Is it wrong to have drums in church?

Response

In many of today’s expanding churches, various instruments, including drums, are utilized in musical worship. The rise of contemporary worship music has sparked an interest in local congregations to replicate that sound in their own church services. Drums, cymbals, and various percussion instruments have become common elements in numerous worship services. Nevertheless, not everyone is enthusiastic about this trend. Some may question, “Is this acceptable? Is it inappropriate to have drums in church?”

To address this concern, we must examine the objections to drums in church. Modern worship music tends to lean towards a sound often associated with rock bands. Some individuals perceive the volume and dominant rhythm as hindrances to genuine worship, which Jesus stated should be “in spirit and in truth” «God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. », (John 4:24). They argue that drums symbolize everything ungodly about music and are inappropriate for a church setting. Certain denominations prohibit the use of any instruments during musical worship, pointing out that instruments are not mentioned as part of the New Testament church.

However, we must be cautious about establishing regulations based on the absence of mention in Scripture. Just because the early church may not have incorporated drums or other instruments into their worship does not necessarily mean they were against doing so on principle. Most early churches met in small home gatherings. They did not have dedicated worship spaces, which could explain the lack of musical instruments. Additionally, Scripture does not mention pews, podiums, hymnals, or stages. The absence of these items in Scripture does not hold significance, and we should view the absence of musical instruments in the New Testament in the same light.The drum kits we use today did not exist until the early 1900s. Therefore, if the early church used drums, they would have been similar to bongos—easily transportable instruments.

It is crucial to recall that in the early days of the church, the only Bible available was the Old Testament. The initial believers likely structured their worship in ways reminiscent of the temple practices they were familiar with. The Psalms in the Old Testament frequently exhort us to praise the Lord with all available means (Psalms 81:2; Psalms 98:5; Psalms 150:4). After the Hebrews safely crossed the Red Sea, Miriam led the people in praise using a tambourine, a percussion instrument: “And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.” (Exodus 15:20). It is plausible that those with drums may have joined her.

Having drums in church would be inappropriate if the drums themselves become the focal point rather than directing attention to the One to whom the songs are sung. If the beat becomes so dominant that it becomes the center of focus, then the drums may detract from rather than enhance the worship experience. However, the same can be said for any instrument, be it a piano, an organ, or even worship leaders, pastors, or other participants in the service. All glory should be directed towards God. Drums are sometimes viewed skeptically or singled out as symbols of worldly compromise, but such perceptions are misguided. Drums are neither worse nor better than any other inanimate objects.

Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 are reliable passages that can be consulted regarding the issue of drums in church. Paul addresses the various “gray areas” where Christians may hold differing opinions.These are topics not directly addressed in Scripture, but are related to personal conviction. The conclusion is that we should do everything from faith with a clear conscience. If we find it challenging to focus on the beauty of Christ with a drum set on stage, then that particular local church may not be the right fit for us. However, if we feel the need for the sound of drums in order to worship, we may be misdirecting our worship. Drums are neither inherently right nor wrong (see Romans 14:14; 1 Corinthians 8:9-13). Nevertheless, that which is not done “from faith” becomes sin for the one engaging in it (“And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” – Romans 14:23).

Therefore, if someone’s conscience prevents them from worshiping in a service that includes drums, they should seek guidance from the Lord and then follow their conscience. For some individuals, drums may symbolize a past life filled with sinful actions accompanied by a heavy rock sound. In such cases, a worshipful environment may necessitate the absence of such sounds. The issue lies not with the drums themselves but with the individual’s negative associations with them. Those who may struggle in their faith because of drums should avoid services where drums are present (1 Corinthians 8:7-8). Simultaneously, they should acknowledge that drums can help enhance a congregation’s focus on the magnificence of our great God and can be pleasing to the Lord (“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31).