Looking Ahead In Christian Ed
edited by Margaret Jacobsen , 3M.A. Associate professor of Christian Education, Biola Bible College
in Christian Education
by Janice Wignall
Imagine a group of lively children on a bright summer day running pell mell into their Sunday school room. An appeal from the teacher to be quiet would probably prove much less effective in such a situation than the playing of quiet music to create a worshipful mood. It can create an atmosphere like that in one church where a little boy remarked, “ I like to come here to hear the beautiful music; it makes me feel all good inside!” Music can radiate the joy ous spirit of a Christian heart or reflect the quiet attitude of a prayer. Children respond to such moods with deeper feeling and understanding than we often realize. The right music presented at the right time can be a meaningful experience in the spiritual life of a child. Music acts as a social unifier which brings the children together, as they sing, into a closely knit spirit of Christian fellowship. It is a univer sal language which binds together, transcending any differences, as all voices are raised as one in songs of praise to God. Participation in songs of worship is an important part of our Protestant heritage and should be included in the earliest training of children in the church. Since early times music has been used to intensify the spoken word; it must always remain subservient to the text to carry out this purpose. It often makes the learning experi ence much more pleasant and mem orable for children if they can sing words rather than just speak them. Bible passages may be vitalized great ly by a suitable musical setting. Simple table graces, prayers and children’s thoughts concerning God may also be very effectively set to music. Aesthetic Value In what more appropriate setting than a church school can the great music of the masters be presented? *
Many oratorios, cantatas, organ pieces and other works were composed for the church and dedicated to God, the Giver of the talent. Introducing the church music of such great com posers as Bach, Handel and Mendels sohn will help to build up an ap preciation of fine church art. To share the religious experiences of oth ers through music may be a valuable part of the education program and can be done through the presentation of great hymns and the use of hymn stories. The organization of choirs at all age-levels offers a wonderful oppor tunity for Christian education work ers to reach young people. Besides offering spiritual values, a choir tends to orient children to the worship serv ice and to give a strong sense of loy alty to the church. Integration is the key to all musi cal activities in the church school. They cannot be set apart, but must grow out of natural circumstances, stories, pictures, objects and ordinary conversation. They must be a natur al part of Christian life and spiritual experience. Because young children are usually uninhibited, the teacher may find a golden opportunity in guiding their creative abilities into constructive channels and thus open a completely new channel for expression of spirit ual feelings. It requires careful preparation on the part of the teacher to make all musical experiences deeply spiritual and truly stimulating. If, in any program, music has been considered a filler, or omitted be cause of lack of time, it is hoped that its definite purpose and place may now be more clearly understood. A follow-up article will be given on the planning of specific musical activities and selection of actual mu sic for various age groups. END. ( to be continued)
C hildren love to sing! They like to skip to music, to clap a steady rhythm and to beat time. They participate in musical games. They enjoy listening to music which is within their realm of understanding. Best of all, they like to make up their own times. In their play they often sing their thoughts to one another. If music is so close to a child’s innermost feelings, let us utilize it as a vital instrument in our Chris tian education programs. Only when teachers realize that music is not a frill or merely a form of entertain ment can it become an integral part of the church school program. Emotional Value Music is closer to the emotions than the spoken word. Psychologists tell us that music will elicit a re sponse from an individual much more easily than other methods. Music, too, can establish and convey a de sired mood to those who hear it.
like to play simple instruments and
N O V EM B ER , 1954
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