Many believers understand the need for praise and worship of God. They usually have definite ideas on how they would like to implement church music in their new fellowship. Still others are content to "make a joyful noise unto God" (Psalm 66:1, KJV). Any plan to start a new congregation should make praising the Eternal an integral part of service.
Find those in your congregation who are gifted at music. Let them put their gifts to work, provided they want to do God's work! Avoid the pitfall of using church musicians who see your church as one stop along their path to musical fame and wealth.
Sadly, in our modern society, a small group of people writes and produces the vast majority of music heard by most of the world. Owners of big music businesses make big profits. Unfortunately, much music is "popular" because it makes people feel comfortable about doing things the Bible labels sins. Godly music upholds good and involves everyone as much as possible.
Purpose of Praise
Church music should praise God for who He is and what He does. It is a teaching tool, as well as a way to express joy in His Spirit. Christian music should praise God and Christ, not praise the people singing it.
I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart, I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done (Psalms 9:1, NLT).
Singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts (Ephesians 5:19, NLT).
Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises (James 5:13, NLT).
Enhance Your Music!
There are dozens of Scriptural commands to praise God in song. One of the primary goals of church music is to offer a way for everyone to participate as much as possible. If there are no skilled musicians in a congregation, then someone should find a suitable recorded music and a means of playing it loud enough so the congregations should sing along. Move beyond that as soon as possible by praying and seeking for the following for your church.
1) Look for a worship leader. This person should be someone who has a heart to lead others to praise God and who can sing in tune and on rhythm.
2) Look for a principle accompanist, usually a keyboard or guitarist.
3) Seek after additional church singers, preferable people who can harmonize, but also relieve the worship leader from having to sing every song every time.
4) Seek after additional instrumentalists like those good at bass, drums, percussion and lead instruments like trumpet, flute, sax, violin, and so on.
5) Pursue a possible music director for the church. This person will decide who will sing and play what parts and coordinate your now substantial group. Sometimes, one of the other musicians is gifted at this and does it well, but other times a director needs to be sought out.
6) Try to elicit the help of technical / musical people to implement, maintain and operate sound and projection equipment. Most people do not remember all the words to songs, so electronic word projection or songbooks are essential. Most people cannot read melodies from sheet music, but if you are blessed with a congregation where many do, print or project it for them!
7) Get as many young people involved as possible, as soon as possible, as musicians and technologists. A responsible 8-year old can change the slides projecting the words. A young person's outlook on the church can change dramatically is they are able to participate in music. Encourage parents to give musical instruction to their children specifically so they can serve in church.
Differing Opinions
There will always be differences of opinion as to which styles and songs should be sung during church services. Indeed, some Christian music is doctrinally unsound. Work out potential offenses in a spirit of love.
If a believer sees a problem that needs attention, he should go directly to the people involved, seeking a peaceful resolution. If it is not a bad enough problem to solve, then he/she should be quiet about it and not upset or divide people on the issue.
There is obvious wisdom in using mostly songs already known by most of the church or fellowship, regularly adding new songs as the Scripture instructs (Psalm 33:3, 96:1, 98:1, 144:9, 149:1, Isaiah 42:10, Revelation 5:9, 14:3). Worship leaders should not do mostly their favorite songs. It is better to include a variety of church music loved by various members of the congregation.