Hello, and thank you in advance for your desire to grow and deepen in your understanding of the connection between liturgy and music.
Our New Apostolic liturgy—the format of how our services are conducted from start to finish—shapes the divine service experience. Each element of the liturgy impacts the overall experience and helps bring into focus the significance of each moment. Music is one such element, as it has a direct effect on whether or not the liturgical moments within the divine service are experienced in a heightened manner. This is why it is important that all music fit with the liturgy. Liturgy and music should not only build off of each other, they should also complement one another.
The connection between liturgy and music is what makes the song selection process so important. In the past, the typical practice was to select songs based solely on the verse or divine service guide. While it can certainly be appropriate, and often impactful, to include music in support of the message and theme, it is not necessary that every song be connected with the divine service guide. What is necessary is that the songs fit with the liturgy. Where music can be selected both in support of the message and in accordance with the liturgy, this is ideal. But the moment must never be secondary. When selecting songs, one should ask—what does this particular moment call for? What type of song best complements the liturgy here? A hymn of worship? A hymn of reflection? A hymn of praise? The liturgical moment should dictate the music.
This is why the designations that we use for each moment serve to define what we’re doing in these moments (worshipping, responding, accepting, repenting) rather than where these moments occur (before service, after the bible verse, between ministers). It’s important that these specific designations be used in each congregation in an effort to highlight and make clear the connection between liturgy and music.
It’s also important that the music leader or song selector share the proposed song list with the minister in advance of each divine service experience. Not only does this give the minister an opportunity to better connect music and message, it also helps ensure that any issues that could result from lack of communication are avoided, and any distractions from worship minimized. Ideally, the music leader and minister should act as a team, communicating and collaborating not only on Sunday, but also throughout the week.
We hope that you find these teaching videos to be useful as you serve Christ and your congregation through music. If you have any questions after viewing these videos, or as you put these teachings into practice, please don’t hesitate to contact us at music_worship@nac-usa.org.