The Role of Music in Worship
Clayton Erb
“And He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many will see and fear, and will trust in the Lord”
—Psalm 40:3
The great composer Johann Sebastian Bach said, “The aim and final reason of all music is none else but the glory of God and the refreshment of the spirit.” Our church is blessed to have gifted singers and skillful instrumentalists, both professional and lay musicians, who participate in our ministry week after week. It is our goal to present music that glorifies, edifies, and ministers to the saints who worship with us.
Listen to Grace Community Church’s music on Hymns of Grace on YouTube or the Full Lord’s Day Services.
After coordinating and overseeing our Sunday services, concerts, and special events for 41 years, Clayton retired from his role as Minister of Music at Grace Community Church in Fall 2020. He began his music ministry in his teen years, serving as pianist and organist for Bible conferences, radio and television programs, and traveling musical groups. After concluding his traveling ministry, he became minister of music at Gilead Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan; First Baptist Church of Eugene, Oregon (with John MacArthur’s father, Dr. Jack MacArthur); and Westminster Chapel in Bellevue, Washington. Clayton's musical skills include choral conducting, composing, arranging, playing keyboard, and vocal coaching. He studied at the University of Pennsylvania and took private instruction in music at Temple University and King's College, Briarcliff, New York.