Posted on 11/05/2014 6:44:35 PM PST by hiho hiho
Christians are already divided by so many things, yet we seem to insist on creating more divisions amongst ourselves. I think this is one division we should work to eliminate.
Here are some reasons why.
It divides otherwise healthy congregations. Many churches have been frightened by the mega-church message that says if you aren’t doing contemporary worship, your church will die. Of course, there are many examples that prove otherwise. And many churches with only contemporary services are closing, also.
This doesn’t have to happen to a traditional church. But since nearly all mega-churches are decidedly contemporary, the message seems to have some weight to it. And so, out of fear, these churches have splintered themselves by adding something that they really never needed in the first place.
It divides congregations by age. I think this is one of the most tragic points. Children and youth need to worship with their parents. The old, likewise, need the younger. Of course, one day we will all join the heavenly choir, and something tells me we’re not going to have a smorgasbord of corporate worship options to attend. We will all join in singing the unending hymn, even if we don’t like the tune, even if there are no projection screens, even if the seating doesn’t perfectly mold to each individual backside. Perhaps we should start practicing now.
It establishes a false “old vs. new” dichotomy in congregational song. This is one of the strangest things. Historical Christian worship, which most would now call “traditional,” has always sung new songs. Now, “traditional worship” has been equated with nostalgia, and contemporary with “pop culture.” It shouldn’t be this way. We should all be singing, speaking, and praying new things, in addition to the best of previous generations.
It doesn’t provide “something for everyone.” It’s more than a little ridiculous to suggest that two service styles are going to include all everyone’s preferences. But what are you going to do? As much as they try, churches can’t be Baskin-Robbins. So we pretend there are only two kinds of people among us, those who like contemporary and vanilla, and those who like traditional and chocolate.
It teaches different theologies. Like it or not, our theology is shaped by what we sing. Congregational singing has always been didactic in nature. And it’s effective. Music adds a new dimension. It gives our story life. Only now, in many of our congregations, we are no longer united by our theology. Why? Could it be because we are no longer singing the same thing?
It equates music with worship. Though most of us would voice disagreement, it is almost comically evident in our practice. When I was at Baylor, I went to a college service. I didn’t really want to go, but there was this girl, and, well, long story. But the college pastor preached on worship, how worship was not about singing, how it was about how we lived our lives, all that stuff. Then, at the end, after he finished trying to differentiate the two, he said, “Now, our band is going to come back for a time of worship before we’re dismissed.” That’s how funny it is. We have worship music, “worship” CDs, worship leaders, lead worshipers, worship bands, worship choirs, worship teams. Who ever heard of a “worship lay reader” or “worship preacher?” How about a worship offertory “pray-er?” Supposedly, if the music doesn’t elicit an emotional reaction in us (i.e. we don’t like it), we can’t worship. This misses both the heart of worship (sorry Matt) and the heart of Christian gatherings.
It assumes that historic elements of Christian worship are optional. Again, the formative, didactic function of music and other service elements are compromised. “If the Apostles’ Creed means something to you, fine, go ahead and say it. If not, no problem. It’s really all about what makes you most comfortable.” This is a problem. We don’t do what we do because it makes us happy or excited, but because it’s important. If our faith tradition has long valued something, does that value go away suddenly because we want more butts in our seats?
It reduces corporate worship to an activity of individualistic self-expression instead of a gathering of covenant people. If worship services are about “connecting to God in ‘worship’,” we might as well just stay home. But that’s not the point. We worship because we are a distinct group bound together by the Christian story. What God hath joined together, let no worship “style” put asunder.
It creates a self-centered atmosphere. Churches that proclaim freedom of choice in worship gatherings would likely lose half of their congregation if one of those choices when away. It’s about me, what I want, and if that’s not happening, I’m going to take my ball or guitar or hymnal and go home.
It bows at the altar of American consumerism. This message of this false religion is that the customer is always right, that you can have it your own way. Of course, that is a lie. It’s a lie that pits one thing up against one or two others and makes you believe you actually have real choices. This is the unfortunate reality underlying messages like this one:
It is distinctively seeker-sensitive instead of missional. Corporate worship is not about evangelism. That’s a fundamental misunderstanding over a century in the making. Evangelism may be a byproduct of worship gatherings, but it can’t be the main thing, or you can’t really call it a worship service. The kingdom mission begins when we are sent out into the world.
Enough. Our world is so divided it’s broken. It’s time the local church stop following suit. Let’s work toward making our Sunday mornings a time when we are united. After all, as motley a crew as we are, as covenant people, we have the same story.
I’ve given up in organized religeon. The “rules and regulations” get between me and God. I’m enjoying a clearer view these days.
I am with you. I try my best to follow the traditions of God and not the traditions of man.
I think that there are important issues, such as law vs grace (see chapter 3,4,5 of Galatians and especially Galatians 5:4 “you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace”. In my view, this is very important and it should not divide the church. But in some cases it does.
And I think that a lot of the divisions are to simple minded to worry about. Music to me is one of those. But I understand that the message in the songs need to be on point regarding the important issues.
I hear pastors tell me that I need to attend church for fellowship. A lot of churches that I have gone to go exactly like this. I walk in find a place to sit. I don't say much or anything at all to others and they do the same to me. We sing a song or two. Maybe I am told to say hi and shake the hand of the person next to me (this is the closest thing to fellow-shipping that I may get. I hear and send out prayer requests sometimes. Maybe sing another song. Maybe hear a message on the Scripture, if I am lucky to find a Pastor that doesn't go off on some kind of personal story (I want to hear the word of God, not a personal story because faith comes by hearing the word of God. Doesn't say nothing about faith coming by some kind of story. No matter how it applies. Than we sing another song. Maybe shake hands and say goodbye. That is not much of fellow-shipping to me. I honestly think that we would be better off going to somebodies house. Sending out a song of praise to our Father. Read the scripture together and discuss it some. Give a testimonial on how God is working in our lives. Sing or simply give God His praise and glory. Maybe have lunch together and remember Jesus when we do it. Sing another song again, maybe even read some more scripture. Stay as long as someone needs prayer and discussion. Give God praise in prayer And go after we have had our fill. I don't think we should hurry it all up in an hour so folks can go home and watch football, NASCAR, or whatever. It should be a more personalized experience. A personalized experience that helps people grow their relationship with Jesus and our Father.
That is just me. Rituals and/or doing the same agenda without true participation is not really fellowship to me. Growing in Christ and helping others do the same is what fellowship should be all about. I believe that comes through hearing the word of God and talking about it. But that is just me. Maybe I don't make sense and maybe I got it all wrong. That is just the way I feel about it for now. A wise man will change his mind and a fool won't. So, I am always open for suggestions.
Sadly, been there and done that: Glide Memorial church in San Francisco.
My wife had heard about it and wanted to go.
I knew all about it and DID NOT want to go.
They preach revolution and overthrow of the existing power structure. For real.
Lots of "Heather has two mommies"-type families. It was sad; I felt for the children whe were being used as social science experiments.
I’m going to guess that the objection many have is not the songs themselves, although some of them are not worship songs at all, but the delivery.
I don’t want a rock band performance with people jumping all over the stage, lights flashing, smoke, music so overpowering that the church hands out ear plugs to people who are entering (true in one church I visited).
People should be worshiping, not being whipped into an emotional frenzy by a heavy, repetitive beat and lyrics.
“I hear pastors tell me that I need to attend church for fellowship. A lot of churches that I have gone to go exactly like this. I walk in find a place to sit. I don’t say much or anything at all to others and they do the same to me.”
I once went to a church were the only contact of any type I had was a group of people that asked me to move because I was “sitting in their seats!” I don’t like a lot of greeting or fussing, but this was a major disappointment that I won’t ever forget.
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