Tri-City Baptist Church believes that the Bible is the answer to all of life’s questions, and our music ministry is proof of that fact. In fact, the philosophy of our music comes right from Scripture!

I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry [1].

He brought me up also out of an horrible pit [2], out of the miry clay [3], and set my feet upon a rock [4], and established my goings.

And he hath put a new song in my mouth [5], even praise unto our God [6]: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD [7].  (Psalm 40:1-3)

1. The Psalmist begins discussing the topic of music by starting with salvation.  We believe that our ministry of music is best accomplished by folks who are saved, baptized, and members of the local body of believers. Though we recognize the talents and training of others, the music of TBC is entirely produced by our church family. Of course, special musicians with like doctrine and practice (such as traveling evangelists) are always welcome.
2. The “horrible pit” that the Psalmist talks about can also be translated “a pit of noise.” We believe that when God saved us, He rescued us from the world (that is, human civilization as a whole; the great majority of people do not serve God, and their beliefs and practices are consequently out of line with His will) and the music of the world. We have no desire to return to the world or to bring its music into our church services.
3. The “miry clay” suggests a slippery position. While other applications are certainly valid, we believe that it is a “slippery situation” to be forced to follow the trends of the secular, and even sacred, music industry. Yes, we love to do new music and freshly-composed pieces, but we feel no compunction that we must sing only the newest releases. The music we sing and play is “classic” in style. That is, it will probably be performed 50 years from now and it may have been performed 50 years ago with equal spiritual significance.
4. “The Rock” is Jesus Christ and He is the theme of our song. Songs about social concern, environmental issues, etc. are not as important to us as the songs of our Savior.
5. The “new song” mentioned does not mean that the song was written in the last 20 years or that it has a “modern” sound. Since the Psalmist has just finished talking about his life before his salvation, it makes sense that the “new song” is “new” in the sense that it isn’t like the songs he sang before he was saved.  Our music is distinctively different. When one passes the open church doors of TBC there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that they are hearing “church music.” It is as ludicrous to expect that the hymns of TBC would be enjoyed by the local night club as it is to expect the music of the local night club will be enjoyed in our church.Therefore, we choose not to use any style of music that reflects the world or its philosophies. We avoid rock music (in all forms: soft, country, heavy metal, punk, techno, etc.), rhythm and blues, jazz, New Age, Broadway, etc. While some of these are valid musical expressions, we believe that in our culture they are incompatible with the message of Christ.
6. Since this passage (and many others) indicates that our music is to be “unto the Lord”, we strive to perform our music in a way that would please Him.  Just as we avoid secular and pop styles of music, we also avoid the world’s method of performing. From the amplification system to the vocal styles employed by our soloists, we strive to take the attention off of the performer and point the hearer’s thoughts to Christ. Some of our church practices are not based on direct commands from scripture but rather our desire to be “separate from the world” (2 Corinthians 6:17).
7. Isn’t it interesting that the Psalmist uses the word “see” in this verse instead of “hear”? What does the world “see” that leads them to God? Our music at TBC is always “as unto the Lord.” Folks often comment on the musical quality and the spiritual quality of our music. That is a result of following the principles stated earlier in the passage. Evangelism is not the goal of the music ministry of TBC. Evangelism happens as a result of our “song to the Lord.” It is remarkable to the world when they see people dedicated to making beautiful music for a purpose other than aggrandizing themselves. That dedication, that testimony, and the changed life as the result of Christ is what they “see”.  In this way the Lord receives all the praise for the precious souls that come to Him.