The Influence of Music on the Development of the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee)

This book examines the influence of music on the development of the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee). This narrative is historically driven, but relies upon an interdisciplinary approach to draw on the insights of ecclesiology, theology, liturgiology, church development, and especially music. This study utilizes a chronological and systematic approach to the relationship between music and the Church of God in the United States during the first 125 years of the denomination's history, from 1886 to 2011.

For over a century, music has been an often-neglected dialogue partner at the table of academic discussion and this research argues for recognition and a proper place in Pentecostal history. Along with primary and secondary sources, the important element of ""living archives"" is investigated in this work; these are interviews with people who participated in historical music events in the Church of God. The book also relies upon musical examples to explore the influence of music upon the shaping of the denomination's history and theology.

""Music is such an integral part of the history of the Church of God. Benson Vaughan has captured the transcendence that music has given to our praise and worship, elevating us in preparation for the word. Benson's research and interviews with historical figures from our movement offers a bedrock of significant proof for not only the relevance, but the biblical importance music plays in churches today.""
--Tim Hill, General Overseer of the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee).

""Benson Vaughan, missionary psalmist extraordinaire, brings to the printed page a lifetime of passion and scholarly research to trace the influence of music on the denomination of his heritage: the Church of God. Here the reader will find a profound analysis of historical import and a prophetic call to embrace the creative work of the Holy Spirit to articulate faith to the generations to come. I enthusiastically endorse this magnificent project.""
--Mark L. Williams, Lead Pastor, North Cleveland Church of God


Benson Vaughan is a musician, minister, and missionary-educator who serves with Church of God World Missions (Cleveland, Tennessee). He received his MCM from Lee University and teaches in their DAL online degree program, his MDiv and DMin from the Pentecostal Theological Seminary, and his PhD from the University of Birmingham, England. Benson is married to Cathy and they reside in Quito, Ecuador, where they serve as missionary-educators at the Seminary of South America (SEMISUD).