The use of drums in church worship services is a topic that Christians have differing opinions about. Some believe drums should not be used at all in church, while others see no issue with incorporating drums into worship music. What does the Bible say about this topic? A thorough examination of Scripture reveals some helpful principles to consider.
The Regulative Principle
Some Christians hold to what is called the “regulative principle of worship.” This principle states that corporate worship services in the church should include only elements that are expressly authorized or commanded in Scripture. Those who hold to this view would say that since drums are not specifically authorized for worship in the Bible, they should not be used in church services. This principle is based on verses like Matthew 15:9 – “In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”
However, many other Christians believe this principle is too rigid. They point out that the New Testament does not provide an exhaustive liturgy for Christian worship. Elements like church buildings, pulpits, pews, microphones, and projection screens are also not found in Scripture, yet most churches use them. These Christians would say the Bible allows freedom in determining methods and styles of worship, as long as they do not violate Scriptural commands.
Music in the Bible
Music was an important part of Old Testament worship. The Psalms provided worship songs to be used in corporate worship. Musical instruments are also mentioned frequently in the Psalms, including lyres, harps, trumpets, tambourines, cymbals, and even loud crashing cymbals (Psalm 150:3-5).
In the New Testament, we see singing hymns and spiritual songs mentioned as an element of corporate worship (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16). The Greek word translated “making melody” in these verses literally referred to playing an instrument. While no specific instruments are mentioned in the New Testament, it seems clear from the Old Testament precedence that God-honoring music in worship can include instruments.
Heart Motives
While the New Testament does not prohibit or command the use of instruments like drums in worship, it does repeatedly emphasize the importance of right heart motivations in everything we do, including worship. We are to do all things for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). Our corporate worship should be done “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24) with sincerity and focus on Christ (Matthew 15:8, Colossians 3:16).
This means drums should not be used for mere entertainment or to draw attention to the musicians. But if played skillfully with the right motives to complement Biblical worship, they can potentially be used to glorify God like any other instrument.
Cultural Considerations
The New Testament emphasizes being sensitive to cultural context in our ministry and worship (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). The fact that drums are never mentioned in the Bible may well be because they were not part of the musical culture in Biblical times. But drums are now used in worship around the world, and can strongly engage the rhythmic sense in many cultures today.
However, caution is still wise when incorporating drums or any prominent new musical elements into corporate worship. Believers with sensitive consciences should never be made to feel uncomfortable. Introducing drums is best done slowly and carefully, while teaching Biblical principles of worship, and providing alternatives for those struggling with the changes.
Unity and Love
Sincere Christians can study the same Scriptures yet come to differing conclusions on secondary issues like this. Romans 14 instructs us not to pass judgment on each other over disputable matters, but to extend grace and acceptance instead. We must be careful our musical preferences do not cause needless division in the body of Christ.
The most important principle is to love one another and maintain the unity of the Spirit (John 13:35, Ephesians 4:3). God is more concerned with our hearts in worship than He is with the specific instruments used. The way we treat fellow believers with different views is a much clearer test of true Biblical worship than whether or not drums are on the platform.
Wisdom and Discernment
As with any element of corporate worship, wisdom and discernment are needed in deciding if and how to use drums. Church leaders should pray for and follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance in applying Biblical principles of worship. The effects of incorporating drums should be evaluated carefully and objectively. If drums are becoming too dominant, showy, or divisive, leaders may need to reconsider their use.
Mature believers should model loving acceptance of different views on this disputed issue. And all believers should remember that worship is ultimately between God and the individual believer’s heart. Right worship motives matter far more to God than the specific musical elements used in a service.
In conclusion, the use of drums in worship cannot be strictly categorized as either right or wrong. Biblical principles can support freedom in musical worship expressions if done with wisdom, discernment, and loving respect for others. The keys are maintaining focus on revering God and building up the church in genuine Biblical worship “in spirit and truth.”
The Bible does not definitively prohibit or command the use of drums in worship. Principles such as freedom in cultural forms, importance of right heart motives, sensitivity to fellow believers, and maintaining unity provide a framework for deciding whether or not incorporating drums in church can glorify God. Church leaders need wisdom and must evaluate objectively if drums are supporting or hindering Biblical worship. Loving acceptance of differing views on disputable matters is vital. Most importantly, true worship comes from the individual believer’s sincere heart of devotion to God, not the particular musical elements used.
There are good faith arguments on both sides of this issue. Some oppose use of drums, believing the “regulative principle of worship” means no elements used in services besides what the Bible expressly commands. But most Christians see some freedom in worship forms, as long as Scripture is not violated. Biblical precedence shows music and instruments were key in temple worship. While not commanded in the New Testament, drums can potentially complement congregational singing and engage rhythmic senses when played skillfully and with right heart motives.
However, care and wisdom are still needed when incorporating drums or other new prominent elements in worship. Believers uncomfortable with drums should be graciously accommodated. Drums should serve the worship music, not overpower it or draw inappropriate attention. If they become too showy, dominant, or divisive, leaders may need to pull back. Acceptance and love for fellow believers is key, not judgment over disputed issues. Most vital is that individual believers have sincerity and God-focused hearts in worship, no matter the musical style.
In a nutshell – the Bible does not outright prohibit drums in worship when used with wisdom, discernment, and loving deference to the larger body of believers. But neither does it command their use. Biblical principles emphasize heart motivations over musical specifics. While drums can complement worship, care must be taken they do not hinder it. Loving unity in the church should be prioritized over musical disputes. With focus kept on bringing reverence to God and building up others, drums can potentially be used to glorify God in worship.
The Bible does not directly address the matter of drums in worship, either to approve or prohibit their use. Guidelines can be drawn from broader principles:
- Freedom in cultural forms of worship – Drums not mentioned likely because not part of Biblical cultures.
- Right heart motivations matter more than musical style.
- Maintaining love and unity among believers is key.
- Careful wisdom needed in incorporating new elements like drums.
- Avoid needless offense to sensitive consciences.
- Elements should serve worship, not overpower it.
- Leaders must evaluate effects and pull back if too showy or divisive.
Based on these principles, incorporating drums into worship seems permissible, but must be done judiciously. The emphasis should remain on fostering sincere, God-focused worship. Loving deference to fellow believers uncomfortable with drums should be shown. Unity and community in the body are higher priorities than musical differences. With wisdom and discretion, drums can potentially complement worship in a God-glorifying way when used to serve the music and engage worshipers’ senses.
In 950 words or less, here is a summary of the key points:
The Bible neither prohibits nor commands using drums in church worship. Christians disagree on this issue. Some adhere strictly to the “regulative principle” that worship should only include what Scripture expressly prescribes. But most believe there is some freedom in cultural forms of worship. Biblical precedent shows music and instruments were key in temple worship. Drums are never mentioned, likely because not part of biblical cultures. New Testament emphasizes right heart motivations over musical styles. Unity and deference to fellow believers uncomfortable with drums should take priority over musical differences. Incorporating drums requires careful wisdom and discernment. If done judiciously, drums can potentially complement and engage worship when serving the music appropriately. But care must be taken they don’t overpower or become too showy or divisive. Leaders may need to pull back drums if they hinder worship. Loving acceptance of differing views on disputable matters is vital. Genuine worship springs from individual believer’s sincere heart, regardless of musical elements used.
The Bible does not take a definitive stance either for or against drums in worship. Their use, or non-use, must be evaluated carefully based on these Biblical principles:
– Our heart motivation matters more than the specific music style. Worship should be God-focused and sincere, not performance-driven.
– Maintaining unity and love in the church body is vital. Deference to fellow believers uncomfortable with drums shows love.
– Incorporating new musical elements requires wisdom and discernment. Evaluate objectively if drums are complementing or hindering worship.
– Drums should serve the music, not overpower it or draw inappropriate attention.
– If drums become too dominant, showy, or divisive, leaders may need to reconsider their role.
– Christians have freedom in cultural forms of worship, and drums engage rhythmic senses. But exercise caution with prominent new additions.
– Believers should extend grace on disputable matters, not pass judgement. Unity matters more than musical style preferences.
– Genuine worship springs from individual believers’ hearts, not the presence or absence of any particular musical elements.