It’s wonderful that God has been sending evangelicals into churches that for generations have been starved of good Bible teaching. It’s less heartening to hear of the problems that accompany the change in emphasis.
More often than not, evangelicals move into parishes that have been focused on the traditional elements of liturgy and choral music. In this tradition the organist is in a very powerful position. Though the ‘priest’ provides the words of the liturgy, the organist provides the spirit of the liturgy by his/her playing and the music of the choir. Much of the choir’s repertoire will be almost Catholic in its theology, but emphasis is less on theology, more on the musical interpretation of the liturgy.
Starting a long way back
The evangelical preacher, therefore, has to start a long way back, and will inevitably face painful conflict when the gospel he preaches begins to challenge the traditions and ambitions of musicians. Also, there are very few people in the country who are skilled in playing the organ, so it’s likely that the organist has been part of the congregation for many years. He or she will be a very valued member of the community, and as such will have the ears not only of the congregation, but of the parish as a whole.
