The worship wars continue unabated primarily because leaders fail to do three things: (1) There seems to be an inability to recognize the fact that the United States is aging. The continual emphasis on edgier and edgier music will soon leave an ever growing number of seekers and saints behind. (2) There seems to be little consideration given to the nature of the audience. This summer those who planned services at the North American Christian Convention in Phoenix failed to recognize that middle agers comprised the lion's share of the audience. Further, the convention was not a gathering of seekers but the music at worship sessions was almost "hard rock" geared to reach seekers in the 20-35 age bracket. (3) There seems to be little recognition that the "emerging church" demonstrates an interest in older forms and styles. While this group still wants the high technology available, they are interested in music and worship that is filled with greater beauty and content.
In his series entitled "The Restoration of the Ancient Order of Things," Alexander Campbell insisted that music in the church should be biblical and theologically sound. He argued that church leaders should investigate the lyrics to see if they were doctrinally and biblically sound. It would be a good idea to spend more time considering the message of contemporary music rather than the "sound" or the "beat." While most contemporary music offers beautiful praise to God, much of it is theologically shallow. Praise is good, but so is the communication of the eternal truths of God's Word.
2 comments:
So should we sing a bunch of "organ" pleasers with a blue-haired ladies singing about "my Ebenezer". Is that any better?
do you think that 95% of most RM congregations could tell me what an Ebenezer is?? You old school guys are so arrogant. No wonder your churches die and no one wants to come to your schools any more. Your post confirms your inability to relate to and lead this next generation. It has just passed you by. Hope your enjoying the golf and these blogs in AZ. It's the only productive thing you're doing these days.
Anonymous is so prejudiced toward "blue-haired"ladies and others with gray hair that he can't hear!
There is a standard lesson taught in communications -- know your audience! My point in the blog was that the audience at the NACC is not primarily gen-xers. Why, if the NACC audience is comprised of Boomers and Builders, would services be planned for a gen-x audience?
I prefer contemporary worship. I love a good praise band. I admit, however, that I'm not too thrilled with hard rock, but I can tolerate it provided it is appropriate and it results in reaching people for Christ.
I thought church growth experts tell us to develop services that positively touch your target group. Am I wrong?
Oh, by the way, anonymous, you have no idea what I'm doing in AZ these days. You're not here! Maybe you should shelve your prejudices and be a bit more objective in your evaluations.
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