Dear Modern Protestant Pastor

I've recently been reading The Gift of Music: Great Composers and Their Influence by Jane Stuart Smith and Betty Carlson. This book is a collection of short biographies (really, biographical essays) on the lives and works of many of Western classical music's greatest composers. The spiritual lives of the composers are a large focus of the book. In the chapter on Bach, Smith makes the statement (as have many others) that "if there had not been a Luther, there would not have been a Bach." This started me thinking: if modern protestant pastors love Luther so much, and enjoy sharing that love with others who are like-minded, why are they ignoring the music of Bach, who (like they) found his spiritual heritage in the Reformation?

 Bach was inspired by the doctrines promoted by Luther, such as a return to the personal study of scripture, to write his music to the glory of God. It is a well-know fact that he signed each composition at the bottom with "S.D.G."--Soli Deo Gloria, to God alone the glory. Pastors, Bach knew where you're coming from! He expounds those same ideals you do, and he provides music for you to express those truths. The music itself is uplifting and beautiful, carefully crafted, a true use of his gifts and talents with melody, texture, and counterpoint to reflect the beauty of the Creator and His creation.

Why not use more Bach in your service? Don't tell me it's not relevant--worship is not about the
worshiper. It is about the One being worshiped. Worship music should not look like the world's music--it should be different, and better.

Bach had the same intentions in his worship music as you do. If you long to worship God faithfully, as the reformers did, include the contributions of your brother in Christ, Johann Sebastian Bach!

Here are my Top 6 Bach hymns and chorales to include in your worship services. Many of these were existing tunes that Bach arranged and harmonized into the form we know today. The titles listed are as found in The Hymnal 1982.

1. A Mighty Fortress--Bach harmonized Luther's original tune into the familiar form found in most modern hymnals.
2. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded--a beloved hymn of Christ's Passion. This is a personal favorite of mine.
3. Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands--another of my favorites. The text poignantly describes Christ's suffering and death, which brought us life.
4. Sleepers, Wake!--in this text, the Bridegroom returns to find his faithful servants waiting for him. This is also a famous organ chorale (listen here). The chorale tune is in the long melody notes that come out over the busy accompaniment.
5. Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light--we sing this single-verse hymn at the beginning of our Sunday services each Sunday during Advent and Christmas.
6. Songs of Thankfulness and Praise--this tune harmonized by Bach is also used for Psalm 2 in the Trinity Psalter.

There is a never-ending collection of sacred vocal music for use as special music at church, or choir anthems. For myself, as mentioned in my last post, I frequently use Bach keyboard pieces as offertories. Incidentally, these are often the pieces that have the most impact on the congregation and are the most beloved. I frequently receive positive comments about the offertory when I play Bach; and from knowledgeable parishioners, an inquiry about which Bach piece I was playing.

I urge you to consider incorporating more Bach into your services! He was a faithful servant of God during his lifetime, and may his offerings encourage us and our congregations today in our own walk of faith.