Are Worship Styles Important?
I was listening to KLOVE this morning. The DJ's are in Nashville for the GMA Christian Music Awards (Dove Awards) this week and have had several of the artists on as guests for interviews. This morning, John and Sherry Rivers spoke with Chris Rice and Darlene Zschech. Both spoke about worship in profoundly different ways and it struck me how our worship today has evolved.
Chris Rice spoke of his song, "Untitled Hymn", and how the old Hymns shaped and forged his ideas of worship and helped strengthen his faith. He said that the old hymns were written by theologians and how their faith and beliefs were reflected in the hymns.
In contrast, Darlene Zschech, led worship on Sunday and the DJ's were commenting on the energy she showed as she "jumped around" the stage.
While the styles of worship, and the worship leaders, may have changed considerably over the years, one thing remains: We are commanded to worship our God in Spirit and Truth. Some today complain that worship has become too much "entertainment" with video presentations, praise teams, powerpoints, and even because of some of the "new songs" (newer or contemporary praise and worship songs and choruses). Others complain that worship is too "stuffy" because there is not enough "energy" in the service, or because of singing older hymns, long prayers and being too formal.
I believe that, at Central in Topeka, we have managed to blend these styles into a meaningful worship for the collective and corporate body. The best songs sung carry weighty, powerful, and profound stories of faith in and dependance on the God of grace and love. These songs convict me in my daily walk and encourage me to be a better child and servant of God. They remind me to be appreciative and grateful for all God has done for me and my family. Interestingly enough, the contemporary Christian songs on the radio do the same thing, especially those that tell a story, like "Untitled Hymn" by Chris Rice, "Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns, "Fly Away" by FFH, "In Christ Alone" by Brian Littrell, "Live Out Loud" by Steven Curtis Chapman, and many, many others.
The important thing to remember, even in corporate worship, is that you are there to praise the God who created the universe, who walked on water, and who touched the sick and diseased. This is the same God who raised the dead, and, most importantly, promised to do the same for us.
Instead of focusing on what we think about the worship service, about how fast or slow or new or old the songs that are sung, or whether we see a video or someone prays for 10 minutes, I challenge everyone to focus on God and how we can best serve Him and reflect His glory to those around us, not just on Sunday morning, but every minute of every day.
Chris Rice spoke of his song, "Untitled Hymn", and how the old Hymns shaped and forged his ideas of worship and helped strengthen his faith. He said that the old hymns were written by theologians and how their faith and beliefs were reflected in the hymns.
In contrast, Darlene Zschech, led worship on Sunday and the DJ's were commenting on the energy she showed as she "jumped around" the stage.
While the styles of worship, and the worship leaders, may have changed considerably over the years, one thing remains: We are commanded to worship our God in Spirit and Truth. Some today complain that worship has become too much "entertainment" with video presentations, praise teams, powerpoints, and even because of some of the "new songs" (newer or contemporary praise and worship songs and choruses). Others complain that worship is too "stuffy" because there is not enough "energy" in the service, or because of singing older hymns, long prayers and being too formal.
I believe that, at Central in Topeka, we have managed to blend these styles into a meaningful worship for the collective and corporate body. The best songs sung carry weighty, powerful, and profound stories of faith in and dependance on the God of grace and love. These songs convict me in my daily walk and encourage me to be a better child and servant of God. They remind me to be appreciative and grateful for all God has done for me and my family. Interestingly enough, the contemporary Christian songs on the radio do the same thing, especially those that tell a story, like "Untitled Hymn" by Chris Rice, "Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns, "Fly Away" by FFH, "In Christ Alone" by Brian Littrell, "Live Out Loud" by Steven Curtis Chapman, and many, many others.
The important thing to remember, even in corporate worship, is that you are there to praise the God who created the universe, who walked on water, and who touched the sick and diseased. This is the same God who raised the dead, and, most importantly, promised to do the same for us.
Instead of focusing on what we think about the worship service, about how fast or slow or new or old the songs that are sung, or whether we see a video or someone prays for 10 minutes, I challenge everyone to focus on God and how we can best serve Him and reflect His glory to those around us, not just on Sunday morning, but every minute of every day.
posted by Carl Wheeler at 1:43 PM
1 Comments:
Amen Brother! As a worship leader one of the most difficult decisions we experience is song selection for Sunday worship. I believe we do a pretty good job at Central we have a great blend of music "old and new". But more than "old and new" we need to focus on the words we are singing to the God of the Universe. He is the one we are praising not ourselves.
Post a Comment
<< Home