The Sound of the Harvest: Musics Mission in Church and Culture (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

Corbitt, an ethnomusicologist, draws on years of scholarship and international ministry to produce an all-encompassing, deeply insightful source for understanding Christian music worldwide. It's It is full of excellent examples from the Bible and the churches encounter with many cultures throughout history.

This book is valuable for people interested in cross-cultural ministry and those involved in any area of Christian music. Not everyone will agree with Corbitt's; conclusions, however, his pan-denominational emphasis on multicultural Christian social activism can free Christian musicians and workers from cultural biases or an incomplete understanding of music's rich, manifold role in the church... -- CBA Marketplace, October 1998

Product Description

Presenting a blend of music, communications, and cross-cultural theory, The Sound of the Harvest examines music's pervasive role in the church and culture today. It also presents a multicultural and holistic outlook on this art form. Divided into two parts, the first part explores six major functions of music in the life of the Church: priest, prophet, proclaimer, healer, preacher and teacher. The second part explores the nature of the voice, song, instruments and the musicians of church communities.

From the inception of the Christian church, music has played a key role in drawing individuals closer to God and creating a sense of unity. As denominations have emerged and the Gospel has spread across the world, music has served as a vital complement to preaching and teaching. The Sound of the Harvest provides a theoretical framework through a practical mix of stories, discussion, guidelines and study questions for those interested in expanding their understanding and ministry.

Professional music ministers, worship leaders, church musicians, missionaries, pastors, and laypersons will strongly benefit from the insights contained in the book. In addition, the book is an important resource for those studying music ministry, cross-cultural missions, music missions, and communications.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books (November 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801058295
• ISBN-13: 978-0801058295
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #517,939 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sound of the Harvest: Music's mission in church and culture., July 6, 2000

By	Sandra Cruz (New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews

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:)

4.0 out of 5 stars A Music Minister Must Read, June 8, 2005

By	Jeremy A. Perigo (Portsmouth, VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.