are hearing “church music”. It is as ludicrous to expect that the hymns of RBC would be enjoyed by the local tavern, as it is to expect the music of the local tavern will be enjoyed in our church. Therefore, we choose not to use any style of music that reflects the world or its philosophies. We avoid rock music in all forms: soft, country, heavy metal, punk, techno, etc. rhythm and blues, jazz, New Age, Broadway, etc. While some of these are valid musical expressions, we believe that in our culture they are incompatible with the message of Christ.
  6. Since this passage, and many others, indicates that our music is to be “unto the Lord”, we strive to perform our music in a way that would please Him. Just as we avoid secular and pop styles of music, we also avoid the world’s method of performing. From the amplification system to vocal styles employed by our musicians, we strive to take the attention off of the performer and point the hearer’s thoughts to Christ. Some of our church practices are not based on direct commands from scripture but rather our desire to be “separate from the world”. (2 Corinthians 6:17).
  7. Isn’t it interesting that the Psalmist uses the word “see” in this verse instead of “hear”? What does the world “see” that leads them to God? We strive to always have our music at RBC “as unto the Lord”. Evangelism is not the goal of the music ministry at RBC. Evangelism happens as a result of our “song to the Lord”’ It is remarkable to the world when they see people dedicated to making beautiful music for a purpose other than aggrandizing themselves. That dedication and testimony and the changed life as the result of Christ is what they “see”. In this way the Lord receives all the praise for the precious souls that come to Him.

The Purpose of our Music Ministry

Again we find our answer in scripture.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another [1] in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs [2], singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord [3]   (Colossians 3:16)

Our first purpose is to reinforce spiritual truth. We do this by:

  1. Singing scripture. We sing songs that are direct from or based on scripture. In fact the hymns in our hymnal are validated by scripture. 
  2. Teaching one another.  Some of our music is designed to teach spiritual truth. It can warn of sin, remind of promises, etc.
  3. Admonishing one another. Songs like “Take Time to be Holy” and “Immortal Invisible” as well as many others, help us to encourage one another to keep on doing the right thing.

How do we accomplish these goals? By using:

  1. Psalms. These are songs taken right from scripture.
  2. Hymns. These are songs of human composure that speak of God and His attributes.
  3. Spiritual songs. These are songs of testimony of what God has or is doing in our lives.

The goal then is to include all these types of songs and keep them in balance.

The Practice of our Music Ministry

At RBC we do not insist that all the music performed be the best. We do encourage all musicians to offer their best. The difference is that we realize everyone is not a professional. However, one can be prepared so that he or she presents the music in a way that does not distract from the message of the gospel and that accurately reflects our God. 

There are many ways that we seek to adhere to the philosophy and to affect the purpose of our music ministry, but the most salient ones are congregational singing,  choir, specials, and seasonal programs.

  1. We begin most services at RBC with congregational singing. It’s a blessing to hear people expressing their own praise to God through corporate singing. Everyone in the congregation is encouraged to participate in making a “joyful noise unto the Lord”. Our hymnal is Hymns of Grace published by Master’s Seminary Press.
  2. The church choir is made up of members of RBC and meets for one hour each week to practice. Reading music is not a requirement but is encouraged. Most important is a dedication to the cause of Christ. 
  3. Most services at RBC include piano accompaniment. Also our church family always appreciates “specials”. Vocal numbers may be large ensembles, small ensembles, or solos and duets.
  4. RBC celebrates seasonal events (Christmas, Easter, etc.) often with more music than usual. Drama is sometimes included in these special programs.

The music we do at RBC is within the boundaries of music acceptable to carry the gospel. This may include music that is slow, fast, exciting, peaceful, loud, soft, meditative, exhilarating, bold, sweet, old, new etc. We try to maintain a healthy musical diet while putting emphasis on the “spiritual food” that is good for us. 

A final thought about our Music Ministry.

RBC may occasionally host various programs and concerts that feature “secular” music. We believe and practice that all truth is Gods truth, and even in these events we strive to uphold Biblical principles in all music that is represented by this ministry.