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Music is one of the most powerful tools churches have to engage their congregants in worship. When members of a church come together to sing it bolsters feelings of community and love. Tensions can arise, however, over what type of music should be used in worship services. Younger congregants may prefer a contemporary style while older members love the tried-and-true hymns. Incorporating Christian piano music into your services can help to bridge that gap.
The Definition of Christian Piano Music
Piano music at church is typically a solo affair. Usually, the pianist plays an arrangement of a recognizable worship song that provides a meditative background for the congregation. In some cases a member of the praise band may join in, such as a bass player, or a singer may do some improvisational humming with the tune.
There is a wide variety of styles of music that can be used in the service. Choices to consider include:
- Contemporary songs by groups such as Casting Crowns and artist Michael Joncas
- Inspirational songs that may not be overtly religious, like “You Raise Me Up” as sung by Josh Groban
- Favorite gospel tunes such as “Amazing Grace”
- Traditional Hymns, like “A Mighty Fortress” or “Crown Him With Many Crowns”
Of course, seasonal songs can be played as well. Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and All Souls are examples of liturgical times with a strong musical tradition.
The Purpose of Music in the Service
The first step to incorporating music into any type of worship is to understand the purpose of music in the church. It’s not enough to say, “Our praise band sounds great and the congregation loves them.” What is your praise band bringing to the service that builds the spiritual life of the people in attendance?
Music in the Christian tradition can and should serve the following purposes:
- Help church members to connect to God. Everyone feels the presence of God in a different way. Some find God in the sermon or homily. Others find God in the symbolism of the altar, the vestments, etc. There are yet others who find God in the music. The thoughtful use of piano music can bring more congregants in touch with God and the Holy Spirit.
- Teach gospel principles and strengthen faith. Singing about the cross can imbed important Christian concepts and teachings more deeply than other methods of learning and study.
- Enable members to express love for God. Christian music in general and singing, in particular, engages the entire body in praising and worshipping God. Singing with a congregation releases endorphins, the brain’s feel-good chemical. This in turn stimulates feelings of well-being and love towards ourselves, others, and God.
- Fulfill the commandment to worship through music. Both New and Old Testament scriptures contain injunctions to sing and praise God through music.
The Place for Christian Piano Music
The question arises, where can you place piano music in your service? If you already have a chancel choir or a praise band, the order of the service may be tight. First, realize that piano music can be used for special occasions. It doesn’t have to be a weekly event unless you’d like to make it so. Second, remember the very nature of piano music is that it is less demanding of attention than that praise band or choir. It can fit into tidy corners of the service where other music can’t go.
Here are some great ideas for inserting Christian piano music into your worship plans.
- Have a piano prelude before the service. This is especially effective if the pianist plays a familiar hymn or song that foreshadows the theme of the sermon.
- Use the piano for the call to worship or processional.
- Have the pianist play quiet, contemplative music under one of the prayers.
- The Offering is a great time for the pianist to play something a little more showy or substantial. A gospel tune or uptempo contemporary song works well here.
- Quiet songs about the cross or God’s love are appropriate during Communion.
- If you have an altar call, this is another place where more lively piano music could shine.
- The piano can provide the postlude as the congregation leaves the sanctuary or chapel.
The Best Sources for Christian Piano Music
You should consider piano sheet music as an important addition to your worship music library. Just as you invest in choral folios and band charts, you should set aside a small budget for quality piano music. There are countless free downloads on the internet, but they are typically poorly transcribed.
Musicnotes has a tremendous selection of piano sheet music suitable for your worship service, all of which have been professionally transcribed and arranged. You can find versions by your favorite performers as well as new interpretations. Affordably priced, you can trust Musicnotes to help you build your music library.
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