Originally posted by Augusta
They snuck in a couple of patriotic songs at my church also. They did it during the offering.
Originally posted by NaphtaliPress
We don't have an offering time in public worship so thankfully no offertory needed.
Not to discuss whether or not the collection of tithes and offerings should be included during the worship service, but focusing primarily on the use of musical instruments when the congregation is not singing.
The use of musical instruments without singing is not only common while tithe/offering is being collected, but is also common, in many of the churches I have attended, during the distribution of the Lord's Supper.
Also, assuming the Regulative Principle of Worship, and approaching the question from the perspective of those who believe that musical accompaniment is acceptable in worship (if you are opposed to all uses of musical instruments in worship, please do not make this a debate over any use of musical instruments, or of the Regulative Principle itself) :
Does the use of musical instruments during worship, without the congregation singing, constitute an element of worship?
In other words, given that the use of instruments are a circumstance that aids during the singing of psalms and hymns (in the same sense as the use of the microphone is a circumstantial aid in the clarity of hearing the Word preached) and hence is only a circumstance and not an element, is it lawful to use musical instruments apart from aiding the singing of psalms and hymns, and how would that not be adding an element to worship?