HELPFUL BOOKS ON MUSIC

Updated March 20, 2006 (first published May 5, 1998) (David Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061, 866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org; for instructions about subscribing and unsubscribing or changing addresses, see the information paragraph at the end of the article) –

Music is very important for the Christian life. The Bible has much to say about music and warns God’s people to avoid carnal music. With each passing year, though, the music among many fundamental Baptist churches grows more worldly and carnal. It is an evidence of the carnality of the people in charge of the music. It is also evidence that these people are hooked into the ecumenical Contemporary Christian Music world, and they are bringing their worldly appetites into the churches. I have attended with press credentials two of the largest ecumenical-charismatic conferences ever held in North America, and at those conferences I had to endure a constant stream of worldly music. Some independent Baptist churches I have visited force me to have “charismatic flashbacks”! I praise the Lord that many men of God are not buying into the philosophy of Contemporary Christian Music, and they are refusing to allow their churches to be pulled in that unspiritual direction. The following materials offer biblical guidelines on music in an hour of confusion. If you find anything that is not sound in these materials, please write and let us know.

***BOOKS ABOUT CHRISTIAN MUSIC***

APOSTASY AND DECEPTION IN CHRISTIAN MUSIC by Gordon Sears. The six chapters are titled Apostasy in Music, Deception in Music, The Sin of Carnality, The Strange Silence, What Others Say, and Preparing for the Storm. 104 pages. Songfest, P.O. Box 182, Coldwater, MI 49036. 517-238-4877 (voice), songfest@cbpu.com (e-mail), www.songfest.org (web site).

THE BATTLE FOR CHRISTIAN MUSIC by Tim Fisher. This excellent book answers many of the questions which are raised pertaining to contemporary Christian music, including the alleged neutrality of music and the truth about Luther’s use of secular songs. 211 pages. Sacred Music Services, P.O. Box 17072, Greenville, SC 29606. 800-767-4326 (orders), http://www.smsrecordings.com (web site).

BIBLICAL MUSIC IN A CONTEMPORARY WORLD by Ken Lynch. Evangelist Lynch is an accomplished musician, and his evangelistic ministry has carried him to 45 states and several foreign lands. He was a member of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra prior to entering college in preparation for the ministry. In addition to his studies at Bob Jones University, he has studied with such men as Jerome Wigler of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Edgar Ortenberg of the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia, and Alvin Rudnitsky, a concert violinist formerly from Ardmore, Penn. Ken’s violin is an original Luigi Marconcini (a student of the famous Stradiveri) dating 1767. Ken Lynch’s important book deals primarily with Contemporary Christian Music. Chapter titles include: The Place of Music, The Power of Music, the Problem with CCM vs. Separation, The Personnel of Music, and the Performance of Music. 129 pages. Ken Lynch, 1810 Edgmont Ave., Chester, PA 19013-5306. 610-876-1984 (voice), Evangelistkenlynch@juno.com (e-mail).

CONFRONTING CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC: A PLAIN ACCOUNT OF ITS HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY, AND FUTURE by Dr. H.T. Spence. This is an exceptionally informative and thought-provoking book. Dr. Spence develops the philosophy of Christian music from the Bible and contrasts it with a worldly approach. He shows the importance of separation from the world. He traces the history of Gospel music. The chapter titled “The Fundamentalist and His Music” warns of the worldly music which is creeping into fundamental Bible-believing churches. 164 pages, 8.5X11. Foundations Press, P.O. Box 1166, Dunn, NC 28335. 910-892-8761 (voice).

CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT by David W. Cloud. This 1999 book is one of the most extensive examinations of Contemporary Christian Music in print. It has the following features: A definition of Contemporary Christian Music. The spiteful anti-fundamentalist attitude which permeates CCM. The intimate connection between end-time apostasy and CCM. Southern gospel yesterday and today. The love affair between CCM musicians and secular rock music. The ecumenism of Contemporary Christian Music. The close association of CCM with Roman Catholicism. The intimate connection between CCM and the Charismatic Movement. An encyclopedia of 200 CCM musicians, containing profiles of their lives and ministries, church affiliations, philosophies, ecumenical associations, music, etc. Documentation proving that CCM is owned largely by secular corporations. Lyrics to CCM songs illustrating the vagueness and heresy of their message. Twenty-three key CCM arguments answered (we must use rock music to win young people, music is neutral, people are getting saved, God doesn’t look on the outward appearance, Luther used tavern music, God created all music, Christians are not to judge, etc.). Careful documentation of every fact presented. How to keep Contemporary Christian Music out of churches. Where Christians should draw the line with music. The book contains a list of Suggested Resources on Music, listing sources for sound Christian music, hymnals, resources for song leading, and materials for further reading on the topic of Contemporary Christian Music. There is also an extensive bibliography on the subject of Christian music. 450 pages, 7X8, perfect bound. Way of Life Literature, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061. 866-295-4143 (voice), fbns@wayoflife.org (e-mail), http://www.wayoflife.org (web site). See the Way of Life online catalog.

DANGERS OF CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP MUSIC by David Cloud. This two-hour video (divided into three segments) is professionally produced and a multiplicity of photographs and other visual and audio aids are mixed into the presentation to illustrate the message. Much research has gone into this production. In 2003 I read about 30 books on the subject of contemporary praise, and I analyzed about 50 of the popular contemporary praise albums. Through the years I have studied contemporary praise at large ecumenical conferences which I have attended with press credentials, such as New Orleans ’87, Indianapolis ’90, and St. Louis 2000. Within the last couple of years I have attended services at congregations that are influential in the CCW movement, including Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church in California, Bill Hybels’ Willowcreek Community Church near Chicago, the Anaheim Vineyard Church, lately pastored by John Wimber, Carpenter’s Home Church in Lakeland, Florida (where Michael W. Smith recorded his largest-selling worship album), and other congregations that are influential in this movement. Following are the seven warnings that we give in this presentation: 1. Contemporary Christian Worship is built upon the false philosophy that music is neutral. 2. Contemporary Christian Worship is largely a rock & roll feeling-fest. 3. Contemporary Christian Worship is not separated from the world. 4. Contemporary Christian Worship is intimately entangled with the Charismatic movement. 5. Contemporary Christian Worship is one of the glues of the ecumenical movement. 6. Contemporary Christian Worship goes hand in hand with a worldly philosophy of Christianity and a gradual lowering of all standards. 7. Contemporary Christian Worship is confused about true biblical worship. Way of Life Literature, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061. 866-295-4143 (voice), fbns@wayoflife.org (e-mail), http://www.wayoflife.org (web site). See the Way of Life online catalog.

DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN SACRED AND CONTEMPORARY STYLES OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC by David Cloud (90 minutes) (VHS or DVD). The goal of this very practical presentation is to give the believer some simple tools that he can use to discern the difference between sensual and sacred music. This video builds on three former presentations on music: Sound Christian Music vs. CCM, Is Southern Gospel Music Safe, and Dangers of Contemporary Praise Music. In these we deal more with the lyrics and the musicians and the associations of the music (i.e., worldliness, ecumenism, charismaticism). In “Distinguishing Between Styles” we deal with the music itself, learning how to analyze it. We use 55 clips of music to illustrate the points. We spent many weeks preparing this message, and all of the music clips are ones we have created or have gathered ourselves.

HARMONY AT HOME by Tim Fisher. Though there are many good things in this new book by Tim Fisher, in my opinion it is not as strong as his first book, The Battle for Christian Music. It is a little vague and doesn’t mention names or get specific enough about CCM in many cases to be practical enough, in my estimation, but it does contain much helpful information on the use of good music in the home. It would be a good addition to your library, especially in conjunction with Contemporary Christian Music Under the Spotlight, which is very specific and in depth on the subject of Contemporary Christian Music. Sacred Music Services, P.O. Box 17072, Greenville, SC 29606. 800-767-4326 (orders), http://www.smsrecordings.com (web site).

HOW TO TELL THE RIGHT KIND OF MUSIC by Alan Ives. This is an excellent video presentation on music. Alan Ives is a man of God and a Christian musician. Together with his wife Ellen he has produced some excellent music albums for God’s people. Alan knows music. He is trained both in secular and Christian styles of music. Before conversion he played in a rock and roll band. The Ives spend much of their time traveling to churches, preaching the Word of God and ministering in music. They are based out of the Wyldewood Baptist Church (Box 3143, Oshkosh, WI 54903. 414-235-5400). The video was recorded during one of Brother Ives’ presentations in which he masterfully uses the piano and guitar to illustrate good and bad music. Any church which could get a meeting with Brother Ives would greatly benefit. Very few Christians can properly identify the characteristics of spiritual and unspiritual music. A few years ago we transcribed this music presentation and published it under the title “The Difference between Good and Bad Music.” The article is under the Music section of the End Times Apostasy Database at the Way of Life web site. The great advantage of the video presentation over the booklet is that the viewer can hear the actual examples of music. We would urge every Christian family and every Bible-believing church to obtain the video and use it from time to time to reinforce the importance of good music. To our knowledge, there is no other single hour-long presentation which is as effective as “How to Tell the Right Kind of Music” by Brother Ives. Park Meadows Baptist Church, 800 Memorial Park Rd., Lincoln, IL 62656. 800-500-8853 (orders), http://www.wyldewood.org/cah/ (web site).

IS SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC SAFE? by David Cloud. This extensively researched multi-media video presentation is professionally produced and a multiplicity of photographs and other visual and audio aids are mixed into the presentation to illustrate the message. We believe it is important to speak out on this subject for two reasons. First, Southern Gospel is big business today and is very influential in Bible-believing churches, not only in the South, but also throughout the country and even in Canada and elsewhere. Second, following the lead of Bill Gaither and other prominent names, Southern Gospel groups are rapidly adopting the “music is neutral” philosophy of the Contemporary Christian Music world. In fact, any walls that once existed to separate Southern Gospel from the Christian rock world are rapidly being torn down. Commercial Southern gospel today is one of the branches of the larger CCM world. In this presentation we give the history of Southern Gospel quartets in the early 1900s and describe the evolution of the music toward commercialism and entertainment, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s. We show how Southern Gospel quartets adopted the sexy dance music of the early 1900s, borrowing rhythms from ragtime, jazz, western swing, honky tonk, boogie woogie, and the blues. We show that there have been two streams of Southern Gospel since the mid-1900s, a conservative stream and a contemporary stream. We reveal the close connection between Southern Gospel and the formation of rock music in the 1950s. We describe the vast influence that Bill Gaither has wielded on the Southern Gospel field since the 1980s. We document Gaither’s rapid transition into the contemporary pop sounds and expose his ecumenical philosophy and show that this unscriptural philosophy is permeating Southern Gospel. The presentation concludes with four practical suggestions about “When to Avoid Southern Gospel Music.” Way of Life Literature, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061. 866-295-4143 (voice), fbns@wayoflife.org (e-mail), http://www.wayoflife.org (web site).

IS TODAY’S CHRISTIAN MUSIC “SACRED”? by Gordon Sears. “You may not have noticed that the word SACRED is no longer used in connection with gospel music. Perhaps this is because the word ‘sacred’ means ‘holy, consecrated, opposed to profane and secular,’ according to Webster’s dictionary. ... Separation from the world in music is just as important as any other area of Bible separation.” An excerpt from Is Today’s Christian Music “Sacred”? 32 pages. Songfest, P.O. Box 182, Coldwater, MI 49036. 517-238-4877 (voice), songfest@cbpu.com (e-mail), http://www.songfest.org (web site).

MEASURING THE MUSIC: ANOTHER LOOK AT THE CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC DEBATE by John Makujina. The author of this book takes a discerning stand against CCM and brings out many important facts in this new book. Chapter titles include “Worldliness According to the New Testament,” “Rock Music and Body Image,” “The Language of Clothing,” “Toward the Meaning of Rock,” “Rock Music and Psychological Studies,” and “The History of Ecclesiastical Music and CCM.” 303 pages. Schmul Publishing, P.O. Box 716, Salem, OH 44460. 800-772-6657 (orders), 330-222-0001 (fax).

MUSIC IN THE BALANCE by Frank Garlock and Kurt Woetzel. In our estimation, this 204-page book is one of the best on the subject of Christian music. The authors, both accomplished musicians, present a wealth of well-researched information as they delve into the complex subject of musical rhythms. Their thesis is that “order in music offers harmony in life.” They show how melody, harmony, and rhythm combine together to form spiritual or unspiritual music. “If the body and physical things are a priority in one’s life, that person is sensual. If the rhythm is the primary dominating part of any piece of music, then that music is sensual” (p. 65). 204 pages. Majesty Music, P.O. Box 6524, Greenville, SC 29606. 800-334-1071 (orders), info@majestymusic.com (e-mail), http://www.majestymusic.com/ (web site).

Dr. Garlock also has a six-part video series which deals with the nature of music. It is filled with helpful graphics and musical examples which illustrate the various points. It is titled the LANGUAGE OF MUSIC. Majesty Music, P.O. Box 6524, Greenville, SC 29606. 800-334-1071 (orders), info@majestymusic.com (e-mail), http://www.majestymusic.com/ (web site).

POP GOES THE GOSPEL: ROCK IN THE CHURCH by John Blanchard. This is an excellent book written from a British perspective. 203 pages. Evangelical Press, 12 Wooler St., Darlington, Co Durham DL1 IRQ, England.

ROCK MUSIC VS. THE GOD OF THE BIBLE by David Cloud. An extensive examination of rock music and its evil influence on society. Chapters include “My Experience with Rock Music” (the author’s testimony), “The Roots of Rock” (focusing on the blues, jazz, black spirituals, and Southern Gospel), “The Pioneers of Rock” (the families and lives of pioneer rockers, the influence of 50s rock on society, etc.), “The Character of Rock Music,” “Rock and the Occult,” “Rock and Spirituality,” “Rock and Violence,” “Rock and Love,” “Rock and Voodoo,” “Rock and Drugs,” “The Rock & Roll Deathstyle” (a list of more than 500 rockers who have died young due to the rock & roll lifestyle), “Rock and Rebellion,” “Rock Music and Insanity,” “Rock Musicians as Mediums,” “Rock Music and Pagan Religion,” “Death Metal Rock Music,” and “How to Raise a Rock and Roll Rebel.” 430 pages, 7X8, perfect bound. Way of Life Literature, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061. 866-295-4143 (voice), fbns@wayoflife.org (e-mail), http://www.wayoflife.org (web site). See the Way of Life online catalog.

SOUND CHRISTIAN MUSIC VS. CCM by David Cloud. This high-quality two-hour multi-media video presentation deals with the errors and philosophies that permeate contemporary Christian music and demonstrates conclusively the dangers of borrowing the world's music. A multiplicity of photographs of individuals, books, and other visual aids are professionally mixed into this high-quality presentation to illustrate the message. The presentation includes quotes and background on rockers, bluesmen and CCM artists like Jimi Hendrix, Professor Longhair, BB King, Timothy Leary, Robert Johnson, the Beatles, the Grateful Dead, David Bowie, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Jars of Clay, Messiah Prophet, Petra, Bob Larson, Phil Keaggy, Phil Driscoll, Sheila Walsh, Jennifer Knapp, John Wimber, DC Talk, Audio Adrenaline, Sandy Patti, the Supertones, Gary Chapman, Kirk Franklin, Kathy Troccoli, Michael Card, John Michael Talbot and Rich Mullins, among others. It also deals with contemporary Southern Gospel as represented by the Gaithers. The presentation examines the overt worldliness in lifestyle, appearance, and methods of the Contemporary Christian Music industry. Further, it shows the connection between the charismatic movement, the Roman Catholic Church, and sound, Bible-believing churches which adopt the music and philosophies of CCM. Is music neutral? Should Christians rock? Isn't CCM a good way to entice the world into the church? Where should we draw the line in Christian music? How does worldly music enter Bible-believing churches? What are the dangers of this new music? Isn't it legalistic to have specific standards for music? For Bible answers to these and many other important questions on the issue of music, we highly recommend this video. Many who have viewed the video have said that it is the best presentation on the dangers of Contemporary Christian Music that they have seen. Way of Life Literature, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061. 866-295-4143 (voice), fbns@wayoflife.org (e-mail), http://www.wayoflife.org (web site). See the Way of Life online catalog.

WHY I LEFT THE CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC MOVEMENT: CONFESSIONS OF A FORMER WORSHIP LEADER by Dan Lucarini. The author was heavily involved in rock and roll before he was saved; and after his conversion in 1973, he was the leader of contemporary praise teams in two churches. In that capacity he assisted in moving the congregations from traditional to contemporary music. He was an enthusiastic supporter of Contemporary Christian Music and defended it with the standard arguments: music is neutral; music is merely a matter of personal preference; the Bible doesn’t say rock music is evil; it’s the heart that matters not the music; Martin Luther and the Wesleys used contemporary music in their day; rock music is necessary for evangelism; God is using CCM to save and disciple teens; etc. Though this book is not large (141 pages), the author does an excellent job of refuting the arguments used to defend CCM and of laying out the biblical grounds for separating from it. The author explains that Contemporary Christian Music is not merely music but is a philosophy of the Christian life. This is why it usually brings such rapid and radical changes when it enters a Christian’s life, home, or church. CCM is upheld and accompanied by a philosophy of tolerance and non-judgmentalism that eventually reaches to all areas of the Christian experience. In a fascinating section in chapter 17, “Down the slippery slope of blended services,” the author describes how he personally assisted in moving churches from traditional to contemporary music. He gives the steps that are involved, and they are a loud warning to pastors who care about these things. The last couple of chapters contain suggestions for pastors who are struggling with the music issue and who are being pressured to allow the introduction of contemporary music. The author gives some practical tips about how to keep CCM out of the church. He also gives some tips for how to choose sound music. 141 pages, perfect bound. Evangelical Press, 2002, P.O. Box 84, Auburn, MA 01501, sales@evangelicalpress.org.

***HYMNALS***

BEEBE PUBLICATIONS. 166 Swan Lake Dr., Stockbridge, GA 30281-6107. 800-828-4595 (orders), 770-474-3636 (voice), 770-389-4833 (fax), beebe5@bellsouth.net (e-mail), http://www.beebepublications.com (web site). They carry 36 different hymnals and offer discounts to churches which order in quantity.

MAJESTY MUSIC, P.O. Box 6524, Greenville, SC 29606. 800-334-1071 (orders), 803-242-6722. http://www.majestymusic.com/ (web site).

***MATERIALS ON SONG LEADING***

ALL ABOUT THE CHURCH MUSIC DIRECTOR by Wally & Winifred Beebe. This 1998 book deals song leading, accompanists, the invitation, choirs, specials, doctrine and standards, copyrights, even radio broadcasts. 109 pages. Sword of the Lord, Box 1099, 224 Bridge Ave., Murfreesboro, TN 37130. 800-247-9673 (orders), 615-893-6700 (voice), 615-895-7447 (fax), booksales@swordofthelord.com (e-mail), http://www.swordofthelord.com (web site).

BEGINNING SONG LEADING TECHNIQUES by Steve Attaway. This video production is well done and the music used as samples is excellent. There is an introduction to musical notes, demonstrations for leading various types of music (2,3,4,6, and 9 beats), and various pointers for church song leading. At-A-Boy Productions, P.O. Box 62, Argyle, TX 76226. 940-464-2069. Please note that it is possible that Attaway has changed his musical styles since first producing this video, and we cannot guarantee that he currently promotes sound Christian music.

CHORAL DIRECTOR’S REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE GUIDE by Lewis Gordon (Parker Publishing Company, West Nyack, New York). This book was described by a reader as follows: “It is easy reading with excellent ideas about working with your group, building their vocal quality (breathing, warming up, etc.). It shows the basic directing patterns and conducting techniques. It also includes a brief description of Music history.”

CHURCH MUSIC FOR THE GLORY OF GOD by Urang (Christian Service Foundation, Moline, Illinois). This book is currently out of print.

ESSENTIALS IN CONDUCTING by Gehrkens (Presser). This book is out of print, but it is possible to obtain archival copies for those willing to pay for it. Presser Company, 1 Presser Place, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010. 610-525-3636 (voice), 610-527-7841 (fax), presser@presser.com (e-mail), http://www.presser.com (web site).

CORRESPONDENCE MUSIC COURSE by Bryan Dodson. This course includes a video by Christian musician/evangelist Alan Ives. Generations Baptist Mission, R.R. # 2, Box 424, Hunlock Creek, PA. 18621. 717-542-7442 (voice), 717-542-5882 (fax), gbm@mail.microserve.net (e-mail).

HOW TO DIRECT MUSIC. A course in church music direction. Swan Productions, 7122 Franklin Rd., Murfreesboro, TN 37128. 615-904-2156.

LINDSAY TERRY AND CHURCH MUSIC: A MANUAL FOR CHOIR MEMBERS, MUSIC DIRECTORS, AND PASTORS. This is an excellent book by a fundamental Baptist music director with many helpful suggestions for developing a spiritual church music program. Includes information on the concept of church music, various aspects of the choir, fundamentals of conducting, the relationship of the pastor to the music program, Christian music in the home, and effective congregational singing. The book is available from Sword of the Lord, Box 1099, 224 Bridge Ave., Murfreesboro, TN 37130. 800-247-9673 (orders), 615-893-6700 (voice), 615-895-7447 (fax), booksales@swordofthelord.com (e-mail), http://www.swordofthelord.com (web site). I called Brother Lindsay at his home in Texas, and he told me that the book has been revised and is being republished. He can be contacted at Forward Leadership Resources, 3526 Lakeview Parkway, Suite B-230, Rowlett, TX 75088. 800-874-6359.

THE MINISTRY OF MUSIC by Kenneth W. Osbeck (Kregel Publications). This book covers the history of the development of sacred music, qualifications for a church music director, congregational singing, children’s choirs, young people’s choirs, senior’s choirs, the instrumental program, and the worship service. The author was a teacher at Grand Rapids Baptist College and Seminary and at the Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music. Kregel Bookstores, P.O. Box 2607, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-2607. 800-776-0988 (orders), 616-459-9444 (voice), 888-873-2665 (fax), http://www.gospelcom.net/kregel/pub/welcome.html (web site).

SOFT (ACE) MUSIC COURSE by Accelerated Christian Education (ACE). This is described by a friend as follows: “This would probably be great for most church song leaders. It seems to be a very thorough course designed for a one semester upper level high school elective. Suggested retail price was about $49.90 which includes six PACEs, two score & test keys, and two cassette tapes that go with the course. Almost half of the cost is the tapes; of course, we only keep one or two sets at the school and reuse them for each student.” School of Tomorrow, P.O. Box 299000, Lewisville, TX 75029-9000. 972-315-1776, comments@schooloftomorrow.com (e-mail), http://www.schooloftomorrow.com/ (web site).

SONG LEADERSHIP by Homer Rodeheaver (The Rodeheaver Company). Rodeheaver (1880-1955)was the famous music director and hymn writer who led music for Billy Sunday and William Biederwolf, then founded the Summer School of Sacred Music at Winona Lake and the Rodeheaver Hall-Mack Company to publish gospel music. This book is currently out of print.

SONG LEADING AND CHURCH MUSIC by Don Scovill, c/o Ambassador Baptist College, P.O. Box 158, Lattimore, NC 28089. 704-434-0303 (voice). Dr. Scovill is the music at Ambassador Baptist College (founded by Ron Comfort), and this is a practical book on song leading and church music. It contains illustrations.

UPBEAT DOWNBEAT: BASIC CONDUCTING PATTERNS AND TECHNIQUES by Sandra Willetts. Professor of Choral Conducting at the University of Alabama School of Music. Abingdon Press, Nashville, Tennessee. 1993.

YOU CAN LEAD SINGING: A SONG LEADER’S MANUAL by Glenn Lehman. Order directly from Lehman at 850-477-8812. Or order via the web at Amazon Books, P.O. Box 80387, Seattle, WA 98108-0387. 800-201-7575, info@amazon.com (e-mail), http://www.amazon.com (web site).

VIDEO AND WORKBOOK by Don Woodard, Sr. 3248 India Hook Rd., Rock Hill, SC 29732. 803-329-4998.

WHAT SHALL WE SING by Christopher Idle. The Fellowship of Word and Spirit, P.O. Box 39, Buxton, Derbyshire England SK17 6PR, U.K.

***SCORES FOR INSTRUMENTAL HYMNS***

DAVID E. SMITH PUBLICATIONS, 4826 Shabbona Rd., Deckerville, MI 48427. 800-672-2733 (orders), 810-376-8429 (voice), despub@greatlakes.net (e-mail), http://www.despub.com (web site). Catalog consisting of over 2,500 items by over 50 writers. Includes graded solos and ensembles for woodwinds, brass, strings, piano, string orchestra and concert band. Featured are “Heritage,” a band method supplement utilizing hymns and sacred songs sequenced to traditional band methods, and “Hymnsembles” and “Hymns for Multiple Instruments” which are designed to work with mix-and-match or unusual instrumentations. Distributor for C.T. Smith Publications, Curnow Press, Majestic Music (not to be confused with Majesty Music), and Salvation Army.

HOPE PUBLISHING COMPANY, Carol Stream, IL 60187.

LILLENAS PUBLISHING, 2923 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64109. 800-877-0700 (orders), 800-849-9872 (fax), http://www.lillenas.com/ (web site). 500 Hymns for Instruments (to go with the Worship in Song hymnal).

MAJESTIC MUSIC, GNMS Order Dept., 10415 Beardslee Blvd., Bothell, WA 98011-3271. 800-821-9207 (voice), 425-489-2883 (voice), 425-489-2887 (fax). Recordings and arrangements for voice and instruments by Gordon Schuster and other composers. See also David E. Smith Publications. http://www.gnms.com/majestic (web site).

SOUNDFORTH, Greenville, SC 29614. 800-258-7288 (orders), 864-298-0268 (fax), http://www.soundforth.com/ (web site), soundforth@bju.edu (e-mail).

TABERNACLE PUBLISHING, 380 S. Main Pl., Carol Stream, IL 60187.

***CHORAL ARRANGEMENTS***

GRACE FOR ALL PUBLICATIONS. 513 East Park Ave., Fairmont, WV 26554. 304-367-8918 (voice), info@grace4all.com (e-mail), http://www.grace4all.com (web site).

IDEAL SACRED MUSIC. Ambassador Baptist College, P.O. Box 158, Lattimore, NC 28089. P.O. Box 158, Lattimore, NC 28089. 704-434-0303 (voice), 704-434-8331 (fax), http://www.ambassadors.edu (web site), ambassadorbaptistcollege@juno.com (e-mail). Choral and instrumental arrangements.

LOWERY, DOUG. Box 342, Sun Priarie, WI 53590. 920-478-4286 (voice). Has a tape/CD/songbook with vocal solos and duets and choral numbers.

SOUNDFORTH, Greenville, SC 29614. 800-258-7288 (orders), 864-298-0268 (fax), http://www.soundforth.com/ (web site), soundforth@bju.edu (e-mail).

THE WILDS Christian Camp and Conference Center. Order their music via the Internet from Worthwhile Company Online Mall -- http://shop.worthwhile.com/mall/catalog/The_Wilds/ (web site).

***SOURCES FOR SOUND MUSIC RECORDINGS***

Please note that we cannot guarantee that all of the music produced by the following organizations and ministries is sound. We publish this list because it is difficult to locate good Christian music and we desire to point the way to some of the music that we have found helpful. It is not possible for us to listen to every single thing that has been produced by the following sources, nor is it possible for us to keep up with every new recording that they publish. Ultimately it is the responsibility of each listener to prove the music by the Word of God and the guidance of the indwelling Holy Spirit. We encourage our readers to contact us if some of the music by any of the following sources is found to be unsound or even borderline contemporary.

AMBASSADOR BIBLE COLLEGE. See Ideal Sacred Music or Old Fashioned Christian Radio Store.

CHRISTIAN MELODY. Alan McGill, a noted Christian baritone, has 96 selections on eight cassettes. P.O. Box 292, Lutherville, MD 21094. We must warn that McGill is not a separatist and his associations are not all fundamentalist.

CHRISTIAN PURITIES FELLOWSHIP. Various conservative music titles from Foundations Bible College. P.O. Box 1166, Dunn, NC 28333. 800-849-8761 (orders), http://www.foundations.edu (web site).

CLARK, MIRIAN JARRELS. “While He Is Near.” Lovely piano/vocal arrangements. P.O. Box 292, Penn Laird, VA 22846.

CLEARWATER CHRISTIAN COLLEGE. Various recordings by college groups. 3400 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33759. 727-726-1153 ext. 603 (bookstore phone), http://www.clearwater.edu/ (web site).

COMFORTING MERCIES MUSIC, Box 207, Taylors, SC 29687.

CONCORD & HARMONY. This is the music ministry of Alan and Ellen Ives. 328 Rosalia Street, Oshkosh, WI 54901. 920-231-4807 (home), 920-235-5400 (Wyldewood Baptist Church), http://www.wyldewood.org/cah/ (web site). I recommend two of their CDs in particular: “Volunteers for Jesus” and “In Jesus Is All Meaning.”

THE CYBER HYMNAL. This is a large resource. It contains a collection of 2,100 hymns and gospel songs organized alphabetically. We would not recommend every hymn, but there are some good ones in this collection. The MIDI arrangements are tastefully done, at least the ones we have listened to. The MIDI files are accompanied by the lyrics and articles explaining the background information pertaining to the hymn. There are also biographies of 120 hymn writers. http://www.cyberhymnal.org

DISCOVER CHRISTIAN MUSIC, 519 Piedmont Golf Course Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673. 800-767-4326) (orders), http://www.dcmrecordings.com/ (web site). This is one of the best sources for excellent sacred music.

DRAMATIC DIFFERENCE PUBLICATIONS, RR #3, Box 3178, Farmington, ME 04938. 207-778-2766 (voice). ddp@exploremaine.com (e-mail), http://www.dramaticdifference.com (web site). This sound music ministry is operated by Mrs. Sandi Rebert, wife of Pastor Rebert of New Hope Baptist Church in Farmington, Maine. Selections include Dramatic Hymn Stories, Bible Women of Virtue, and Christmas Memories.

FAIRHAVEN BAPTIST COLLEGE, 86 E. Oak Hill Rd., Chesterton, IN 46304. 800-733-3422 (orders), 219-926-6636 (voice), Fairhaven@CleanInter.net (e-mail). A good choice is the “Everything Is Possible” CD by the Fairhaven Baptist College and Church.

FAITH MUSIC MISSIONS, Boeke Road Baptist Church, P.O. Box 2463, Evansville, IN 47728. 800-867-0554 (orders), http://www.faithmusicmissions.com (web site). Faith Music Missions “does not tolerate CCM, modern Southern Gospel or any type of music with a rock beat, regardless of the words.” In addition to a wealth of beautiful music, Faith Music Missions has many other helpful resources. They offer a line of conservative, drumless soundtracks. They produce Congregational Evangelistic style piano hymns on CDs “for the church or servant of God to use in lieu of a pianist or to assist their music program.” They also have recording and duplication services, blank tapes, etc.

FAITHWAY BAPTIST COLLEGE OF CANADA, Faithway Baptist Church, 1964 Salem Rd., Ajax, Ontario L1S 4S7. 905-686-0951 (voice), 905-686-1450 (fax), faithway@faithway.org (e-mail), http://www.faithway.org (web site). A good CD good choice is “We Wear His Name” by the Faithway Baptist College of Canada Servant Singers.

FISHER, TIM. See Sacred Music Services.

FOUNDATIONS BIBLE COLLEGE. See Christian Purities Fellowship.

GRACE FOR ALL PUBLICATIONS. 513 East Park Ave., Fairmont, WV 26554. 304-367-8918 (voice), info@grace4all.com (e-mail), http://www.grace4all.com (web site). Choir and instrumental arrangements.

GREER, GORDON AND JEAN, 605 Del Norte Rd., Greenville, SC 29615. 864-244-9152 (voice), Jgreer@bju.edu (e-mail). The Greers have two sacred music CDs.

HEART PUBLICATIONS, P.O. Box 116, Pembine, WI 54156.

HERBSTER TRIO. This excellent father-son trio has several excellent CDs. The singers are accompanied by orchestral music. Two of their CDs that I particularly like are “Hymns of Grateful Worship” and “Faithful Servant.” Tri-City Ministries, 4500 Little Blue Parkway, Independence, MO 64057, http://www.herbsterevangelism.org/site/pages/catalog.aspx?fsId=12&returnUrl=catalog.aspx (web), mark@herbsterevangelism.org (e-mail).

HIBBARD, DAVID, 291 Clayton-Aura Rd., Glassboro, NJ 08028. 856-863-4992, hibbardfamilyministries@juno.com or dhibbard@juno.com. An excellent CD is Along Life’s Road: Songs for My Saviour.

HYMNS TRIUMPHANT. There are two volumes of these, each containing dozens of hymns performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the London National Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Amen Choir. The arrangements are wonderful. They are available from the Old Fashioned Christian Music Radio Store, http://www.oldchristianmusic.com/mproductpages/london-orchestra+amen-choir--hymns-triumphant.html.

IVES, ALAN. See Concord & Harmony.

KINGSWAY MUSIC, Lottbridge Drive, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN23 6NT, United Kingdom. A series of 12 CDs called “The Hymns Makers.”

KNIES, VALERIE. Mrs. Knies is a missionary to Hungary, and samples of her music can be found at her web site - http://www.valerieknies.com. Order from Melissa Roberts, Mukwonago Baptist Church, 1610 Honeywell Rd., Mukwonago, WI 53149. 262-363-4197 (voice), valerie@valerieknies.com (e-mail).

LOWERY, DOUG. Box 342, Sun Prairie, WI 53590. 920-478-4286 (voice). Has a tape/CD/songbook with vocal solos and duets and choral numbers.

THE MAJESTY AND THE GLORY and THE MAJESTY AND GLORY OF THE RESURRECTION. These CDs arranged and produced by Billy Ray Hearn and Tom Fettke contain lovely orchestral/choral arrangements of hymns and spiritual songs. They are available from the Old Fashioned Christian Music Radio Store, http://www.oldchristianmusic.com/mproductpages/london-orchestra+amen-choir--hymns-triumphant.html.

MAJESTY MUSIC, P.O. Box 6524, Greenville, SC 29606. 800-334-1071 (orders), 803-242-6722 (voice). http://www.majestymusic.com/ (web site). Most of the music produced by Majesty Music is excellent and Ron and Shelly Hamilton are among the most prolific and talented sacred music writers and arrangers alive. The only warning we would give is that we feel that some of the newer Patch the Pirate tapes are moving in a slight contemporary direction. The Majesty Strings series is pleasant background music.

MARANATHA BAPTIST BIBLE COLLEGE, 745 W. Main St., Watertown, WI 53094. 920-261-9300 (voice), 920-261-9109 (fax), administration@mbbc.edu (e-mail), http://www.mbbc.edu (web site). As of 1998 Maranatha Baptist Bible College offered 20 tapes and CDs of music.

MARSHALL FAMILY, P.O. Box 5264, Astoria, NY 11105. 718-728-4410 (voice), jmarsh777@aol.com (e-mail), http://www.av1611.org/marshall (web site), http://www.oldchristianmusic.com/mproductpages/john-marshall-family--watchman.html (for ordering Marshall CDs). The Marshall Family originated many years ago when evangelist John Marshall and his wife trained their children to sing and play instruments at Brother Marshall’s preaching meetings. The children began singing at a young age and demonstrated special talent. The quality of their music has increased greatly over the years and as the children have married and established their own families the Marshall Family has continued to perform and record under a variety of personnel incarnations. While some of the Marshall Family songs are a bit too blue grassy for my taste, they have different styles and I find many of their songs to be lovely and very precious. It appears that the Marshalls or someone associated with them has written a lot of their music, so many of their numbers are unique. They are talented musicians on a wide range of instruments and the harmony on many of the songs is glorious. The recording and singing quality of the songs is uneven, but there are lots of jewels scattered throughout their CDs. I recommend the following Marshall Family CDs: “CD Collection #1,” “CD Collection #2,” “CD Collection #3,” “Abide in Me,” “Just for A Moment,” “Stand by God’s Man,” “Under Their Father’s Hand,” and “Watchman.”

MILLER, ABIGAIL. Her music is “a blend of peaceful original songs and old-fashioned hymns, accompanied by an array of instruments, such as the harp, cello, violin, viola, guitar, piano, and flute.” Only available on the internet -- http://abigailmiller.com/html/amctjpurchase.html

MURRAY MUSIC MINISTRIES. Lovely recordings by Greg and Heather Murray. I particularly like “The Lord Is Calling.” P.O. Box 346, Bedford, VA 24523, 540-816-0284 (voice), info@murraymusicministries.com (e-mail), http://www.murraymusicministries.com (web).

MUSIC FOR MINISTRY. Good selection of conservative piano soundtracks produced by Sharon Fields, a pastor’s wife and accomplished pianist. 8431 W. Mission Lane, Peoria, AZ 85345. 623-412-7931 (voice), http://www.musicforministry.com/ (web site), musicforministry@integrity.com (e-mail).

NATOLI, MICHAEL. He has an album called “Legacy.” 2509 W. City Point Rd., Hopewell, VA 23860. 804-452-0739.

NORTHLAND BAPTIST BIBLE COLLEGE, W10085 Pike Plains Road, Dunbar, WI 54119. 715-324-6900 (voice), 715-324-6133 (fax), info@nbbc.edu (e-mail), http://www.nbbc.edu (web site). I especially like “For the Glory of the Lord” and “Holy Is He” by the Northland Baptist Bible College Northern Lights.

OGLESBY, MINA. 632 North Moore Road, Chattanooga, TN 37411.

OLD FASHIONED CHRISTIAN RADIO MUSIC STORE. This online store offers a wide variety of traditional sacred Christian music. 817-652-3771, http://www.oldchristianmusic.com/

OUTREACH QUARTET, 419 S. Montgomery, Watertown, WI 53094.

PAYNE, GENE AND BARBARA. See Scripture Songs Publications.

PENSACOLA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE. 25 Brent Lane, Box 18000, Pensacola, FL 32523-9160. 877-787-4723 (voice), 850-479-6548 (fax), 850-478-8496 (voice), http://www.pcci.edu/pts (web site). Though I have not listened many of Pensacola’s CDs, the ones I have are good. On their radio network (which has more than 50 satellite stations across the country) they are moving toward a more contemporary approach; so their music bears watching.

PETTIT, STEVE. See Heart Publications.

PINNER PUBLICATIONS, 800-884-6775. String solos, duets etc.

REJOICE PUBLICATIONS, Associate Pastor Mark Poorman, Woodcrest Baptist Church, 6875 University Ave. NE. Fridley, MN 55432. 763-571-6409 (church), 763-780-9835 (home). Cantatas, solos, duets, a wedding book, etc.

SACRED MUSIC SERVICES, P.O. Box 17072, Greenville, SC 29606. 800-767-4326 (orders), http://www.smsrecordings.com (web site).

SCRIPTURE SONGS PUBLICATIONS, 5510 Falls of Neuse Rd., Raleigh, NC 27609. 919-876-0585 (voice).

SHEPHERD’S STAFF MINISTRIES, 9426 Brookville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46239. 317-862-4908 (voice), ssm@tcon.net (e-mail), http://mem.tcon.net/ssm/ (web site).

SMITH, DAVID E. See David E. Smith Publications.

SONGFEST. Gordon Sears, P.O. Box 182, Coldwater, MI 49036. 517-238-4877 (voice), songfest@cbpu.com (e-mail), http://www.songfest.org (web site). Distribute music by the Old Fashioned Revival Hour as well as by the Sears family.

SOUNDFORTH, Greenville, SC 29614. 800-258-7288 (orders), 864-298-0268 (fax), http://www.soundforth.com/ (web site), soundforth@bju.edu (e-mail). Music tapes and arrangements, song books, choir and choral, children’s music programs, dramas. Also “A Guide to Hymn Playing” by Rebecca Bonam and Duane Ream. This is one of the best sources for excellent sacred music.

SWORD PUBLISHERS, P.O. Box 290, Redmond, WA 98073-0290. 425-391-7315 (voice). Several excellent music selections.

THE WILDS Christian Camp and Conference Center. Order their music via the Internet from Worthwhile Company Online Mall -- http://www.worthwhile.com/mall/storefront.asp (web site). This is an excellent source for quality sacred music.

***CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC BROADCASTS ON THE INTERNET ***

The following Internet Radio broadcasts feature preaching by independent Baptists and fundamentalists, plus conservative, traditional Christian music. This does not mean that they play only the old hymns. It means that they have a traditional standard of music. Much of the music played on these stations is contemporary, not in philosophy or style but in the sense that it is written by composers who are alive today, such as the John Marshall Family, Ron Hamilton, Mac Lynch, and Gordon Greer. Obviously we have not listened to all of the music that is played by these stations. Some of the music might be Southern Gospel, and we are unable to recommend much of the music in that that genre today. (See our video presentation “Is Southern Gospel Music Safe?” available through the online catalog at the Way of Life Literature web site.)

Delve Into the Depths Broadcasting

This is a ministry of Galilee Baptist Church, Stafford Springs, Connecticut. http://www.delveintothedepths.com/

Old Fashioned Christian Music Radio

http://www.oldchristianradio.com/

Fundamental Broadcasting Network

http://www.fbnradio.com/

Sacred Music.org

http://www.sacred-music.org

WPIP Radio (Berea Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, North Carolina)

http://www.wpipbereanradio.org/radiopage1.html

WOEL-FM 89.9 mhz (owned and operated by Maryland Baptist Bible College)

http://www.mbcmin.org/woel/index.htm