Is it wrong to use instrumental music during a talent show at the building?
Question:
I know musical instruments are not to be used in the worship setting. But our leadership is too biblical at times. Some are so biblical that they rather call an event a Gospel meeting and not a revival. I know that we must obey those who rule over us, but you being a leader in the church, what do you think of this question: Is it right not to let people play an instrument during a talent show that we plan on having during youth weekend at the church building? I know the first thought that may come to mind is that we can be sending the wrong signal, but we preach and teach about no musical instruments in the worship because that’s what the Bible teaches. But what about outside of worship?
Thanks.
Answer:
"I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ" (Galatians 1:6-10).
Elders are not the source of authority. Their duty is to keep the church in line with what the Bible teaches. "Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict" (Titus 1:9).
The problem actually stems from the church attempting to use entertainment as a way to spread the Gospel. See:
- Carnal Appeals
- Did Jesus Use Carnal Methods to Attract Crowds?
- Food, Gimmicks, and Recreation
- No Fleshly Incentives
- Outreach
The purpose of having a building is not to provide entertainment to children as a guise to teaching the Gospel. "For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe" (I Corinthians 1:21).
