<![CDATA[Our Reponse]]> http://www.graceweb.net/ Fri, 25 Apr 2008 21:36:35 -0600 en-us perpetuatech.com - Perpetua Technologies <![CDATA[Dang - Newfangled Songs]]> http://www.graceweb.net/index.cfm/pageid/783/postid/1/index.html http://www.graceweb.net/index.cfm/pageid/783/postid/1/index.html Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:05:08 -0600 http://www.graceweb.net/index.cfm/pageid/783/postid/1/index.html “Dang - Newfangled Songs”, have you ever heard this phrase spoken in church? Have you maybe said this phrase yourself either under your breath or maybe to your best friend or spouse? It’s not uncommon for people from different backgrounds to value different styles of musical expression in the church. Past experiences always help form our opinions and preferences when it comes to the music we enjoy in worship. Music is very subjective and can be a powerful motivating tool for worship when people emotionally connect with a particular style. However, the subjectivity of music can become divisive, pulling churches apart internally and causing long periods of unresolved conflict. It's God’s desire that we be one is spirit with Him and each other, especially when we come together in worship. When we gather together in a spirit of unity, God's presence is with us (Matthew 18:20).

For centuries the church has faced the sometimes uncomfortable adaptation of new musical expressions in worship and has sadly at times divided over this issue. For example; A predominant clergyman compiled a list of 10 reasons why he is opposed to the new music trend of the church. He writes;

  1. It's too new, like an unknown language.
  2. It's not as melodious (having a strong melody) as the more established style.
  3. There are so many new songs that it is impossible to learn them all.
  4. This new music creates disturbances and causes people to act in an indecent and disorderly manner.
  5. It places too much emphasis on instrumental music rather than on Godly lyrics.
  6. The lyrics are often wordly, even blasphemous.
  7. It is not needed since preceding generations have gone to heaven without it.
  8. It is a contrivance to get money.
  9. It monopolizes the Christian's time and encourages them to stay out late.
  10. These new musicians are young upstarts and some of them are lewd and loose persons.

Some churches may identify with these oppositions and may want to add a few of their own statements to the conversation. However, this list is not directed at the 21st Century Church or young upstart worship leaders trying to get a recording contract. In fact, they were written in the year 1723 A.D. when the "hot button" was the use of Hymns in congregational worship.

The essence of true worship is not found in the style of expression but the content of the heart. Jesus taught a Samaritan woman about worship in John chapter 4 when He said, “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” To worship “in spirit” means that we involve all of our heart’s affections and natural emotions, to worship with our hearts fixed on God. To worship “in truth” means that we worship in response to who God is, to worship with our minds fixed on truth. True worship is when our hearts affections are stirred by truth.

As we gather to worship each Sunday, examine the songs we sing. Do they undeniably reveal truth about God and His character? As you look for truth in our music, ask God to stir up your affections for Him. It may be while we’re singing “How Great Thou Art” or maybe even one of those "dang - newfangled songs" that God reveals a deeper level of Himself to you. Sucn an event is intoxicating and glorious!

In His Joy,

- Phil Brumley

Worship Pastor

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