From Ryland Walter serving in Belton, MO
QUESTION:Easter Service?
"I would really like to see people come to Christ at our services this Easter. How can I make that happen through the music offered in those services?"
RICK MUCHOW:
Easter is a great time to reach the non-believer! For some people, this is one of the one or two times they come to church each year. Music is a very powerful communication tool through which the message and the presentation work hand in hand in communication. However, good music does not insure spiritual fruit. In John 15:5, Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” I try to use music to partner with what God is doing through the moving of His Spirit. Great music isn’t enough alone.
At Easter, we use a service format that we call “Point and Play.” In Point and Play we alternate between the speaker and the worship team. The teaching pastor makes a point and then the worship team plays a song that reinforces that point.
The message is much more important than the method. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (NIV) “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel that I may share in its blessings.” At Saddleback, we use music to support and communicate the purpose of the church as outlined in the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. We gear our music style to the type of people we are trying to reach. To reach people you should choose music, songs or styles that are familiar to the people you are trying to reach..
It is important to make a very clear presentation of the Gospel message and to be clear about what you want the congregation to do. For example, ask them if anyone would like to receive Christ, and then lead a prayer. Be sure to draw the net closed. In our churches, sometimes we fish but never draw in the net.
Start sharing your heart now for reaching out to your community during Easter. Prepare and ask your church members to bring friends. If they have a heart like you do to reach the community for Christ, they will bring their friends and coworkers to hear the message. Obviously if there are no unchurched people attending your church, you can’t reach them with the message no matter how wonderful the music is.
