The process of music making for delivering doctrine in the Christian Family Centre (an Adelaide Pentecostal Church).

Abstract

Contemporary Pentecostal Church Music has developed rapidly in the past twenty years in Australia although few ethno-musicological writings on Pentecostal Music are yet available. This research investigates the process of music making for delivering doctrine in the Ministry Time at the Christian Family Centre (an Adelaide Pentecostal Church). Fieldwork at the services of the Christian Family Centre was supported by interviews with the participants and contrasted with the researcher’s own observations as a participant. There are three aspects of discussion in the research. First is a discussion on the people involved in the music making. This is explored through an overview of the participants, a detailed analysis of the roles participants fulfil and the team structures that form. Second is an outline of the process used to make music in the services, tracing an idea from concept through to preparation, development, delivery and evaluation. Third is an examination of the musical product of the Ministry Time and a demonstration of how doctrine (orthodoxy) is delivered through lyrics, song style and interpretation of the arrangement by the players (orthopraxy). Analysis of the data reveals the specific roles and leadership structure of the Church Music Team as well as the individual’s contribution to the music making process, which is best summarised in the metaphorical equation: people + process = product. The thesis argues that although this research considers music performed in a religious context, the findings have potential for broader application to music of sacred, secular and even profane origins.