Date

1-16-2025

Department

School of Music

Degree

Master of Arts in Music and Worship (MA)

Chair

Paul Rumrill

Keywords

Indonesian worship, immigrant church, hymnody, worship music, worship theology, congregational worship

Disciplines

Liturgy and Worship | Music

Abstract

Beyond evoking emotional experience, theologically sound songs are crucial for evangelizing, edifying the church, and congregational spiritual growth. This study examines worship in Indonesian immigrant churches in the United States, analyzing recurring theological themes in the most regularly featured songs in the worship repertoire. Additionally, it explores the influence of Western worship music which shapes the blended identity of these churches. Via the data gathered through worship service observations from a few churches and a survey for platform ministers, twenty-two congregational songs were coded and analyzed for their theological themes. Findings included the omnipotence and sovereignty of God, victory/battle, faith, personal commitment to Jesus, the Holy Spirit/Triune God, and grace. These themes reflect the embedded theology of the congregations, resonating with an Indonesian narrative of striving toward freedom and equality. Secondary themes, such as Heaven, Confession of Sin, Jesus as Savior, Revival, and the Bible are also present, while themes like the Incarnation of Jesus, Evangelism, and the acknowledgment of Satan's existence are notably lacking. Western influence findings suggest a shift towards personal experience in worship services, the use of modern band instruments, and the use of contemporary songs instead of traditional Indonesian songs. The extent of these influences varies based on denominational traditions and missional identities. This study is bridging the literature gap in Indonesian immigrant church worship and contributes to the discipleship efforts of worship ministers in order to plan balanced theological emphases in songs to cultivate congregational spiritual growth.

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