Worship Poll
Would you be willing to vote in my "Favorite Style of Worship Music" poll? It's on the right -- hymns, praise choruses, or blended??
If This Is Not A Place. . .
If this is not a place where tears are understood, Then where shall I go to cry? And if this is not a place where my spirit can take wings, Then where shall I go to fly? I don't need another place for trying to impress you With just how good and virtuous I am. I don't need another place for always being on top of things; Everybody knows that it's a sham. I don't need another place for always wearing smiles, Even when it's not the way I feel. I don't need another place to mouth the same old platitudes; Everybody knows that it's not real. So if this is not a place where my questions can be asked, Then where shall I go to seek? And if this is not a place where my heart cry can be heard, Where, tell me where, shall I go to speak? So if this is not a place where tears are understood, Where shall I go, where shall I go to fly? -- Ken Medema
problem with the poll for me is "praise choruses" isn't a term I'd use. We do modern music from writers such as Baloche, Tomlin, Hughes etc., which are today's "hymns". When I hear the other term, I hear it as a pejorative term used by those opposed to any change in music.
ReplyDelete'Praise Choruses' does not imply a derogatory term to me.
ReplyDeleteThe problem is deeper than the choice of music. This is a what does 'me, myself, and I' want. How about people, especially Christians, wanting what would draw others to God. Personally, if you have this attitude, any style music would bless you and enable you to praise God.
Music is also a fad. Society, including churches, get 'hung-up' on what others are doing.
Good thought David -- and we do those same songs at our church --they are today's hymns.
ReplyDeleteDo you have another word that would be better for the poll?
Linda, you are right about music being a fad -- but there are always a few that remain classics from each generation.
A fad is something that temporarily engages the attention and interest of many people. Often times, leaders grasp at fads trying to cure problems. If the results of a poll are going to affect a particular group (church's choice of music), then that poll should reach the target audience. Also, an individual has to feel his/her opinion matters before he/she takes interest in a poll.
ReplyDeleteMark, for me a "praise chorus" equates to 1980's "contemporary" music. Repetitive lyrics characterize these. There are times when I read criticisms of churches transitioning to a more modern form of worship where the critics use that term to refer to the music even though it doesn't fit. "Contemporary" music might be a better term if you don't use "modern".
ReplyDeleteAt present, my wife and I are leading worship with a group of kids and teenagers. I choose the music based on whether I think it will draw/invite people into worship of God.
As the lead pastor, my goal is to place people in relationship with God and mature them in their faith. Worship is part of reorienting them to drop their "me" fixation and focus on God. But I cannot say that every music style or genre will do that for me. I'm not a Southern gospel fan, or a Gaither-guy.
So at least here, I'm not hung up on pleasing anyone but Jesus.
Since you asked, my vote is definitely for blended, but with a generous sprinkling of traditional hymns! While many of the "praise" songs are excellent and are really the new hymns, I feel it's very important to keep the best of the old ones alive by passing them on to the younger folks. Many of these hymns are so full of truth that they are really sermons in themselves--and something that, personally, often come to mind and offer comfort, joy, etc. Also, I know from talking with some of the older ladies (who are not likely to read the blog & respond) that they really miss singing the old hymns. And, while I have nothing against drums etc, I know that for those with hearing difficulties (like my parents) the additional noise is simply painful and unpleasant. Thanks for asking!
ReplyDeleteDavid,
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a leader that chooses music that will draw/invite people into worship of God. Your desire is to place people in a relationship with God and mature them in their faith. Southern gospel does this for many people. A poll needs to target the the intended audience. Different things work for different groups.
Mark, funny that this question is asked today, as I am at FLAME in "worship" class. (by the way....we miss having you here!) I have to say that I think that the theology of the hymns and singing about God draw us to know more about Him and stand in awe of Him. Our awe is the beginning of worship. The praise choruses allow us to sing TO Him, which I think is also important.
ReplyDeleteWe work so hard at being "seeker-friendly", but who is the seeker? Isn't it God who seeks our worship? He is the seeker. I think that people coming into our churches are not looking at style, but authenticity. I would hope that they would see authentic worship in both our hymns and choruses. It's about our offering.
Yes Joy, it is not the style that matters.
ReplyDeleteThank you Naomi for caring about the elders. They will never respond to this poll.
Wow Mark, this time you really got a discussion going!!! Makes me think (even though the spirit here is all positive and open discussion) of a phrase our new DS used in our Pastoral Search Committee meeting last week: "Music Wars"
ReplyDeleteWhile the loud, hard rocky stuff leaves me cold - - - I have found I can worship with all the music I've ever encountered in a worship setting - - - even Teen Camp and Conventions.
This one thing does really "bug" me though - - - when they take a wonderful old hymn and try to modernize the words. Example in point: the phrase "Here I raise my Ebenezer" is completely missing in many hymn books now. Why??? Why take out that WONDERFUL line - - - why not use the song to TEACH the younger generations what an Ebenezer is and why it is so important to RAISE one!!!!!
Ooops - - - - - see, Mark, you got me all riled up (in a good way) too!!!
Variety is the spice of life!
ReplyDeleteI sure do like a good steak but would not want a meal with only steak. Give me some taters, green beens, white corn and homemade bread. Then top it off with cherry pie and ice cream.
Give me the old hymns, then throw in some new upbeat music, followed by a few praise choruses. When you feel the spirit, then you have an alter call.
By the way, Mark, I could not vote in you poll because Linda had already voted.
I am like you Keetha, I can worship with any music, especially if I see others being blessed and praising God thru music.
ReplyDeleteMusic wars, like other wars within the church, can split a church.
I have seen different generations no longer respecting other generations over these wars. It becomes a power struggle.
The old hymns have such history and the verses really tell the story held in the lyricist's heart. We need to keep these in our services. Our children and grandchildren will learn so much from them. Now, as for "praise" choruses... They're equally beautiful. Some can become repetitious. Personal preferences really come into play, don't they? I love the djembe rather than full drums. My heart soars when the flute sings out. (Put a violin with that and I'm pretty sure that's what heaven sounds like!) Having done acoustic worship a couple of weeks ago, I can honestly say that it was wonderful. No "monkeying around" with sound levels, buzzing or hums. It was getting "back to the heart of worship". I agree with Joy - no matter the style, it's our offering and it'd better be authentic. Just the thoughts of a fellow worshipper! Sue B.
ReplyDeleteMark, I think you touched a nerve. This is the most comments I've seen on your blog ever. I chose blended on your poll because I love blending it all together. I don't think it should be an either/or proposition.
ReplyDeleteSince you've heard me lead worship at FLAME, you know my style and what I prefer. But the local church I serve isn't FLAME so we do it differently around here. You never know what your going to get on a Sunday around here; a 70/80's scripture chorus (Lord, I Lift Your Name on High), traditional hymns (The Solid Rock) and gospel songs (Victory In Jesus), Gaither-style gospel songs (Because He Lives), or a newer worship songs from Tomlin (Forever), Redman (Blessed Be Your Name), and others. I also love teaching the new hymns from Keith Getty and Stuart Townend like "In Christ Alone" and "How Deep the Father's Love."
I love the diversity of the body of Christ. It's music is just as diverse and the challenge is to put it all together in a way that it is meaningful for all generations. I deal with this on a weekly basis as I plan worship for our church, which is a small, rural, multi-generational (and at times multi-cultural) church in southern Virginia.
One of the things that we must do is select our music through the leading of the Holy Spirit. (I believe that is why FLAME worship is so special.) I try to let the Spirit guide me each week in the planning and also in the leading.
The worship portion of the service should be, in my opinion, what gets the congregations blood flowing to open up our minds to Pastor's message. Because of this, I actually do not have a preference for a specific type of music as you asked. What I believe is effective worship music are songs that are "singable" no matter what "type" of music they are. I see the congregation charge up when the worship team leads a song that is easy to sing and most of the congregation knows the lyrics. There are many examples of these types of songs in each of the different "types" of music that have been referred to. What I see that really bogs down worship is when the worship leader tries to get the congregation to sing a song that has difficult lyrics and does not flow well as a "sing along" song. It might be a very moving and inspirational song but if the people cannot participate in the worship, it doesn't accomplish its purpose.
ReplyDelete