Is music necessary in worship? And must one always have so much music? As an organist myself, my unqualified answer is: 'No'.
It is perfectly possible to worship without music or with just a bare minimum of hymns. Indeed, many find singing anything an effort. How-ever, if the answer is yes, both the music and its performance assume great importance. Music is such a powerful medium. For the sensitive, it is potent in creating atmosphere, appropriate music helpfully enhancing the text. It can also be an initial attraction for the outsider.
But if the music is inappropriate or badly performed by the congregation, choir or group, the wrong atmosphere can be generated. On such occasions, I long for silence, especially if visitors are likely to be distracted.
