Can I ask what the brethren (and any sisters) online think about playing music before the Lord's day services, and after them? Our singing is accompanied by a grand piano, and the pianist plays hymn tunes before the service, and after it has concluded.

We used to have some notices in the entrance foyer which said "PLEASE PREPARE YOURSELF FOR WORSHIP." But these were rather ancient and were removed when the building was decorated, and not replaced. There is a certain amount of chatter before the morning service, which seems worse when the piano is played louder. To my mind the piano music is too loud and should be played very quietly. One visiting pianist who comes ocasionally, plays far too loudly.

Shouild we have music before the service at all? When in the area we sometimes attend a Baptist Church in Folkestone, and they have no music before the service, just a reverent quietness. Even children and teens sit quietly for at least 10 minutes before the service. They, like us have refreshments after the morning service. tea, coffee and soft drinks, but I remember reading Wesley's Journal where he said after the sercice, we should leave quietly, pondering on the sermon.

As a pastor, if I "had my druthers" (southern phrase meaning "would rather or prefer"), everyone would do their talking outside, before they entered what we call the sanctuary. Afterward, those who wished could sit quietly and allow the Spirit to bring the worship to a close, and talking would be done after leaving. The playing of sweet music before and after enhances the moment for me. Of course this practice probably rarely exists in real life. The practice of personal worship in the house of God is becoming extinct in many churches.

As for the snacks after, most American churches are just before the noon meal (lunch) and too many times, people start checking the clock or their watches if the preaching goes over noon.

I recall a story from my father about a preacher back in history (I wish I could remember who) that stayed in his study praying until he was ready to speak. The people sat in their seats and prayed for the message. This sometimes meant hours before the actual preaching began. He then preached until the message was complete. Would to God that we had pastors and churches like that today!

Brother David in our Church the playing of the music by the piano at the beginning (actually before the beginning) of services is supposed to have a significance. When folks hear the piano music it is supposed to be a "signal" to them to come in and take their seats because the worship service is about to start.

I say supposed because unfortunately it does not appear to work that well. When the music pastor says to take your hymn books and turn to page whatever there are still people milling about talking. I believe this to happen because a lot of people seem to use Church as a social gathering rather than what it is. A lot of them, even though they consider themselves friends, have no contact at all during the week so on Sunday they have to catch up on all the latest gossip.

As to why the piano plays at the end of services, I had not pondered that previously. Perhaps I shall ask our music pastor why it is that way. Incidentally, ours is an independent, fundamental Baptist Church.

In Christ,
George

Agree wholeheartedly! It disappoints me when many are preparing themselves to hear from God and others are chatting noisily in the back. I guess it is my upbringing since my parents always taught us to be reverent when in the sanctuary. I, too, enjoy music before and after, but we do not have a consistent pattern in my church regarding this.