OCALA CHURCH EVALUATES MUSIC PHILOSOPHY

by Cheryl Rilea, Herb Pritchard
The Apostle Paul encourages us to “…be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;” —Ephesians 5:18-19
Ocala Church’s newly elected nine-member music committee takes this biblical challenge seriously. Chaired by Keith Rilea, church elder, their philosophy includes providing music with the purpose of drawing attention to God and not to the performers.
Rilea states, “As music is an expression of worship, it is important that the musical styles presented do not copy the behavior and customs of this world. Rather, they should reflect the transformation we experience as we behold the glory of the Lord.”
An example was witnessed on a recent Sabbath morning when Martin Butler, Florida Conference communication director, integrated music into his sermon. The church orchestra also played. As one young musician stated, “Playing in the orchestra is an opportunity to work together as a team and to worship and praise God.”