Last week I was fortunate to attend a Mission Fuge camp sponsored by Lifeway. Over 300 students and adults participated in a 5 day camp that went into the community and did intentional missions is various venues. Each morning before we departed we were in Bible Studies about the Kingdom of God. Before we left each morning we had an assembly to inspire us and send us off with hope and anticipation. Each evening we worshiped together. Now I know I am getting older. I know I have to work harder to enjoy and understand all about "today's" music. I was disappointed in the music at our camp. I did not feel that it was worship oriented. I believe it was performance oriented. It was so loud in the small auditorium that I actually purchased ear plugs after the first night. It helped but I could still hear everything that was said. I know that youth enjoyed the music. I will admit that some of the new songs that I learned were inspiring, but when the music takes over the opportunity to hear from God I believe it has gone to far. Now maybe some of you will tell me that the louder the music the better you hear from God. I will not dispute you, but will wonder how that is possible. I was approached by one of the youth during an invitation time and had to strain with every ounce of my being to hear what he was asking me to pray about. When I kneeled to pray for him I was yelling to the top of my lungs so that he could hear my prayer on his behalf. Now I know God doesn't need me to yell and I was praying to Him, but I felt that the young man would want to hear what I said on his behalf.
I love all types of music. I am a child of the 60's and 70's and I listened to music very loud. I know that my parents complained about the intrusive sound of my home. I had to learn to tone it down a bit. If you were to look on my ipod you would find several different genre's of music. I guess I just had problems responding to God when I was made to focus on musical sounds and words. We were blessed to have a very inspirational speaker. I just felt that we were all unable to focus on the more important thing.
Now I am not trying to be a prude. I know that our youth were touched by the band. I am just asking how much is too much. Is worship music to help us connect with God? Is it performance based or participation based? Is there a difference? Is there a place where they can both be effective? If it is performance based do we need words to sing along or are we suppose to be seeking to focus on God while we listen? Can music claim the focus away from God when we have just invited people to respond to His, "still small voice?"
Any way I am Just Thinking and wonder what you Think?
David
2 comments:
Being a child of the 60's and 70's music as well, I had trouble accepting the contemporary Christian music for a while. I was raised with the Baptist Hymnal and thought if it wasn't in there, well, it wasn't "church music". I have since learned to love a lot of the contemporary music. However, if it gets "too heavy", I don't likke it either. Give me "Mercy Me", the slower songs of "Casting Crowns", the kind of music that soothes my soul and gives me words to praise my Lord. I would like to see some of this better comtemporary music incorporated into our worship services as well. Music seems to be a big part of my worship experience. I just want what I sing to be "a sweet, sweet sound to His ears."
I am 56 years old, loved the music of the 70's as well as classical and the great hymns of the distant past. I like theologically sound contemporary music and hymns that focus on true worship of our Savior and Lord God. It has been our sad experience (after being in some of the best church homes of our lives)to now leave twice and be church home-less b/c of a sudden turn toward "rock and roll Sundays" (a quote from the Minister of Music). Not only extremely loud, but the way the instruments were now being played (heavy metal), and the assertive vocalists screaming "look at me". If I want to be entertained, there are many venues just for that. Jesus said, My house shall be called a house of prayer. Jesus said that He was meek and lowly, and His burden is light. He displayed physical strength and might just once that I recall and that is when in righteous indignation,He cleansed the Temple.
"Cool and hip" sounding music didn't save this once rebel, the power of the gospel alone can reach individuals whatever their condition. If only the ministers of music would consider this and lead the believing church on our Lord's day in acceptable worship to God, who alone receives the honor and glory.
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