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.
Nothing is wrong with different styles as long as they are focused on Christ.
There are a number of reasons to offer different worship styles.
1. Not all churches have 10,000 seat auditoreums.
2. Not all churches have 5000 slot parking lots.
3. When seating capacity gets near to 75% visitors are uncomfortable looking and regulars are uncomfortable looking. Visitors tend not to visit again.
4. When parking is hard to find, visitors vote with their accelerator and regulars get antsy.
5. Therefore, it is better to have two services than one packed service.
6. If you are having 2 or more services anyway, then there is value in exploring other styles.
7. There is no reason different worship styles can’t both be faithful to scripture.
People who argue against different styles always seem to argue their style is best and everyone else must give up what they like.
"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."
According to Revelation 5, worship in Heaven is spoken anyway. Imagine the surprise :) In the meantime, the never ending search for Churchtainment is both distracting and saddening in terms of a unified worship experience.
Let’s compromise. We’ll do it my way.
(I’ve heard that somewhere before.)
As Dr. Steve would say, "there's a seeker born any minute!"
Well said Padre, I’m with you.
As one whose ancestral denomination saw countless congregations separate over German vs English in the late 1800’s: Spot on.
EVERYBODY has to bend a little. The young need to learn traditional hymns. Their elders need to accept some of the youngster’s musical style.
If any become too stubborn the sad result is stratification and division.
Revelation 5:9 King James Version (KJV)
9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Revelation 5:9 New International Version (NIV)
9 And they sang a new song, saying:
“You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
If American Christians think African Christians or Korean Christians are worshipping just like them, then they are in a fantasy land.
Absolutely...Churches should be inclusive!
But we all worship the same Jesus. Am I missing something?
Nope, you’re right. Jesus isn’t divided.
And somehow He manages to get over cultural worship differences. If He can manage differences in such things, then we can tolerate scripturally valid differences that are worshipful of God.
I cringe every time I hear a modern “I Wanna be Jesus’ Girlfriend” worship song...
If I want to attend a chant Mass — I go to a Tridentine Mass
If I want to attend a Mass with traditional music — I go to the early morning Mass.
If I want to attend a Mass with contemporary music and guitars — I go to the mid-morning Mass.
If I want Spanish music — I attend the Spanish Mass.
The Sacrifice of the Mass is the same — just different styles of worship.
Why worry about it?????
I look forward to the services to the LGBT crowd. That would be very inclusive.
I have no problem with traditional hymns or contemporary “worship” songs. I would welcome both in the “traditional” service. What I have a problem with, at least the way my home church runs things, is that the “contemporary” service is like any non-denominational contemporary service. There is very very little included in the service that helps to identify that it’s actually at an LCMS church.
I would have to agree with the author on this. Having participated as a musician in worship music for 35 years I’ve played in symphony orchestras as well as 4 piece rock bands. It is obvious to me that the vast majority of contemporary “worship” music is indeed centered on American pop culture and invariably shallows the profound truths of G*d’s plan of salvation and how he manifests his exalted status in our universe. Self expression is the rule, not the exception as musicians jam and riff as their mood allows and there is a notable lack of disciplined musical excellence among the participants.
The “old” hymns are only old just as scripture is old. The symphonic orchestral performance and congregational singing are quite different, especially since the congregation usually gets to read the actual music as written instead of going on and on like mindless drones about silly catch phrases projected onto a wall while trying to figure out what notes might fit with the musicians. Worship is also about giving G*d your “A” game and that’s where musical study and discipline come in. What is a joyful noise to the Lord? Probably not something thrown together with almost no forethought or depth of logical proclamation.
Of course G*d meets us where we’re at but most churches seem to think they have to conform to the short-lived fads of our depraved culture in order to reach people with the Gospel. If ever there was a time to be provocative, unsettling, and incompatible with our dominant culture it is now, however many churches will soon realize their irrelevance.
"Worship" music is supposed to bring us to a place of praise and worship, is it not? It's a worship of GOD, our Creator, Lord, Savior, King and Father not something we include in our time with those of like mind to entertain ourselves. It doesn't mean that only old hymns must be sung, but that whatever is sung is something that reminds us of God's glory, love and amazing grace and the "sacrifice of praise" is what we give back to Him.
I can usually always tell the difference between true worship music and stuff that is not because, with the true, I have tears streaming down my face as I sing along. It touches deep within my soul and I sense the presence of the Holy Spirit among us and within us. That can't be faked.
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