Public Worship

Musical Concert

A necessity (required by God)

Not a necessity (not required by God)

Led by an ordained minister of the gospel

Performed by a musician

Contains all the elements of worship required by Scripture: prayer, congregational singing, reading of Scripture, preaching, receiving of tithes and offerings; the administration of the sacraments, lawful oaths and vows (when appropriate)

Does not contain all the elements of worship

Does not contain any elements not required by Scripture (in worship, whatever is not commanded by God is forbidden)

Often contains elements inappropriate for worship (such as video clips, dance, drama, revelry)

Music chosen primarily for its fidelity to Scripture and ability to communicate truth

Music chosen primarily for its crowd appeal (e.g., pounding beat); often glorifies man’s experience and communicates bad doctrine

Conducted under the oversight of the church

Conducted by a profit-seeking entrepreneur

Funded by the tithes of God’s people

Funded by ticket sales purchased voluntarily

The purpose is to glorify God by doing those things that he requires, out of a heart of obedience

The purpose is to entertain listeners who like a certain kind of music

God’s people of all ages must go

Attracts people mostly of a certain age group who voluntarily go

Emphasis on the proclamation of God’s truth

Emphasis on the enjoyment of artistic beauty

Must be done on the Sabbath; may be done on the other six days

May not be done on the Sabbath; may be done on the other six days