The Sound of the Harvest: Music's Mission in Church and Culture

The Sound of the Harvest by Nathan Corbitt is an exemplary work on the role of music in the church and in culture. Moving beyond typical ethnocentric musical standards, Corbitt presents his research on music with a global perspective. In the first part of this book, Corbitt surveys the different function of music in the kingdom of God. He combines biblical studies, Church history, enthnnomusicology, missiology, scientific research, and contemporary culture in order to provide and define the following functions: music as priest (worshipping), music as prophet (calling people to righteousness and justice), music as proclaimer (communicating the salvation message), music as healer (alleviating suffering), music as preacher (speaking of God), and music as teacher (carrying sacred tradition). The second portion of Corbitt's books reveals practical applications of how kingdom music functions in voice, song, and instrument. He calls for the Christian community to critically evaluate the music used in ministry but to be globally minded. Musicians and worship leaders with a true heart of worship must transcend their cultural and personal musical tastes and attempt to become musical servants who minister to the whole of the church. Corbitt states, "Musically, we can strive for a balance between `global music expression' which implies a common language, and respect the `heart of music' of people in a diverse world, while ministering in a holistic manner." Those musicians and worship leaders who can undertake this principle will have much success in their own churches when conflicts of style arise, and additionally, they will have much success in ministering in music in cross-cultural settings. Personally, I believe that The Sound of the Harvest is one of the most well thought through books on music ministry written. Corbitt has integrated stories, practical examples, personal thoughts, and philosophies of music ministry which have resounded within me. I have a strong desire to be a musical servant who is sensitive to the Christians in my church, the unbelievers in my community, and people all over the world while attempting to maximize the potential of my God-given musical talents. This book by Nathan Corbitt has given me a solid foundation to do just that.

I must say that this book is excellent. I read the book about a year ago and still use it as a refrence today. I may be a little bit biased since I had the opportunity to have Dr. Corbitt as a professor at Eastern College (if you get a chance, take a course with him, he's awesome), but I must say that this book encompasses all the qualities that music has to offer in diffrent communities, churches, and cultures. My favorite part of the book was the topic of music as healing. I'm working on getting certified as a music therapist, and this chapter helped me to understand the biblical concepts of my profession. If you love music, and want to learn about it's usuage in church, different communities, or for your own personal use.... READ THIS BOOK! (Little note: I'm on the cover:)