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.
“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.