“Be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 5:18-19

Going back to the beginning, music has always been a key component of God’s relationship with humanity. In the Old Testament of the Bible, there is a whole book of songs called Psalms, written to God and about God, while laying out the spiritual connections of life, both joys and sorrows that are part of the human experience, and how God works through it all. These Psalms were put to music and sung throughout church history.

The Church has also been a place to create original pieces of music. Specifically speaking about Western civilization, consider the great composers Vivaldi, Bach, Handel, Mozart, Beethoven and many others, who got their start and honed their craft in the Church.

These musicians went on to write some of the most well-known pieces of music in human history and laid the foundations for music as we know it today. Like the artists previously mentioned, these musicians have their foundations in Christianity, telling Biblical stories or proclaiming Gospel truths through their creative outlet.

Fast-forward through history. Many of the beloved hymns and spiritual songs centered around God’s salvation plan through Jesus were tested out in bars and saloons, while crops were being planted and harvested, or while train tracks were being laid.

Over that time, a musical genre developed called “Gospel Music” which played a foundational role in the development of rock and hip-hop, and eventually intertwined itself into the folk and country genres. Throughout history, sounds that became mainstream were established by Christians, written initially with Gospel intent.

To this day, many musicians get their start in the local church, playing songs for God before they ever play songs for people. (Credit: www.leadbiblically.com)

“I will sing of your love and justice; to you, LORD, I will sing praise.”
Psalms 101:1