In this post I will describe the general approach and methodology I will be taking for two study projects, one on the Word and another on worship (with a focus on worship music). The goal in both will be to develop a biblically-based theology for each. As a worship team member (sometimes leading), I believe it’s important for worship to be founded on the Word, so that’s why I’m working on these two projects together.

There are many good theologies on the Word and on worship out there and many will no doubt be better than mine, so why am I doing this? Mainly, because I want to do the joyful work of exegesis, interpretation, integration, and application of Scripture to my own life as a worshiper (we should be doing this in every area of life anyway). Also, I live in a particular theological and cultural context, time, and place (we all do), so I’ll be applying Scripture (and truths found in secondary sources) to my own situation. I want this to be highly applicational, not just academic. Readers in a similar situation may find this an interesting journey, so I’ll be recording the process publicly. I’m hoping some might find this a helpful model of how to do life biblically. 

So here are some notes on the approach and methods I’ll take for each study project:

• First and most important: I’ll be praying for the Lord’s direction and help throughout. This project has been on my heart for a while, so I’ve been praying in the decision to start this project and to make it public. I’ll also be praying for Him to help me apply biblical truth in my life and service (worship and teaching). (James 1:22: “But prove yourselves doers of the Word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.”) 
• I’ll be roughly following Grant Osborne’s ten-stage approach to biblical interpretation as described in The Hermeneutical Spiral (in the Introduction, 2nd (2006) edition): 1) chart the book, 2) line diagram of passage, 3) grammatical study, 4) semantical study, 5) syntactical study, 6) background, 7) biblical theology, 8) historical theology, 9) systematic theology, 10) homiletical study. This approach moves from inductive (steps 1-5) to deductive (steps 6-10) and from exegetical theology (steps 1 to 6) to theology (7 to 10).
• Following this approach, I’ll start by studying Scripture only, with little reference to secondary sources (except introductory sources to help understand things like the cultural and historical background). After identifying the relevant passages in Scripture, I’ll exegete and interpret each passage. After all passages are interpreted, I’ll attempt a “whole Bible” synthesis that builds on the study of each passage but tries to respect the theology of each biblical author – so, a “biblical theology” approach to the theme (Word / worship), potentially tracing how the topic is developed through the canon.    
• To guide in the process of exegesis and interpretation, I’ll be referring to standard textbooks on biblical interpretation and exegesis, e.g., The Hermeneutical Spiral (Grant Osborne), Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (Hubbard, Klein, Blomberg), New Testament Exegesis (Gordon Fee), Old Testament Exegesis (Douglas Stuart), etc. 
• During the second (deductive) stage, I’ll refer to secondary sources from evangelical scholars (commentaries, etc.) and possibly refine and/or expand conclusions. At this point I’ll be benefiting from the work of others and trying to keep myself theologically accountable (to historic Christianity and the academic community). If I don’t agree with someone I’ll be responding to their conclusions, based on Scripture.
• I would also like to look at the interface and integration between the Word and worship; perhaps this is a third stage to the project. I’ll look at the relationship between worship and Word and what that means, practically, for worshipers today (especially worship leaders and worship teams).

This will undoubtedly be a multi-year project (as you can imagine based on the approach described above). Ten years would not be far off the mark! (I have a full-time secular job to earn a living along with serving my local church in worship and teaching, so I can’t devote as much time to this as I would like.) I’ll keep you posted regarding what stage I’m in. 

The approach and methodology is subject to change. What I’ve described above is just to get this thing started!

Organization of the study within this blog: There will be two separate pages within the blog for each study (one on the Word, one on worship). These pages will be dynamic, not static. This means that you will see results in their current state. Initially you’ll see notes, thoughts and conclusions based on inductive study; later on you will see more synthesizing and summaries and integration of secondary sources. I may very well revise and refine conclusions based on the biblical evidence. On the main blog page, individual posts will capture reflections, thoughts,  updates on the project’s progress, and perhaps teachings on individual components of the study.

In the meantime, I will be working towards a Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies at Tyndale Seminary (Toronto, Canada) while completing this project. This may expand to a master’s degree (Master’s in Theological Studies), God willing.  I’ll be able to apply insights gained through coursework (in Greek, biblical interpretation, and theology) to these studies.

I hope to start this project within the next couple of weeks (by the end of August 2021). Happy reading, and I hope you find this theological study and journey interesting.

Blessings and grace!

Posted on: August 8, 2021