Artistic Expression in Worship

Here is a word on artistic expression from the statement "Worshiping the Triune God: Receiving and Sharing Christian Wisdom Across Continents and Centuries", adopted in 2010 by the newly formed World Communion of Reformed Churches. We aren’t affiliated with the World Communion of Reformed Churches, but this excerpt is a great charge and blessing to the Church:

1.7 Artistic Expression

Blessed is the congregation in which the Word is proclaimed, and prayers and praise are offered not only through words, but also through artistic expression: through gifts God has given to each local community in music and dance, in speech and silence, in visual art and architecture. Blessed are the artists who offer and discipline their gifts so God’s people may testify to the goodness of God, offer thanks, and express repentance.

Wise are artists who are grateful both for the limitations offered by the second commandment, and also for the example of the biblical artists called by God and equipped by God’s people for service according to God’s commands. (Ex 35.30ff)

Wise is the church that gratefully receives the gifts of faithful songs and artworks from other centuries and other cultures, celebrating the catholicity of the church, and cultivating creativity through new songs and works for worship.