When we sit in our pews this morning and lend our attention to the song leader, we will notice two, perhaps three objects that will assist him as he directs us in worship.
First, notice the microphone that he sings into. The microphone was not used in the first century, nor is the use of a microphone specifically commanded in the Scriptures. Its use simply amplifies what the singer is singing; it does not add anything to the singing, it is an expedient. The amplification allows all of us to hear him and follow his lead, keeping the worship in order.
The second object that assists the song leader is the screen above his head displaying the shaped notes and poetry. This too is not found in Scripture nor was it used in the first century, but its use also directs us, keeping us in order as we sing. The first two very rarely, if ever, are accused of being innovative.
The third object could be the pitch pipe, a small pipe producing one or more pitches when blown into, used chiefly for establishing the proper pitch in singing or in tuning a musical instrument. This sometimes is confused with an instrument. The error with this comparison is that the pitch pipe or tuning fork does not operate during singing. It gives its pitch and then is silent. The argument ignores the fact that the command is to sing (Eph. 5:19). Singing is not done without pitch, but the scripture does not limit how pitch is obtained. Using the pitch pipe does not violate the command, it too allows us to worship in order.
However, a mechanical instrument of music is not silent during the singing and is an addition to the worship. It was not used in the first century and is not found in Ephesians 5:19. It is an addition to the scriptures not authorized in the New Testament. Thus, the instrument is an innovation, not an expedient.
Let us all join in as we lift our voices in praise to our Lord, the creator of the universe, from everlasting to everlasting.