I am hesitant to write about the subject of worship, because everytime I talk about worship I find myself in trouble. Worship is one of the most controversial subjects that a person can talk about in Christian circles today. I don't believe it should be, but it is a hot topic. I think it is controversial because it gets into styles and preferences and individual taste. Probably none of these things should enter into the conversation, but nevertheless they do.
The idea of musical styles was brought to light once again when I took our youth group at the church to a recent youth event in Springfield, Illinois. It was a time of intense worship, instruction in the word, fun and fellowship. We took 10 teens and everything went well with no problems of any kind. The event was sponsored by Illinois Baptists and had musical guests of Superchick, December Radio, Addison Road and worship led by 1000 Generations. Much of the music would be classified as a little more rockin than what would typically be in a worship service. However, it spoke volumes to the teens who were in attendance. To say the least, the music spoke their language. Our teens were standing up at the front, jumping and singing to the lyrics when in church we can barely get them to sing a song.
This whole event caused me to remember a time when we were serving in Guatemala as missionaries. We were planting a church in a squatter village and trying to use what little resources we had available to lead the little church in some songs. Many of the songs were those that we grew up singing in church, but of course they were in Spanish. However, the people had a difficult time singing the songs no matter how hard they tried. Part of the problem was that many of them could not read that well, but for the main part the words were just unfamiliar to the people. We decided to change our philosophy and began using simpler songs with a simple melody and all of a sudden they began singing with a renewed energy.
This event caused us to look at worship from a different perspective. The people were not able to sing enthusiastically because they did not know the songs nor the words. But once we simplified it so that they could understand it suddenly the songs became relevant to them. The same situation occurs in churches in America. If a person grew up in the church they might readily be able to sing and even appreciate the great songs of our faith. However, if we are trying to attract new people that may or may not have grown up in the church, how is the music going to speak to their hearts? This dilemma is especially relevant if we are striving to reach unsaved individuals.
The truth is that there is a new generation of worshippers on the scene that craves something new, something more expressive of their desire to praise and give adoration to God. The church should seriously examine worship so as to create an atmosphere where people can connect to God. The desire of the church should be to bring as many people as we can into His presence to worship Him. Nothing touches a person's heart like genuine worship and nothing will draw a people to a Holy God than experiencing His people truly worshipping God in Spirit and in truth. One individual comments that newcomers will judge a church by a church's worship. They will make judgments about the quality and philosophy of a church's ministry based on the first twenty minutes in worship. If they like some aspects of the service, but do not like the worship, they most likely will not be back.
We might not want to hear these words, and in our efforts to praise our own avenue or style of worship we may point an accusing finger at them, but it does not change the fact that the people are not coming or are dropping out. Churches must take seriously the change in worship that is brewing in America. In the words of one Christian recording artist, "there's a real move of the Spirit of God sweeping across America, especially among young people. You're seeing people really falling in love with God, and so they're dying to find something that they can sing, something that will express what they want to say."
Too many churches have refused to seriously consider this new trend in worship. I know as a Southern Baptist we are typically 10 - 15 years behind the trends. Yet the majority of people under the age of 50 are looking for something that expresses their true feelings and the church is not providing the place for them to do so. Contemporary recording artist Michael W. Smith expressed the feelings of many of his generation when he stated, "I grew up on Elton John and the Beatles and Billy Joel, and I just wanted to do pop music and share my faith through that." Many people are looking for music that communicates their faith through the popular music they listen to on the radio.
For the most part people do not listen to choir music, hymns or organs on the radio. This fact is especially true for the younger generation. Therefore the music that the majority of churches are using in the worship services is not speaking to the younger generation. As a result we send them away to special events where their language is spoken and they suddenly open up in a way that we do not normally see.
The point that I am trying to make in this post is that the style of worship should never be a barrier to effectively communicating the gospel with the majority of the people. We must remember that our desire as a church should be to bring as many people as we can to worship God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We do not want to have anything that will create a barrier to reaching people. We want to create an environment in worship where people feel welcome and want to come back. Worship is one of the best tools for evangelism and should not be taken lightly. Not only should true worship touch the heart of a believer, but it should draw others into the presence of a God as well.
I have a lot more I could write on this subject, but I would be interested in hearing your thoughts. I have written as much lately because I have been busy with many different things, but I love it when people respond. You always give me something to think about and I value your input. Talk to you later.
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