Why I Can't Stop Singing in Church - Part 3
Over the past two days I have been exploring the current trends, biblical paradigm and application of those paradigms to current worship. Today we turn our attention to cultural applications of the Biblical presentation of music and hopefully create an arena of grace in Christian circles about worship styles.
Culture
Let’s begin with a look at culture in Scripture. In the Pauline letters we see struggles on how worship takes shape in non-Jewish settings. Most of the current debate fixates on the Hillsong / Passion approach being wrong, flawed, weak, etc. and the “traditional” approach is sound, biblical, correct, etc. We have already discovered that there is almost nothing biblical about traditional outside of the core elements of worship. How those core elements of worship take place is where there is division.
Why is it that no traditionalists criticize Native American Christians with their style of worship? I lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico and was honored to see a Native American Traditional worship experience and dance. I watch in my church as our Spanish-speaking congregation dances, shouts, claps, cheers, waves flags and banners while banging on tamborines. Why is this approach exempt from criticism?
Why is it that if the Ameri-centric traditional approach to worship is so “right”, we are not beating that approach into the worshipers in China, India and Iraq? If the traditional approach of paper music, rich instruments (read organ, et.al) and 4 part harmony is biblical then we should find that approach in scripture and should proclaim it as universal in its cultural application. Approaches are not Biblical, they are cultural and latitude and grace should be given when the core biblical elements to worship are present.
Why is it that some Protestant traditionalists are not advocates for candles and incense; advocates for baptizing in rivers instead of in-house tubs; advocates for shared communion chalices instead of small, individual servings of wine / juice? The Bible is clear on its preferences yet those who use these biblical expressions are sometimes seen as dangerous “emergent” christians who have no place in evangelical circles.
A careful look down through history will reveal the following
- a list of repetitive hymns and choruses
- a list of non-repetitive hymns and choruses
- a list of theologically weak hymns and choruses
- a list of theologically strong hymns and choruses
- an ongoing longing to go back to that which reminds us of the positive memories, experiences and preferences of our childhood.
- the evolution of how congregations sing
- that change in worship styles is frequently difficult for the establishment but is embraced by the young
- that choirs can mute congregations as quickly as a band can
- that choirs can inspire worship as quickly as a band can
- that soloists can be as focused on performance as worship leaders or as focused on ushering people into the presence of Christ as worship leaders.
- that regardless of what has happened historically in music, God still built His Kingdom and will continue to do so.
Our Heavenly Father is rich in His creativity. I am not concerned at all about the instruments we use in worship. It is my hope and prayer that everyone that stands before the gathered followers Christ for the purpose of leading them in worship has pure motives and selfless intent in their heart. Unless I have specific reason to think otherwise, I will not let their music style, dress or demeanor allow me to draw conclusions about their motives. I will begin with the assumption that they are doing what they do to lift up the Name of Christ.
It is my prayer that regardless of the method of worship or the cultural application of worship, we would find ourselves engaged in worship. America is growing in its diversity and I believe we should celebrate that diversity instead of give ammunition to those who are prepared to shoot that ammunition at leaders in the Church. May God grant us grace and patience with each other.