A music seminar with the theme “Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs, The Road to Unity and Spiritual Maturity” was presented at Grace Ukrainian Baptist Church in Warminster, Pennsylvania.
James D. Janzen, a conductor, worship leader, speaker and author of a book with the same title, presented the seminar October 3-5, 2019. The seminar was organized by Ivan Velenchuk, music director for the Ukrainian Evangelical Baptist Convention in the U.S.
Brother Janzen based his seminar on two Scripture passages:
* “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:15-17)
* “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father.” (Ephesians 5:15-20)
Brother Velenchuk, who directs the choir at Grace Ukrainian Baptist Church, commented, “Brother Janzen clearly explained why our worship services need a balance of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. At least for me, it became more clear what it means to worship God with heart, soul and mind.”
Brother Velenchuk recommends that all music ministers as well pastors read the beneficial book “Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, The Road to Unity and Spiritual Maturity” with its practical tips.
Brother Velenchuk also said that he is excited that the music department of the Ukrainian Baptist Theological Seminary in Lviv, Ukraine has begun instruction for a bachelor of music ministry in the Philadelphia area, with 15 students from churches in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio and Rhode Island. The program involves four sessions in October, January 2020, March and June.
“This is something new for us, so I ask for prayers that God would bless this ministry, all of the students, the instructors and especially Brother Volodymyr Chlysta, director of the seminary’s music department,” Brother Velenchuk said. “May the music ministry in our churches develop for teaching, admonishing, worshiping, and glorifying our mighty and merciful God.”
