In this episode, Terry Schultz, a missionary and ethnomusicologist, shares his insights on the importance of understanding and honoring indigenous music in gospel ministry. He discusses the concept of “heart music,” the impact of cultural background on musical preferences, and the need for missionaries to prioritize the Bible over their own cultural expressions of worship. Terry also provides practical advice for missionaries seeking to engage with local cultures respectfully and effectively.

Key Topics and Points

* Christian Ethnomusicology: Terry explains ethnomusicology as the study of the anthropology of music and how people use music in their culture, based on God’s Word.

* The Power of Music: Music holds immense power, capable of evoking a wide range of intense emotions.

* Heart Music Defined: Heart music is the music a person grows up with and is most comfortable using to express their emotions. Musical preferences are formed early in life, with significant connections being made during the teen years, linking music to strong emotional experiences.

* Music is Not a Universal Language: Musical tastes and systems vary significantly across cultures. Western music, with its emphasis on melody and harmony, differs greatly from African music, which is rhythm-centric.

* Theological Implications for Missionaries: Missionaries must recognize the power of heart music and avoid imposing their own musical preferences on other cultures.

* Bring Your Bible, Not Your Hymnal: This phrase emphasizes the importance of sharing the truth of the Gospel while allowing cultures to develop their own expressions of worship.

* Empowering Indigenous Worship: It is important to empower the local culture to create its own worship resources, using indigenous music, instruments, and styles.

* The Role of the Missionary: The missionary’s role is to facilitate and guide, not to dictate or control, allowing the culture to express its faith authentically.

* Luther’s Approach to Music: Martin Luther was revolutionary in his approach to music and worship, recognizing its power and importance. He moved away from the Roman Catholic mass and incorporated German folk music into worship, making it more accessible and participatory for the congregation.

* Contemporary Application: Just as Luther applied music to contemporary issues, there is value in doing so today, using relevant musical styles to connect with people.

* Cultural Sensitivity: Missionaries should approach cultures with humility, recognizing that they are learners and servants, not superiors. They should seek to become cultural insiders, learning and understanding the local context before attempting to introduce new practices.

* Impact of Globalism: Globalization has made various musical styles more accessible worldwide, influencing contemporary musical preferences. Missionaries must be aware of these influences and allow cultures to integrate them as they see fit.

Useful Links

* “Ethnomusicology from the 1500s: Applying Luther’s Revolutionary Musical Practices to Today’s Mission Field” essay by Dr. Terry Schultz

* “‘Whose Heart Music Is in Your Mission’s Hymnal?’ Ethnomusicology Principles for Cross-Cultural Ministry” essay by Dr. Terry Schultz

Common Terms and Links on Jesus and Jetlag

* WELS = Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (wels.net)

* WLS = Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon Wisconsin (wisluthsem.org)

* Collection of Confessional Lutheran Essays

* BWM = WELS Board for World Missions

* CELC = Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference

* CICR = Commission on Inter-Church Relations of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

* Vicar = a pastoral intern in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran system

* Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly (WLQ) – A theological journal, published by Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, that aims to serve pastors and theologians with scholarly articles, book reviews, and reflections on contemporary theological and pastoral concerns.

All commentary, statements, and discussion on this podcast reflect the knowledge, insight, and experience solely of the individuals presenting and featured on the podcast.

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