Pastor and theologian Jim Shaddix challenged participants at a worship conference with his suggested “10 Commandments for Music in Worship.”

1. Thou shalt worship God, not worship worship. — Focus on the object of our worship, God rather than on the style.
2. Thou shalt worship as a lifestyle not as a music style. — If there is a disconnect in what is happening at the church event and what is happening in people’s daily lives, there is a problem.
3. Thou shalt make the Divine Seeker comfortable first and formost. — If the presence of God is thick in a place and His Word is communicated clearly, seekers will be transformed.
4. Thou shalt use music as a sacrifice of praise, not as a synonym for worship. — Worship should included preaching and not be limited to music alone.
5. Thou shalt be theologically equipped. — Worship leaders should pursue the study of theology in addition to technical skills.
6. Thou shalt reflect a holistic theology in worship content. — Celebration is not the only kind of worship…The Bible speaks of worship involving all seasons of life. Is there a place in our worship for saying, “God, I don’t understand?”
7. Thou shalt worship in a rhythm of revelation and response. — We can’t separate the music from the preaching event.
8. Thou shalt employ lyrics that reflect communal identity. — Incorporate songs that include “we” in lyrics rather than “me.”
9. Thou shalt use technology with theological and pastoral sensitivity. — Hearing others sing encourages worship.
10. Thou shalt foster worship that reflects the diversity and unity of heaven. — God is honored in worship when we strive to accomplish ethnic diversity and congregational unity.

–Excerpted from “Pastor List Music’s 10 Commandments,” by Jenny Rice in Pulpit Helps

I liked that the author approached all the commandments from the positive side; what we should do, not what we shouldn’t do. From my point of view, these commandments work whether you are traditional, blended, or contemporary. I’ve seen people post these to try to get people to see it “their” way; and I’ve seen it from all three camps. These are good to remember as we prepare for worship each week.