Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Rodney Teal and I will be contributing a column on NuthinButGospel on the subject of "Music & Ministry." I write as a minister of music, musician, workshop clinician, songwriter, and preacher. I am the Minister of Music at the Israel Baptist Church of Washington, DC (located at 1251 Saratoga Ave., NE, and pastored by The Rev. Dr. Morris L. Shearin). I also serve there as an associate minister. In addition, I work in both local and national capacities in the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc. If you want additional background information on me, please drop by my website.

In this "Music & Ministry" column, I hope to address a broad-range of issues confronting "gospel music" in the church and in the music industry. Perhaps we will even be able to discuss some of these issues in ways that promote a fuller understanding of the role, purpose, and future of gospel music. Let's be clear. When I use the term "gospel music" I am using it to refer to any music that embraces (as part of its lyric) the "gospel" message: the "good news of God in Christ." "Gospel music" can be contemporary, traditional, rap, or hip-hop. It may be presented in a blues idiom, jazz format, hymn-style, or anthem-like. What is most important is whether the song meets the criteria of I Chronicles 25:1 - do those who sing it "prophesy accompanied by [musical instruments]"? Or - as Paul would interpret that passage in I Corinthians 14.3 - do those who sing it speak the word of God to the people of God for their "exhortation, edification, and comfort." If the answer to this quintessential question is "yes," there is "gospel music." If not, the answer is "no."

Music can be inspirational and still not be "gospel"! It can avoid the pitfalls of abusive and vulgar language and still not be "gospel"! "Gospel music" is "sacred" music for it embraces Scripture as the basis for its lyric. If it ain't Biblical, it ain't gospel! For example, "I believe I can fly. I believe I can touch the sky. Think about it every night and day…" that ain't gospel! It's nice. It has a catchy melodic line. It was trumpeted by a super-star with a golden voice. But it still ain't gospel! Why? The song has no prophetic content. Where is the Word of God in "I believe I can fly…" Even if we accept "I believe I can fly" as a poetic expression of "I can do the impossible," where is the necessary link to Philippians 4.13 - "through Christ, who strengthens me"? To be "gospel" the lyric of the song must pass prophetic muster. One who prophesies cannot speak part of the truth, then leave the hearer to "fill in the blank." While no single "gospel song" can tell the "whole" story - anymore than a single sermon could - each "gospel song" must tell a "complete story."

When "gospel music" doesn't tell a complete story it is like champagne - having sparkle with no substance - or coffee - having excitement which does not last. But when true "gospel music" is offered to God in the presence of God's people, it is like cold water - thirst-quenching. As the hymnist Fred Pratt Green wrote:

When in our music God is glorified
And adoration leaves no room for pride
It is as if the whole creation cried,
"Alleluia"

See you next month. Until then, be blessed!